This insightful note fits nicely in the observation by F Scott Fitzgerald : the sign of great intelligence is the ability to carry two apparently contradictory ideas in mind at the same time and still function. Well said, Adam.
Otherwise known as cognitive dissonance. Fitzgerald was a great writer but never came to grips with his own contradictions. And even great intelligence can be driven mad by conflicting ideas held in the same mind.
Such as the ideas the writer of this note is attempting to reconcile: a spectacle organised by powerful monied interests, once a showcase for nationalist prestige, returned to its original purpose of a diversion for the masses from war and oppression organised by those same monied interests in the service of a world empire, confused with a ritual of peace and universal brotherhood that doesn't exist in reality.
I think that spirit very much exists among people themselves. Romances, friendships, travel, sporting interests, shared cuisines, etc all suggest a far more harmonious and interconnected world than the headlines would have us believe.
Its the politicians, clergy and other interested demogogues who whip us up into a warlike frenzy, but left to our own devices, there isn't nearly as much resting animosity and rancor towards other nations.
Thank you for this reminder of the beauty inherent in us and the cost of succumbing to those who seek to capitalize on the worst in us. Thank you also for modeling what it means to acknowledge a mistake and learn enough to change your perspective.
Agree with you Jim. It’s great to see someone appreciating the power of growth and change. Do you think more people would benefit from openly acknowledging their mistakes, if ever?
Absolutely. How freeing would it be if everyone easily acknowledged their mistakes and everyone around them also learned from it, appreciated them for it, and contributed to the new perspective? How often do people and teams waste time and resources trying to make it look like they didn’t make a mistake?
Fantastic article. Thank you for writing and sharing. “You can love your people without hating others.” Imagine a world where this was true in every arena in life?
I love Andy Stanley’s quote: “I love you more than my view.”
I am curious how you would respond to that way of thinking?
Brooklynn! Andy Stanley’s quote really gets to the heart of what it means to prioritize relationships over differences. Loving someone more than your view is such a powerful way to bridge divides and create real understanding.
If more people embraced this mindset, it could lead to a world where disagreements don’t turn into hate, but instead into opportunities for deeper connection. It’s a reminder that our shared humanity is more important than any single perspective.
And let’s not forget the way every fan cheered for the underdogs of South Sudan! These men represent the newest country and they sure held their own against the US! It was incredible to watch in person.
Well said, Adam. I saw the same spirit between Indian and Pakistani athletes after the javelins competition. One of their mothers congratulated them both and described them as her sons. It was a moving moment.
Love this ! Just got back from Paris and the Olympics and went to the Stade de France where the track and field events were being held. The crowd cheered for a little -known woman from Bahrain who had won the 3000 m steeplechase. The reaction to her parading her flag around the stadium was infectious. Paris was so abuzz with both tourists and French fans. The excitement, camaraderie, and happiness were palpable.
Agree. I was at Stade de France for one day of the women's rugby sevens. The French cheered themselves crazy for their team but also raised their voices for every other country, too. Inspiring and heartening.
Enjoyable and insightful post Adam. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone could model this type of behaviour in sports and as a daily habit in their personal lives, career and leadership.
Exceptional excellence in healthy competition can make us quickly recognize now we’re all in this together. The Olympics have always been about the greatest of the greats. It’s beautiful.
Like MJ or LeBron or Kobe in the NBA, Like Ohtani or Trout in the MLB, Like Pelé and Messi in football, when athleticism
is so deeply outstanding it becomes a paradigm that’s wholly human.
The problem I have with the olympics is the inclusion of professionals. Pierre coubertins original motive of the olympics was highlighting amateur athletes. They are dedicated to the sport and make sacrifices without monetary gain. The professionals do not allow the top amateurs to compete. Who remembers the only college player on the 1992 US dream team?
I have represented canada in masters tennis on five occasions. The American team never socialized with the other teams or stays in the same facility. They are perceived as arrogant. It is not just about winning. Collegeality is important. Their players received stipends while most other teams the players paid their own way. When we beat them, noone felt sorry for them. My challenge to them is to be more inclusive. Leave the competitive attitude on the court. Gracious winners or losers is what sportsmanship is all about.
This was the way baseball used to be for me. Roberto Clemente epitomized this spirit. That spirit seemed to wane with his passing. Too much of sport has become about economics and not about sportsmanship.
Agree! Am here with family as well and the joyous spirit of the events is infectious, whether watching live or at one of the many “fetes les jeux” locations around town (where many of the locals gather).
We have it in us to exercise our free will and use our best emotional intelligence. When we cheer for EVERYONE to be the best version of themselves, we become the best version of our own selves.
This reflection is spot-on for more than sporting competition. Sports often don't bring out the best in most of us during competition. As a high school coach for over 20 years, I know that I was not the always the competitor I should have been. We all need "worthy rivals" to make us better. We should be fans of the game, not just the outcome. Sometimes, fans become misguided in their passion for sports. Perspective is needed. This is the job of parents, coaches, administrators, and the media. I hope we continue to get better in this area. 2028 in LA will be a time to see where we are.
This insightful note fits nicely in the observation by F Scott Fitzgerald : the sign of great intelligence is the ability to carry two apparently contradictory ideas in mind at the same time and still function. Well said, Adam.
