“It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously plays on the idea of sportsmanship and the ethics of fair play in golf. The humor comes from the exaggeration of the idea of sportsmanship being applied to a simple moment—the act of picking up a golf ball. While one might expect the advice to be about something more significant, Twain points out that sportsmanship should extend even to the smallest actions. By stating that it is good sportsmanship to avoid picking up a ball that is still rolling, he is highlighting that true fair play involves allowing things to unfold naturally and not interfering with the game’s flow or integrity.
This remark plays on the absurdity of the idea that even a seemingly trivial act—such as picking up a ball that is still in motion—could be considered a breach of ethics. Twain’s humor lies in the exaggerated focus on minor details, suggesting that the best form of sportsmanship is about respecting rules and processes, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential.
In modern contexts, this quote can resonate with discussions about ethics and fair play in both sports and everyday life. It suggests that sportsmanship—or acting with fairness and integrity—should apply not just to major actions but to all the little choices we make. Whether in business, social relationships, or even games, Twain’s humor reminds us that true sportsmanship is about respecting the process, waiting for things to play out, and not taking shortcuts.
