Saluting 'The Man in the Arena'

Many were more than a little surprised when the story broke; shocked or stunned may be a more accurate choice of adjectives!

Over the weeks since then, I have read quite a few articles and comments, both nationally and from international sources. Everything from the usual arm-chair experts and keyboard warriors to the more informed and non-partisan writers.

Some, while having avoided comments on the rights or wrongs of what happened, have been far from happy with how it was done.

As I have thought about this drama, a very famous quote came to mind and has remained with me over these passing weeks. This quote has been pinned up on boardroom walls, office walls, study walls, noticeboards, doors, fridges and the like for decades. Most likely, many top sports people will have come across it somewhere too.

It dates way back to 1910, so that makes it more than a century of pin-ups!

From the 26th US President Theodore Roosevelt, here it is:

The Man In The Arena:

‘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 or defeat.’

A classic for sure, and I have no doubt it will continue to be!

For two years Robertson has been in what often gets termed the hot seat. Or in this case, he’s been “the man in the arena”. Without hesitation, I salute him for that.

In my journey to date, I have noted that many critics, and now keyboard warriors, never seem to get in any arena themselves. Yet, sadly, having messed up their own lives, they now want to critique me on how to live mine.

I grew up knowing about the need to choose my friends carefully. And of course, that’s great and wise counsel. Show me your friends and I could give you a pretty accurate print-out of your future.

I can’t speak for you, but for me, I know for sure which side I want my friends to come from! The men and women in the arena will be my first choice every time.

Life’s experiences will present us all with unplanned and unscheduled storms from time to time. We then get to eyeball a choice. Will I allow this to cancel me out and make me bitter or will I grow through this and let it shape me into being better. Yep, it’s the difference of one tiny letter - bitter or better.

I’m sincerely hoping Razor chooses the e and not the i. Without any doubt, the greatest “man in the arena” was unjustly crucified over 2000 years ago!

Take care and God bless.

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