Santiago repeats that it was too good to last, and he wishes it had been a dream he concludes "but man is not made for defeat a man can be destroyed but not defeated" explain what this quote means is terms of life and this story

Santiago's identity was tied up in catching this great fish. Not catching it becomes a metaphor for failure in general. It is the failure of masculinity, destiny and even humanity according to Santiago. Dying is a natural fate of man but, to Santiago, failure is most unnatural.

In this quote the old man is saying that although he can physically mbr destroyed, he cannot be defeated because that would require consent..... And he will never give in.