"My athleticism was really the core to social acceptance, because in those days the overwhelming number of students came from more of a public school background than I did"
- Roger Bannister
About this Quote
Roger Bannister's quote speaks with the significance of athleticism in acquiring social approval in his school days. He was likely going to a school with a majority of trainees from public school backgrounds, which he himself did not come from. As a result, he found that his athleticism was the essential to getting social approval from his peers. This might have remained in the type of playing sports, or simply being physically active and fit. His athleticism was most likely seen as a sign of strength and skill, which was appreciated by his peers. This quote speaks to the power of athleticism in acquiring social approval, and how it can be a terrific equalizer in a school setting.
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