Beaten Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
“To brag little, to lose well, / To crow gently if in luck, / To pay up, to own up, / To shut up if beaten, / Are the virtues of a sportingman.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, 19th century
A true sportsman shows humility, honesty, and restraint in both victory and defeat.
In simple terms: Sportsmanship means being modest and honest.
Key Takeaway
Practice humility and honesty in competition.
Themes
humility
honesty
sportsmanship
Mood
respectful
thoughtful
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team sports
- business negotiations
- public speaking
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
integrity
character
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance confidence with humility?
- When have you shown restraint after a win?
A Different Perspective
May be misread as weakness; some cultures prize aggressive confidence.
