Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.
Interpretation
Success is often celebrated by many, while failure leads to isolation.
This quote by John F. Kennedy emphasizes the tendency for people to take credit for success while shying away from responsibility in failure. It highlights the human inclination to seek recognition and approval during triumphant times, whereas in moments of defeat, individuals often find themselves alone, as no one wants to associate with failure.
In practice
This quote can inspire a team to embrace both success and failure during a project meeting.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
It takes sacrifice as well as talent.
To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success.
Beware of being blinded by your own success.
I am the same person I was before receiving the Nobel Prize. I work with the same regularity, I have not modified my habits, I have the same friends.
I was an overnight success all right, but 30 years is a long, long night.
Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.
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