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About this quote

What does it mean?
American culture rejects losing and demands victory at all costs.
In plain terms
Americans refuse to accept losing or cowardice.
What can you take from it?
Fear of losing drives relentless pursuit of victory.

Where it applies

  • sports
  • business
  • education

Putting it to work

  • set high standards
  • reject mediocrity
  • focus on results

Questions to consider

  • What defines success?
  • Is losing ever acceptable?

Another view

Obsession with winning can ignore ethical costs and learning.

More from George S. Patton

  1. Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bullshit. Americans love to fight, tr…

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  2. Every man is scared in his first battle. If he says he's not, he's a liar. Some men are cowards but they fight the same as the brave men or they get the hell s…

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning.

    Permalink to quote #10

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