The Thinker by Auguste Rodin – A bronze statue depicting the philisophical contemplation of man.
The perfect model for living is one that is not foreign to the human race. Since the ages of antiquity, the pursuit of excellence has been a sure and trying path that has elevated the individual to new heights and instilled meaning in the most profound places. In a philosophy that has been subdued by the errors of modernity, one will find that peace comes from the acceptance of one’s talents and the amendment to strive for greatness in all things.
“By strength and submission, has already been discovered Once or twice, or several times, by men whom one cannot hope To emulate – but there is no competition – There is only the fight to recover what has been lost“ – T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets
It goes without saying that perfection is almost impossible. Even if someone is given certain talents, there will always be someone of greater intelligence, strength, athleticism, or virtue. Then again your talents do not transfer. It is hard to imagine a neurosurgeon also a professional athlete, or a lawyer who is also a scientist.
Quite simply, we are all bound by the laws of nature. There is no way to extend the hours of the day or increase the capacity of the mind to absorb excessive information. But, from what hours we do have, from what talents we are given, we must strive for excellence in whatever those things.
Students when often in school moan about their studies, their upcoming tests, or the seeming irrelevance of algebra to their future careers. But that is beside the point. You have been placed in school and gifted with the opportunity of an education. It is not your obligation to waste it, it is your obligation to master it.
Start with one aspect of your life or even one subject in school. If you establish a routine and build some healthy habits, you’ll create a mentality of excellence that will begin to affect all dimensions of what you do.
That is why many academics can also be skilled musicians and athletes. They weren’t gifted with all of life’s talents while you were left here with nothing. They planted the seed of excellence and allowed its roots to extend to all aspects of their existence.
Find one facet of your life, adamantly resolve that you will be excellent in that field. And the rest will be history.
Anthony, from the Kalibre Post.
