At the World Cross-Country Championship in Bathurst, Australia, an 83-year-old runner beat his younger competitors to be crowned the World Masters Champion. This is a remarkable feat, considering the raw, unpredictable course and the Australian summer heat. The course was designed to be uniquely Australian, with treacherous mud, a dash through a winery, a ‘chicane’ of car tires, and a ‘Bondi Beach’ stretch of deep sand. It was a true test of the runner’s tenacity, skill and endurance, a challenge that can only be found in the sport of cross-country running. This unexpected opportunity for an 83-year-old runner to compete and win is a testament to the power of seizing the moment. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