I love that quote so much.
Otherwise known as cognitive dissonance. Fitzgerald was a great writer but never came to grips with his own contradictions. And even great intelligence can be driven mad by conflicting ideas held in the same mind.
Such as the ideas the writer of this note is attempting to reconcile: a spectacle organised by powerful monied interests, once a showcase for nationalist prestige, returned to its original purpose of a diversion for the masses from war and oppression organised by those same monied interests in the service of a world empire, confused with a ritual of peace and universal brotherhood that doesn't exist in reality.
I think that spirit very much exists among people themselves. Romances, friendships, travel, sporting interests, shared cuisines, etc all suggest a far more harmonious and interconnected world than the headlines would have us believe.
Its the politicians, clergy and other interested demogogues who whip us up into a warlike frenzy, but left to our own devices, there isn't nearly as much resting animosity and rancor towards other nations.
Such an important thing to be able to do
Thank you for this reminder of the beauty inherent in us and the cost of succumbing to those who seek to capitalize on the worst in us. Thank you also for modeling what it means to acknowledge a mistake and learn enough to change your perspective.
Agree with you Jim. It’s great to see someone appreciating the power of growth and change. Do you think more people would benefit from openly acknowledging their mistakes, if ever?
Absolutely. How freeing would it be if everyone easily acknowledged their mistakes and everyone around them also learned from it, appreciated them for it, and contributed to the new perspective? How often do people and teams waste time and resources trying to make it look like they didn’t make a mistake?
Extremely freeing. Very often.
Fantastic article. Thank you for writing and sharing. “You can love your people without hating others.” Imagine a world where this was true in every arena in life?
I love Andy Stanley’s quote: “I love you more than my view.”
I am curious how you would respond to that way of thinking?
Brooklynn! Andy Stanley’s quote really gets to the heart of what it means to prioritize relationships over differences. Loving someone more than your view is such a powerful way to bridge divides and create real understanding.
If more people embraced this mindset, it could lead to a world where disagreements don’t turn into hate, but instead into opportunities for deeper connection. It’s a reminder that our shared humanity is more important than any single perspective.
That’s a world I’d love to see! How about you? :)
And let’s not forget the way every fan cheered for the underdogs of South Sudan! These men represent the newest country and they sure held their own against the US! It was incredible to watch in person.
Well said, Adam. I saw the same spirit between Indian and Pakistani athletes after the javelins competition. One of their mothers congratulated them both and described them as her sons. It was a moving moment.
Love this ! Just got back from Paris and the Olympics and went to the Stade de France where the track and field events were being held. The crowd cheered for a little -known woman from Bahrain who had won the 3000 m steeplechase. The reaction to her parading her flag around the stadium was infectious. Paris was so abuzz with both tourists and French fans. The excitement, camaraderie, and happiness were palpable.
Agree. I was at Stade de France for one day of the women's rugby sevens. The French cheered themselves crazy for their team but also raised their voices for every other country, too. Inspiring and heartening.
Enjoyable and insightful post Adam. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone could model this type of behaviour in sports and as a daily habit in their personal lives, career and leadership.
Exceptional excellence in healthy competition can make us quickly recognize now we’re all in this together. The Olympics have always been about the greatest of the greats. It’s beautiful.
Like MJ or LeBron or Kobe in the NBA, Like Ohtani or Trout in the MLB, Like Pelé and Messi in football, when athleticism
is so deeply outstanding it becomes a paradigm that’s wholly human.
The problem I have with the olympics is the inclusion of professionals. Pierre coubertins original motive of the olympics was highlighting amateur athletes. They are dedicated to the sport and make sacrifices without monetary gain. The professionals do not allow the top amateurs to compete. Who remembers the only college player on the 1992 US dream team?
I have represented canada in masters tennis on five occasions. The American team never socialized with the other teams or stays in the same facility. They are perceived as arrogant. It is not just about winning. Collegeality is important. Their players received stipends while most other teams the players paid their own way. When we beat them, noone felt sorry for them. My challenge to them is to be more inclusive. Leave the competitive attitude on the court. Gracious winners or losers is what sportsmanship is all about.
The feeling and manifestation of unity in diversity couldn’t have been articulated better.
This was the way baseball used to be for me. Roberto Clemente epitomized this spirit. That spirit seemed to wane with his passing. Too much of sport has become about economics and not about sportsmanship.
And Robert Clemente died far too young.
Final line is the winning one!
"You can love your people without hating others."
👏🏻👏🏻
The last line of this article is pure gold!
Agree! Am here with family as well and the joyous spirit of the events is infectious, whether watching live or at one of the many “fetes les jeux” locations around town (where many of the locals gather).
We have it in us to exercise our free will and use our best emotional intelligence. When we cheer for EVERYONE to be the best version of themselves, we become the best version of our own selves.
This reflection is spot-on for more than sporting competition. Sports often don't bring out the best in most of us during competition. As a high school coach for over 20 years, I know that I was not the always the competitor I should have been. We all need "worthy rivals" to make us better. We should be fans of the game, not just the outcome. Sometimes, fans become misguided in their passion for sports. Perspective is needed. This is the job of parents, coaches, administrators, and the media. I hope we continue to get better in this area. 2028 in LA will be a time to see where we are.