{
  "id": 18154,
  "title": "Michael Jordan’s high school setback that inspired his legendary NBA career",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/michael-jordans-high-school-setback-that-inspired-his-legendary-nba",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-07-30T22:13:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/inspiring-story-of-the-day-by-michael-jordan-i-can-accept-failure-everyone-fails-at-something-but-i-cant-accept-not-trying-the-high-school-setback-that-fueled-basketballs-greatest-career/articleshow/132751976.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players in history, often shared the insightful quote \"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.\" This mantra is more than just a motivational phrase; it reflects a mindset that allowed him to overcome setbacks and achieve greatness. Jordan understood that failure is an inevitable part of life, but he refused to accept the idea of giving up before even trying.\n\nThe first part of the quote, \"I can accept failure,\" signifies Jordan's acceptance of the inevitability of mistakes and losses. He acknowledged that everyone encounters setbacks, and it is not a sign of weakness but a natural part of the human experience. Even the most accomplished individuals face disappointments; the key is to learn from them and grow stronger.\n\nThe second part, \"Everyone fails at something,\" underscores the universality of failure. Jordan emphasized that success stories are not built on an absence of failure but rather the ability to persevere through it. He recognized that even the best athletes, students, and professionals encounter challenges and setbacks, and it is the determination to keep trying that ultimately leads to success.\n\nThe final line, \"But I can’t accept not trying,\" carries the core message of the quote. Jordan believed that the act of not trying is worse than failing. When someone surrenders because they are afraid of making mistakes, they forfeit the opportunity to learn, grow, and ultimately succeed. Trying, even without immediate success, is a valuable endeavor that fosters resilience and determination.\n\nJordan's own career serves as a testament to the wisdom behind these words. Before becoming an NBA legend, he faced rejection early on when he was not selected for the varsity basketball team at his high school. Rather than giving up, he used this setback as motivation to work harder and improve his skills. This dedication paid off, as Jordan went on to have one of the most successful basketball careers in history, leading the Chicago Bulls to numerous championships.\n\nEven after achieving widespread success, Jordan continued to face challenges. The Chicago Bulls experienced several playoff losses before finally breaking through. However, Jordan's unwavering belief in the power of hard work and perseverance enabled the team to overcome these obstacles and establish itself as one of the most successful franchises in basketball history.\n\nThe enduring appeal of Jordan's quote lies in its timeless wisdom. It is not about seeking perfection but rather about embracing the process of growth and learning from failures. In a world where uncertainty is the norm, this mantra encourages individuals to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Whether in sports, academics, or professional endeavors, the message remains clear: success starts with the courage to take action, no matter how daunting the outcome may seem.",
  "summary": "Michael Jordan's famous quote emphasizes accepting failure while not accepting inaction. He believed that learning from mistakes is crucial for personal growth and development. Jordan's own career demonstrated this philosophy through numerous setbacks and comebacks. This mindset continues to inspire individuals across various fields and endeavors. The core message highlights the value of effort…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}