The Man in the Arena

Theodore Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic" speech, famously known as "The Man in the Arena" speech is a favourite, it's been quoted on numerous occasions in TED Talks and by numerous people including the late great Nelson Mandela.

The part of Roosevelt's speech that's often quoted and still inspires today is this bit;

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

These words resonate deeply because I believe we all want to be as bold as the man in the arena, who strives valiantly and dares greatly and even if he fails at least fails daring greatly. And for me, the arena metaphorically represents a place in life where you're constantly striving to achieve your goals despite the obstacles that come your way.

Brene Brown shares 3 valuable lessons from "The Man in the Arena" speech that I just love:

1. Vulnerability is not about winning or losing but it's about authentically showing up in life and being seen.

2. If you want to show up and be seen in life and if you're going to spend any time in the arena, challenges/difficulties are a guarantee.

3. If you're not in the arena with me because you're only spectating from the outside and talking about how you can do what I'm doing better, your feedback is not welcome. Ouch!

   
   

Tony Fahkry beautifully sums up "The Man in the Arena" by saying, "It is about acknowledging the person who dares greatly. Those vulnerably willing to scale new heights and put their reputation on the line. This is an ode to the individual who enters the arena and though they may stumble and fall, they know there is no greater service than to follow their passion and purpose".

So, I'll see you in the arena right??

Chich.

Resources:

Watch Brene Brown's full video here