"His nerve, his memory, and I can't remember the third thing"

Lee Trevino’s wry observation about remembering only two of three things humorously reflects the universal experience of forgetfulness, even in moments when clarity is expected or admired. Trevino, a legendary golfer known not only for his skill but for his humor, offers a self-aware, almost confessional statement. While recounting an anecdote or perhaps offering advice, he lists “His nerve, his memory, and I can’t remember the third thing.” The interruption, his admission that the third aspect eludes him, turns an expected triad into a comedic moment.

This interplay between memory, nerves, and the elusive third aspect touches on the human condition, where we often try to sum up complex ideas with neat lists or memorable phrases, only to be caught off guard by our own fallibility. Nerve might represent composure under pressure, while memory stands for experience and wisdom gained through practice, essential qualities in high-stakes sports or life challenges. The forgotten third quality, left unnamed, becomes a stand-in for all the countless indefinable factors that contribute to greatness, and for the limitations inherent in any attempt to distill success into bullet points.

Trevino’s humor lies in the quick pivot: he begins earnestly, attempting to impart a lesson or observation, but undercuts the effort with his forgetfulness. This reminds listeners that even revered figures are subject to the vagaries of memory and the imperfections of the mind. It invites empathy and laughter, breaking down the distance between speaker and audience. Ultimately, the quote celebrates humility, self-awareness, and the ability to laugh at oneself. The missing third thing becomes a punchline, but also a nod to all we don’t know or forget along the way, the mystery that characterizes both sport and life.