The remark distinguishes between being physically or materially overcome and surrendering inwardly. Santiago recognises that a person can lose possessions, strength or even life itself without necessarily accepting defeat in a deeper sense. Defeat, in this formulation, depends partly on whether hardship destroys a person’s resolve, dignity or willingness to continue.

In The Old Man and the Sea, this idea reflects Santiago’s struggle after sharks begin destroying the marlin he fought so hard to catch. He cannot control the final outcome, but he can still choose how long and how determinedly he resists. The line therefore presents endurance as a form of moral victory even when practical success becomes impossible. It does not deny the reality of loss; rather, it separates external destruction from the internal decision to give up.

Full quotation

“But man is not made for defeat,” he said. “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”