The Power of One Principles Quotes

This is the first piece of advice that Peekay really hangs onto in the novel, and its handy rhyming form makes it easy for even a little kid to remember. It also becomes one of his guiding principles in his life. If he were a hipster, he'd totally get this tattooed on his arm in a typewriter-esque font. Wouldn't you?

This is the first time that the principle of the power of one comes up, and it will reappear again and again throughout the text. Jeez, you'd think it was in the book's title or something with how often it pops up. Oh, wait…

Sounds like Hoppie could be a character in The Wizard of Oz! Just missing the tin man. But, all kidding aside, this moment is teaching Peekay a lot about the principles necessary for making a winner: pride, courage, and brains. If I only had a brain…

This is one of the most powerful lines of the novel, and we think it's a pretty wise and insightful idea to hold onto. What do you make of these definitions? Can you improve them? How does Peekay show that pride and courage are principles that guide his life later on in the novel?

This advice from Doc probably goes a long way toward keeping Peekay out of the church and also giving him a critical eye when it comes to school and society. Anyways, who likes a follower? We here at Shmoop are big on individuality. You go, Doc. Keep dropping that knowledge.

Doc tries to keep his problems quiet, as though it were a principle of his not to show his weakness to young Peekay. The wolves howling is the mental block that won't let him get through the music he should be able to play. Hey, we've all got our vice.

Mrs. Boxall could be arrested for bringing letters in and out of the jail at this time, because prisoners do not have very many legal rights. Still, she is willing to risk her own freedom on principle. When's the last time your librarian broke the law like such a boss?

Doc's advice could serve to explain the whole book—the answers and the revenge come slowly, but Peekay has learned patience and the principle of having a critical mind. It works in boxing, but also in more difficult situations, like when your best friend gets thrown into jail.

Small boys are also good at practicing flying karate kicks a thousand times, and yet their automatic reaction to crisis is usually crying. But Peekay is a principled kid who knows that practice, dedication, and a routine are keys to success.

Do you think that winning itself can become a principle? How does that work out for Peekay? What do you think would happen to him if he ever lost a match? Would he lose his principles, too?