the old man and the sea

…

…Santiago set his own virtues by facing life courageously, acting honestly, and avoiding self-pity. He looked for no alternative to hardship. He defined manhood not solely by physical strength, sexual potency, or wealth, but rather by dignity, pride, and the ability to face defeat and victory truly, without complain nor boasting. Even in ultimate destruction when man is faced with adversity, he need not accept total defeat if instead he chooses to achieve spiritual victory.