Is The Mind More Powerful Than The Body?!?!?

I would like to address my massive audience (of one) today about the wonder, power, and strength of the mind. There are many times when we hear stories about immaculate feats and when the person who accomplishes those feats are asked, “How did you manage to do that;” the answer is always the same, “With the power of my mind and heart.” This leads me to discuss a quote that pertains to the second part of number 13 on The Power of One Socratic Seminar questions. The question is the following: “In what way does Peekay live out the aphorism ‘First with your head, then with your heart’ throughout the rest of the novel?” Our class touched on this topic, but it is something I just cannot get out of my head. I will explain.

This quote is presented in The Power of One, written by Bryce Courtenay. Peekay, a young English boy, meets a boxer named Hoppie who tells him, “First with your head, then with your heart,” after Hoppie’s boxing match. Peekay applies this quote to the rest of his life. When he takes up the hobby of boxing, all of the Africans that he boxes are taller and stronger than he is. He must first win the mental fight and push on with his heart. He also applies this to his academics. He is a very smart kid and he shows this when is at boarding school as has to put up with the Judge and the other Nazi kids as well as his subjects at the Prince of Whales School.

When I think of this quote, there is ultimately one movie (saga) that comes to mind…Rocky. The story of Rocky Balboa is a remarkable story that personifies this quote. The story of a young man from Philly who is determined to make it big in the boxing world. Rocky is known for his come backs. Whenever Rocky seems like he is going to lose, he applies that quote and BOOM!!! He comes back and wins. Just like Peekay, Rocky fights boxers who are bigger than him, such as Mr. T., and Dolph Lundgren. The Italian Stallion conquers all.

I personally believe that this is the greatest quote ever said. I have applied this quote to my life. I believe that this is the way we should live. First, we need to think things through and win the fight with our mind, and then proceed with our heart. Our mind is what makes us strong and our heart is what helps us push through. I challenge you, reader, to apply this to your life and see the affects that it can produce. Just remember: “first with your head, then with your heart.”

Until next time, I bid you adieu.

Thank you,

Ryan Sperratore