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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ali accepts loss gracefully, emphasizing duty to supporters and the universality of defeat.
In plain terms
Even when I lose, I must do it right for my fans.
What can you take from it?
How you handle defeat matters more than winning.

Where it applies

  • sports loss
  • career failure
  • public disappointment

Putting it to work

  • handle loss with grace
  • learn from failure
  • honor supporters

Questions to consider

  • How do you cope with losing?
  • What is your duty to supporters?

Another view

Public acceptance does not always ease personal pain.

More from Muhammad Ali

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  2. Last night I had a dream, When I got to Africa, I had one hell of a rumble. I had to beat Tarzan's behind first, For claiming to be King of the Jungle. For thi…

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  3. I think Terrell will catch hell at the sound of the bell. He's going around saying that he's a championship-fighter, but when he meets me he fall 20 pound ligh…

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