"dont whine, dont complain, dont make excuses. you get out there and whatever your doing, do to the best of your ability. And no one can do more than that." favorite line

Coach Wooden died at age 99 and was as sharp as a tack to the very end, the world needs more people like him.

To call this man gifted would be an insult. This man was a gift.

Even at an “advanced” age this man was quick and sharp. He rattled off wisdom at light speed.

I live 3 or 4 miles away from his childhood home. I often ride my bike out there and ponder on the idea that 80 years ago he was looking at the same fields and sky as I am at that very moment. He is an example that greatness can come from anywhere and anyone. Hard work is necessary no matter how easy something comes to you.

Reputation is what people think about you. Character is what you really are. 6:50 never be late. Be neat and clean. Start on time and leave on time. Not one word of profanity. 8:30 Never criticize a team mate, that is a coaches job. 9:12 he shows his pyramid. The top is faith and patience. trust things will work out as they should if you do what you should. 11:53 a set of 3 from dad. 1 Don't whine 2 Don't complain 3 Don't make excuses. Do what your doing to the best of your ability.

I clapped at the end of this. Such humility from this coach and teacher. He never spoke a word about his accomplishments. He only spoke of his students and players deeds. Amazing

I love (and hopefully live) it... "Your reputation is what you're perceived to be, your character is what you really are." ~John Wooden

Wow! Wooden was the most lucid and wise 91 year old!

Don’t be late Don’t use profanity Never criticize a teammate

I was a student at UCLA during the 60's when Mr Wooden was there, outstanding individual who really made a difference in people's lives.

“If you make the effort to do the best of which you’re capable; trying to improve the situation that exists for you...that’s success...”. - John Wooden

Old people are our treasure which lighten our path

To speak this swiftly on interesting subjects is admirable in a 30 year old. To do it at his age is remarkable.

Being this old and being healthy and eloquent than a thirty year old is pure blessings.

What a beautiful man, and spirit. If you are watching, trust me you are in the right place. Stay blessed 💞

I just finished reading one of his books "Wooden on Leadership" what a brilliant masterpiece, he is truly invaluable, I wanted to be in his presence reading his philosophy & wisdom. Very intelligent man! May God rest his soul, R.I.P

I loved this man. So soft spoken and wise.

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." John Wooden

A Man's Man. Respect.

Discipline yourself, and others won't need to - John Wooden

I was blessed to spend some time with Coach. My recruiting trip to UCLA was during BB season. The Sports Information Dept., and whoever else thought I should sit next to Coach in Pauley for a nationally televised game. He had an aura, a peace, a serenity about him. Instant comfort. He walked the walk, you could feel it in your soul. A true blessing to spend some time with Coach Wooden. He’s the real deal and an unbending, unquestionable man who walked the walk. I had others who were so special they radiated, but only so many who’s greatness radiated and made you better just with their presence. Jack Nicklaus and Larry Nelson were two others for me. You find others who’s presence makes you better- don’t let go. They’re gifts. Take advantage of those opportunities, whether their teachers, athletes, coaches, industry leaders or the best damn garbageman n town- it takes a team. Surround yourself with those who make you strive to be a better person. FWIW. ❤

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

Brilliant man. We miss figures like this in today's society.

He was the Bruin coach when I was there and Walton and I shared a class where he once tried to copy from me. My wife and I had season tickets for UCLA Basketball and football and we didn't miss a game. I had the pleasure of watching his last championship where he didn't have the best team yet won. And I was at Pualley for his send off, a sad but great night. This was a great man in every stage of a man's life. The Wizzard of Westwood was one of a kind and I was there to share in his magic.

"If you get to engrossed and involved and concerned in regard to things over which you have no control, it will adversely affect the things over which you have control".I volunteer time at a charity organization that focuses on the needs of empoverished kids and it absolutely makes me do that.What a great realingment of thought! Thanks!

As an Oregon Duck, I hated UCLA basketball, but I know a man of honor when I see one. Coach Wooden was one of a kind, a man of great integrity and determination. Ask Kareem or Walton (and anybody else he coached and mentored) about Coach Wooden and they will sing his praises for hours on end. The results of his philosophy are apparent in both college basketball and life.

Coach Wooden was a remarkable and humble man. He succeeded like no one else, not just in basketball but also in life. He never lost his composure no matter how difficult the game situation. His players loved and respected him. His lessons are true today and we should follow them.

