"I thought I would lose, so I didn't prepare a speech"

This quote by E. L. Doctorow talks to the idea of having a defeatist attitude. Doctorow is recommending that he did not prepare a speech because he anticipated to lose. This might be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own abilities or an absence of faith in the outcome of the situation. It could also be translated as an absence of motivation to put in the effort to prepare a speech, as he did not believe it would be necessary. This quote could be viewed as a suggestion to constantly be gotten ready for any scenario, even if the odds are not in your favor. It is necessary to have faith in yourself and your capabilities, and to put in the effort to be gotten ready for any outcome.