Why Run? The Dogma and Spirit of Running | Max Lan | TEDxKeystone Academy BJ
The first person who ran a marathon killed himself. However, he ran for a purpose, whereas today, there is no "point" in running. In today's "VUCA" world, one that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, we must ask ourselves - "Why Run"? September 2024, I completed my first Half-Marathon at age 16. Before that, I was a G11 student who likes history and the human psyche.
In the 21st century we’ve become more agitated than ever to question things—"what’s the point?”—falling into a void of meaning. Some see life as laborious to the point of pointless. Others live for living. If not by necessity, why do we keep working and running?
I’d like to address this nihilistic sentiment tonight through an interesting perspective—Marathon running. Since last May, I started running and have put it into my life routine. Yes, running is laborious working—nothing more than the repetition of two legs—just like life sometimes. But I wish to show that there is more to its labor and pain. By submitting to its labor, we form spirit—and from there, freedom.
In answering “why we run,” I wish to show that pain and labor in life may not be pointless. By confronting them we form spirit—and from there, meaning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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