Believe in Ezz

Dear Blog Diary,

“You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him to find it for himself.” - Galileo

I believe every person should be in pursuit of physical, mental, intellectual, creative, and financial health. All of them, yet we usually get consumed by one, and neglect most. Mental health is being ok and intellectual health is how you think, just to clarify.

If you know me, you probably know I strive to be a renaissance man. I find I get better at one thing as I get better at all things. More importantly, I see life differently.

Ezzard Charles, "The Cincinnati Cobra”.

I live right off of Ezzard Charles Dr in West End, Cincinnati. I’ve walked past his mural and statue so many times. Wasn’t until this year that I really knew anything about this Cinci hero.

I don’t know enough about boxing to articulate how incredible he was but, he knocked out a lot of people. He literally killed a guy in the ring, tragically. I was surprised to learn that he fought at Music Hall. That place is for fancy symphonies and the ballet.

Ezzard loved jazz, played multiple instruments (not necessarily well but hey) and spoke fluent Italian. He died of ALS and in his later years when he could no longer speak, it was said that he could still smile.

I’ve also recently discovered Eric Crumble. Google that guy!

Crumble is a boxer with a record of 0-31 with all 31 losses coming from knock out in the first or second round.

He is retired but you have to wonder. Was he delusional? If you add just one puncher’s chance win where he beat a champion, everything changes, but that’s not his story. Should he have quit long ago? To believe in one thing so deeply regardless of discouragement, it's inspirational. I cry every single time I watch Rudy but mostly because he wins (yes it's fake but still).

I wonder, if you dedicate everything to one thing and you only see failure, how is your outlook on everything else? Would Crumble have seen boxing differently if he was talented in pottery? Do I look at my neighborhood differently? Yes I do.

Can't teach that. You have to find out for yourself what kind of person you want to be. 

Best,

E

#ARTiculate