Quotes from Arthur Ashe

From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life.

I wish more of us could understand that our increasing isolation, no matter how much it seems to express pride and self-affirmation, is not the answer to our problems. Rather, the answer is a revival of our ancient commitment to God, who rules over all the peoples of the world and exalts no one over any other, and to the moral and spiritual values which were once legendary in America. We must reach out our hand in friendship both to those who would befriend us and those who would be our enemy.

If you're paid before you walk on the court, what's the point in playing as if your life depended on it?

My humanity, in common with all of God's children, gives the greatest flight to my full range of my possibilities.

I would like to flood South Africa with black personages of all sorts of persuasions: writers, educators, businessmen, you name it. If you are black and have any clout at all, I would like to see you go to South Africa and look for yourself and come back and try to use the tools that you have at your command to try and help the brothers down there.

There is a syndrome in sports called 'paralysis by analysis.'

When we were together, I loved you deeply and you gave me so much happiness I can never repay you.

Life is like a tennis game. You can't win without serving.

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

Trust has to be earned, and should come only after the passage of time.

You've got to make a lot of sacrifices and spend a lot of time if you really want to achieve with this sport, or in any sport, or in anything truly worthwhile.

Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome. Not everyone can be Number 1.