There's a victory, and defeat; the first and best of victories, the lowest and worst of defeats which each man gains or sustains at the hands not of another, but of himself.

Summary

This quote suggests that the truest and most significant victories and defeats in life are not those achieved or suffered at the hands of another person, but rather those that we bring upon ourselves. It implies that our personal successes and failures are based on our own actions, decisions, and choices. This highlights the importance of self-accountability and self-reflection in determining our own destiny, emphasizing that our biggest triumphs and setbacks ultimately lie within our own control.