Maya Angelou makes a crucial distinction between experiencing a defeat and *being* defeated. A defeat is an event, a single outcome in time. To be defeated is a state of being, a surrender of the spirit.

This quote acknowledges that setbacks ("many defeats") are an inevitable part of any meaningful endeavor. However, it insists that we have the power to choose our response. We can allow a defeat to be a lesson, a stepping stone, or a temporary pause without letting it break our will to continue.

This is the heart of resilience. It is the unwavering commitment to keep your inner fire alive despite external circumstances. It teaches that true victory lies not in an unbroken string of successes, but in the relentless perseverance of the human spirit.