It's amazing how such an incredibly accomplished man that's in his 90's can recite values he lived by to earn those accomplishments that were all given to him by his father. I'm sure his dad was a great man, and it goes to show just how powerful of an impact you have as a father/mother and how much you shape who the adult your child ends up becoming. I'm now 25 and see many people my age with young children and I wish they would realize this

This guy is the most freakishly intelligent human in sports ever. I'd be terrified and excited to be coached by him all at the same time.

What a sweet man. Not a bad coach, either-10 national champions in 12 years, seven in a row, with small teams and with his giants. We will not see his like again.

Coach Wooden what a gift to the world I could here him talk and teach all day...truly the best of what humanity can offer.

I wish I had a teacher and coach like John Wooden. He was a great teacher of character, morals, discipline with old school values you don’t see much anymore 👍

What a graceful, dignified, and wise man. Gotta love Mr. Wooden!

Why elders matter when they really paid attention to humanity and how we learn. Thank you sir.

John Wooden is so unique. What a great role model, and deliverer of such powerful wisdom. A Martinsville, Indiana native.

Coach Wooden; what a class act; very wise; very humble.

Only the greats could be so humble. I wanted him to talk more.

I am so glad that we had him for 99 years.

Teachers and coaches like this brings out the best in everyone....never disrespect the elderly people..

Coach Wooden was the epitome of a leader in any profession, but especially education. His comments in this video demonstrate how he "nurtures and sustains a culture of collaboration, trust, learning, and high expectations" (ISLLC #2).

It's great to see such amazing faith in God in a man of such intelligence. If that combination happened more often, our lives would be so much better...

To date, still the most casual way to end a TED Talk.

I am amazed to see John Wooden had a Ted Talk; I had no idea he spoke for the organization. There are no words to describe how much I look up to my great grandfather, and I wish I was old enough to understand his philosophies from childhood. As I age, I imagine his inspirational beliefs will become more vivid to me. I miss him, and always will; wishing today I could have had an adult (man to man) conversation about life.

Always a gentleman and encourager. I must strive for that more often. Thanks for the reminder, Coach Wooden.

I just love and respect this guy. He's truly an inspiration and annointed to coach and lead others into winning. I literally cried from just listening to him talk. God bless him.

Love John Wooden and all he stood for.

A man of wisdom and character. I could listen to this man for hours on end!

I strongly recommend to make a quick research about the speakers in the TED talks before watching the videos. I was surprised when my calculus professor mentioned coach John Wooden and nobody seemed to knew who he was. I have a great respect for Coach John Wooden, he has been the very best college basketball coach in history and deserves a lot of credit for that.

When this podcast began,all it took was the sound of this legendary coach's voice to make me stand still!! They don't make them like his one anymore.....we've tried,but rarely successful....

Met him, by chance...UCLA, he nodded, he knew I was awed , he smiled Oh so slightly, reminded me so much of my father. He’s a good reason I went to UCLA, ... others... Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Rafer Johnson, Willard Libby, Dr. Birdsell, Albert Hoxie, many, many others... but HE was such a great teacher... I keep his writings next to my Bible....read every night before turning off the light.

An unbelievably wise yet humble man whom I think was the BEST college coach there will ever be. He taught his players more than just a game. He taught them how to LIVE!

I remember my grandfather who passed away when I was a kid...the " old school" wisdom is all about truth, honesty, integrity, hard work, etc etc....and now, we have so much and yet we aren't even close to sounding remotely wise...

One of my FAVORITE Coaches of ANY sport!

He was 91 when this was recorded. Damn sharp for a man of any age.

If I ever need to be inspired or if I need some motivation I’ll come back to this video.

Coach Wooden was a good man and great man. He was also a great American. He is good for our children and for all of us.

I probably watched this about 100 times by now, it’s 2019 and the year is almost over. I’m sure I’m still gonna watch it, I love the humility and discipline he portrays. Every time I had an interview or test, I would watch this to gain motivation and confidence, to always do my best and not compare my self to others but yet learn from others. “The road ahead or the road behind”

Our teachers and coaches today need to hear this. Always loved this genuine and sincere man

Brother Wooden is an inspiration!

fortunate enough to spend 2-3 weeks a year with this man, for 4 or 5 years...Enough said...when in his presence, a humble caring soul....very well times with him, I listened, and listened. ..why speak...as a coach, his principles an absolute constant reminder of real successs....I am very fortunate to have spent time with a great man as this. Missed dearly.

