"我问一个裁判是否可以因为我心里想他坏事给我一个技术犯规。他说当然不能。我说那我觉得你很烂。然后他就给了我一个技术犯规。你不能相信他们。"
— Jim Valvano
Simplified Meaning:
The quote describes a conversation between a basketball player and a referee. The player humorously asks the referee if thinking bad thoughts about him could result in a penalty. The referee says no, but when the player then openly insults the referee by saying he stinks, he gets a penalty. This highlights how actions and spoken words can have consequences, while thoughts alone are private and don’t lead to punishment. The story suggests it's important to be mindful of what we say out loud, as speaking harshly or rashly can get us into trouble. For example, in a workplace, even if you think your boss is making a mistake, directly saying something rude could have negative consequences, like getting you reprimanded or fired. Instead, if you disagree or have concerns, it's better to express them respectfully. The quote also touches on the idea that people in authority, like referees or bosses, have the power to enforce rules, and it’s wise to communicate with them carefully.