“You must never be satisfied with losing. You must get angry, terribly angry, about losing. But the mark of the good loser is that he takes his anger out on himself and not his victorious opponents or on his teammates.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
table of contents
Quote
“You must never be satisfied with losing. You must get angry, terribly angry, about losing. But the mark of the good loser is that he takes his anger out on himself and not his victorious opponents or on his teammates.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon underscores the value of competitiveness tempered by personal responsibility, presenting a philosophy of honor and self-discipline in the face of defeat. The line “You must never be satisfied with losing” encourages a spirit of ambition and drive, while the call to become “terribly angry” reveals that emotional investment is essential to striving for excellence. However, Nixon pivots to a crucial distinction: a “good loser” channels that anger inward, not outward—using it for growth rather than bitterness.
This view reflects Nixon’s own career, which was shaped by sharp defeats and hard-fought comebacks. After losing the 1960 presidential election and the 1962 California governor’s race, he famously lashed out at the media but ultimately re-emerged stronger in 1968. His later downfall during Watergate, however, also involved projecting blame outward. Thus, this quote may represent his aspirational standard for losing well—one that he at times embodied, and at other times struggled to uphold.
Today, this quote remains highly relevant in discussions of sportsmanship, leadership, and emotional maturity. It applies not only to politics or athletics, but to any area where setbacks are inevitable. Nixon’s message is a reminder that losing with dignity requires more than acceptance—it demands introspection and restraint, and that true character is measured by how one reacts to failure, not just to victory.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