His great faith is what made him a great man.

An outstanding upright individual Coach Wooden was. His wisdom, his character....amazing. I wish we have more people like him among us.

John Wooden.....A Pillar of CHARACTER. What A MAN!!........

He taught character through the game of basketball

such a poetic delivery of an important message

'They ask me why I teach! "Where could I find such splendid company" #startup

It seems after all there IS something to be gained by memorizing things. As a former teacher, I can tell you memorization is something frowned on by today's education "experts." I think Coach Wooden has fairly well demonstrated that remembering life lessons from one's father and great passages from good writers is something worthy of our time and effort. It seems to have stood him in pretty good stead, I would say.

Greatest man ever. He was built with intelligence and wisdom flowed through his veins. He will always be remembered and loved from his fans and former players.

something about this man's wisdom, I should use his philosophic approach when I become a football coach

"Things turn out for the best for the people who make the best of the way things turns out." My favorite John Wooden quote.

legend. when this kind of message is passed on to youth and they embrace it wonderful things happen. this is why coach wooden loves teaching and coaching. god bless you coach

He walked the walk to back his talk. If I don't understand him, maybe I should up MY skills.

"There is no progress without change."

Man this wisdom is the wisdom of lifetime, an entire life compiled in 10 minute... Bow down to this man.... Amazing

May all the teachers be like you, Mr. Wooden. Thank you

Exellent. Thanks for your words of wisdom may God bless you always

Great man with deep wisdom.

I'll bet this guy's Dad was extraordinarily. Faith and Patience. Love those words.

“Failure to prepare is preparation for failure”. My favorite Wooden-ism.

I have come back to this so many times in my life. This man was simply a treasure. John Wooden, aged 90-something, dropping wisdom with sharpness, eloquence and wit that folks half his age couldn't muster.

Coach: Wow! What a wonderful speech. Thank you.

What a sound mind. Very intelligent man. So glad he stayed in California and inspired many around the world. Thank you!

As a woman who learned from the COACH by his example to be a coach, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to meet him and learn what he taught by example. He was a gift to all , wish we had more like him today.

I grew up watching this man coach in Pauley Pavilion as a kid, thanks to my dad who would bring me to the UCLA basketball games. From Lew Alcindor to Bill Walton it was amazing to witness sports history in-person. I always knew that there was some magic in the Wizard of Westwood. Go Bruins!

Treasure of knowledge and experience I love to hear him

This man is my role model. Never a dual moment. I just want too hear more from him.

Love you coach. I listened to your audio program on your Pyramid of Success years ago - my foundation.

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." John Wooden

So much wisdom!!

Incredible leader and example! I am so glad this talk was preserved.

This man is one of the few I believe to have the keys to the "Ft. Knox" of plain-spoken American wisdom. The effect he had on his students and players was so profound that I've seen interviews with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Keith Wilkes and Bill Walton where they literally can repeat all of his lessons verbatim. We're finally getting closer to "Lead by putting others First" "Earned not Entitled" and the most important one: CHARACTER MATTERS. RIP Coach....

I have watched this video more times than I could keep count, the amount of inspiration I get from watching this video alone I can never quantify. What an inspiration you have been John. Your legacy lives on. “They ask me why I teach and I say, where could I find such splendid company”

such a sharp mind

Integrity of character, passion, compassion and humility. Where are these men now?

His dad sounds amazing, what a beautiful legacy he left. 🙏🎁

One of the few incredible human beings who walked this world. And the greatest coaches ever!!!!!!

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding personified.

Every coach in the country should be required to watch this!! He is a Master

Every so often I manage to discover a presentation on you tube which is completely inspirational. This was such an example . I had not heard of this American but his non stop outpouring of belief in people, his demonstration of personal integrity as well as a personal charisma untainted by cynicism and negativity, reminded me of certain men and women who exercise human gifts at the level of something called Amazing Grace. They reassure us of that wonderful quote, 'when men an women are fully alive and fully human, there is the glory of God'. These people remind us that we can all be 'the best that we can be'. Isn't that what makes our world a fabulous place to be in and life really worth living?