December 4th, 2010
Total Distance for today: 0 miles
Total Distance for Tour: approx. 553 miles
LOCATION: Raleigh, NC
STATUS: Closing on some speaking engagements in the area!
Jealous
There is a scene in the movie “Troy” that is among the most compelling scenes I’ve ever seen in a movie. In the scene, Achilles (Brad Pitt) is speaking to Briseis, his captive and lover. In the scene Briseis is showing her pity and disgust at Achilles choice to be a warrior. It’s obvious that she believes that a more learned man would have chosen a more submissive, peaceful, and obedient path. She felt so strongly because she had recently witnessed Achilles desecrating the temple of her gods.
There is a part in the scene where Achilles says one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard. It goes like this:
I’ll tell you a secret… Something they don’t teach you in your temple.
[long pause]
The gods envy us… They envy us because we’re mortal. ‘Cause any moment might be our last. Everything’s more beautiful because we’re doomed.
[pause]
You will never be lovelier than you are now… We will never be here again.”
Achilles demonstrates both the power of his intellect and the depth of his appreciation for life. It takes the wisdom of a warrior to fully comprehend and appreciate the beauty of a finite life. It takes the courage of a warrior to create meaning for himself in that short life. Just remember this: Not all warriors fight with swords, and not all battles are fought to conquer or defend cities. The greatest battles are fought within. The greatest battle of all is in answering the question of life: Yes or no, and why? For the glory of such a battle, immortal ones should be most envious of us, indeed.
You can see the scene here.
