This week, we will consider the purpose and importance of physical education.

It may be tempting to think of the academic pursuits—math, science, literature, etc.—as the real purpose of school, with “gym class” a fun little add-on.  That is how many schools today regard it. 

But the history of physical education as we know it goes back at least 2,700 years.  In ancient Greece, the gymnasium (which is derived from words that mean to exercise naked), was a public institution where young men trained their bodies and learned wrestling, boxing, and ball sports, all culminating in athletic contests at public festivals.  But the gymnasium wasn’t just the place for sports; it also became a place for lectures and discussions on philosophy, literature, music, and the like. 

In short, physical education was an essential part of a complete education and of the pursuit of excellence—leaving it out would be like pretending that man was just a mind and not a body; while focusing only on physical pursuits would make man little more than a well-trained animal.  As Plato, the great philosopher, put it: “In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together.”

That is why most of you take physical education every day.  It is why you all participated in the Greek games last semester.  It is why Mr. Buller marks your progress in the presidential fitness test.  No matter how athletically gifted you are (or are not), God still gave you the gift of a body.  Excellence demands that you train it well.

Have a wonderful day.