Confucius, otherwise known as 孔夫子; Kǒng Fūzǐ; K'ung-fu-tzu, or "Master Kung", was a thinker and social philosopher whose teachings have deeply influenced Asian thought and life. His philosophy emphasized morality, justice, and sincerity. Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism (儒家).
Confucius emphasized the importance of study and is still seen by Chinese people as a Great Master. He wanted his disciples to think deeply for themselves and relentlessly study the outside world, relating the moral problems of the present to past. One of the deepest teachings of Confucius may have been the superiority of personal exemplification over explicit rules of behavior. His moral teachings emphasise virtue, self-cultivation, emulation of moral exemplars, and the attainment of skilled judgment.
What does all this have to do with triathlon? On the surface of day to day training, not a whole lot.... However, after all the workouts and hard training, life and our journey in triathlon still has to have meaning and provide fulfillment aside from success or failure at any specific event. Each day involves personal choices: to give 100% or cheat yourself, to support your teammates or put them down, to appreciate your coach, friends, family or to take them for granted, to see the world through empathic eyes or critical ones, to see your challenges as opportunities or dread them as insurmountable mountains. This season, I want to find embrace each step of the journey and remain calm under all the antagonizing eternal pressures.
Here are a few wise quotes from Confucius that really capture the essence of my hopes for this years' adventures.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do. "
"Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it."
"Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. "
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."
"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart."
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