Episode 273 - CANON AND COMMITMENT
In this episode of the "Thick and Mystic Moment" podcast, host Robert John Hadfield delves into the importance of standards in both personal and broader societal contexts. Initially sharing his own journey with running as a means to lose weight and establish a healthier lifestyle, Hadfield reflects on how setting measurable goals and standards was crucial for his progress. He started running in college, using an indoor track to precisely gauge his distances, allowing him to incrementally increase his running distance and monitor his progress.
Hadfield expands on this personal narrative to explore the broader application and significance of standards in various domains, including sports, technology, and daily life. He emphasizes how standards provide a basis for measurement, progress tracking, and achievement. Drawing from historical anecdotes, such as Jesse Owens' nullified record due to a slightly short track and the humorous error of a swimming competition held downstream, Hadfield illustrates how strict adherence to standards ensures fairness and accuracy in competitive contexts.
The discussion transitions into a more philosophical exploration of the concept of standards, touching upon their linguistic roots and their role in religion and cultural norms, such as the canon of religious texts. Hadfield argues that standards underpin successful communication and cooperation within society, highlighting their ubiquity and the often-unacknowledged reliance on them for daily functioning and technological interoperability.
Concluding the episode, Hadfield returns to the theme of personal growth and achievement, stressing the importance of setting clear, measurable standards for oneself. By doing so, individuals can more effectively gauge their progress towards their goals. He underscores the necessity of commitment to these standards, pointing out that the establishment of goals is futile without the determination to pursue and achieve them. Through this comprehensive exploration, the episode presents an insightful discourse on the role and value of standards in fostering personal development and societal advancement.
