Thursday, June 12, 1997
The True Competitive
Spirit
by
TMF Twitty
I almost didn't watch "The World's Strongest Man" competition on TV last night. The sound bite showed one competitor slapping the face and jeering at another, and it looked a bit too much like the WWF for my taste. Looked a lot like my in-laws, too -- another good reason to pass. But as is often the case, reality was directly opposed to appearances.
Rather than jeering and belittling his opponent, the strongman exhibited the best of sportsmanship. He was exhorting his competitor to rise to the challenge and do his best. Throughout the competition, the athletes continued in this fashion; having done their utmost to win an event, or even if their turn was still upcoming, they all shouted encouragement to the one taking the field.
The experience was at once energizing and chilling. Energizing, because it represented a spiritual synergy that is the glory of human struggle. Chilling because it seemed an aberration. Competition is often well described by the adjective "cutthroat". The introduction of an unfair advantage to the struggle negates that triumph of human spirit that makes the battle worthwhile, but it occurs all too often.
I like to think that the Foolish Philosophy parallels that strongman contest -- do your best to attain great heights, while celebrating the efforts of those who join you in the fray. We live our lives separately, but interdependently, and that is the sauce that makes success taste so sweet. Fool on!
Rich Dressner
TMF Twitty