Portrait of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

Basketball legend

Contemporary influential 98 sayings

Sayings by Michael Jordan

I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.

1997 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

1997 — Nike commercial
Wisdom Unverifiable

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.

1990 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.

1993 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.

1998 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.

1994 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.

1992 — Interview, various sources
Inspirational Unverifiable

My body could stand the crutches but my mind couldn't stand the sideline.

1986 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I never thought I'd be in this position. I never thought I'd be able to inspire so many people.

2009 — Hall of Fame induction speech
Inspirational Unverifiable

I don't believe in can't.

1988 — Interview, various sources
Inspirational Unverifiable

To learn to succeed, you must first learn to fail.

1995 — Interview, various sources
Educational Unverifiable

I've always been a very confident person. I don't think I'm arrogant, but I'm confident.

1991 — Interview, various sources
Inspirational Unverifiable

The minute you get away from the basics, whether it's sports or business, you're going to suffer.

2001 — Interview, various sources
Money & Business Unverifiable

I'm not afraid to fail. I'm afraid to not try.

1997 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I believe in the power of the mind.

1993 — Interview, various sources
Inspirational Unverifiable

I'd rather be a great basketball player than a good baseball player.

1995 — Interview after his baseball stint
Wisdom Unverifiable

My mother is my role model. She's the one who taught me to work hard and to be humble.

1998 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot... when you think about the consequences, you always think of a negative result.

1997 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I want to be the best. That's why I'm here.

1984 — Interview, various sources
Wisdom Unverifiable

I'm not a politician. I'm a basketball player.

1990 — Response to criticism about not speaking on political issues
Political Unverifiable
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