What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle.
Joe PaternoRead
They ask me what I'd like written about me when I'm gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire to be remembered for making a positive impact rather than just professional achievements.
Joe Paterno emphasizes the importance of legacy and the impact one has on their community over mere professional accolades. He hopes to be remembered for contributing positively to Penn State, reflecting the value of making a difference in the lives of others rather than just excelling in one's career.
In practice
During a tribute speech, I would use this quote to emphasize the importance of community service.
What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle.
I don't think it's fair to 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds to say 'Show us you're a winner right now!' Winning isn't everything. I'll never buy that thing that if a boy loses a football game, he's a loser in life.
My thing was play as hard as you can, don't be stupid, pay attention to details, and have enough guts in the clutch that you're not afraid to make a play. Some things I thought were important for a young man to know.
What is a coach? We are teachers. Educators. We have the same obligations as all teachers, except we probably have more influence over young people than anybody but their families. And, in a lot of cases, more than their families.
The name on the front of the jersey is what really matters, not the name on the back.
America has believed that in differentiation, not in uniformity, lies the path of progress. It acted on this belief; it has advanced human happiness, and it has prospered.
She never envisioned a legal career for me, but she did think it was very important that I be able to support myself, and I think she would be pleased to see what has become of me.
Sport is how poor kids from poor countries pass through the eye of the needle to riches and recognition.
The road to success is always under construction.
Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don't make compromises. Don't worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned with doing good work and make the right choices and protect your work. And if you can build a good name, eventually, that name will be its own currency.
My success was not based so much on any great intelligence but on great common sense.
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