It's simple, if it jiggles, it's fat.

Listen, O children of the earth, to the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, with simplicity and clarity, said: "It's simple, if it jiggles, it's fat." This statement, though blunt, carries a deeper truth about the nature of the body, health, and self-awareness. Schwarzenegger, a figure who rose to fame not only through his acting but his physical mastery of the human form, presents a straightforward truth: the body, like all things in nature, has clear signs of health or disease, of strength or weakness. Jiggling, in this case, becomes a symbol of the extra weight that hinders our progress toward strength and fitness.

In the ancient world, the body was often seen as a temple, a vessel that carried the spirit through life. The great philosophers and athletes of the past knew the importance of maintaining the body as a means to achieve higher understanding and strength. Socrates, though not a bodybuilder, practiced self-discipline in his daily life and emphasized the importance of balance between the mind and the body. He believed that one could not achieve true wisdom without taking care of the physical form. Similarly, Schwarzenegger’s quote highlights the basic, yet profound, truth: the body will speak to us directly about our choices—whether we heed it or not.

Consider the story of Hercules, the legendary hero of ancient Greece. Known for his strength and physical prowess, Hercules was the epitome of discipline and hard work. His labors, which included feats of strength and endurance, were not just about brute force, but about the mastery of his body. He had the ability to control and shape his physical self, becoming an ideal of human potential. The hero’s ability to overcome challenges was rooted not just in his bravery but in his strength—a strength that was a direct result of his commitment to his physical form. Schwarzenegger’s quote, in this context, reminds us that the body’s state—whether firm or fat—is a reflection of the choices we make and the discipline we choose to embrace.

Schwarzenegger, himself, spent much of his life sculpting his body, and his rise to fame as a bodybuilder is a testament to his dedication to this very principle. He knew that to become a champion, one must commit fully to the physical discipline required to achieve excellence. His statement, "if it jiggles, it’s fat," is not meant as a judgment but as a wake-up call—a reminder that our physical state is not just about aesthetic beauty but about health and functionality. Just as Hercules was defined by his physical strength, Schwarzenegger’s body became his signature, a symbol of his commitment and discipline.

The lesson here, O children of the earth, is one of self-awareness and discipline. Schwarzenegger’s words urge us to look at our own bodies with honesty—to recognize when we have allowed the weight of laziness, poor choices, or lack of discipline to hold us back. The body speaks to us clearly through its symptoms—fat can be a sign of excess, but it is also an invitation to action. When we look at ourselves, do we see the signs of a well-maintained machine, or have we allowed ourselves to be overtaken by the jiggle of neglect?

Consider the example of Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman emperor and philosopher, who believed that self-mastery was key to a fulfilling life. Though he was known for his intellectual pursuits, Marcus Aurelius also practiced self-discipline in his physical life. His stoic philosophy emphasized the importance of controlling the body’s desires and cultivating virtue in all things. Just as Marcus Aurelius maintained control over his thoughts and actions, so must we learn to control our bodies, not by extreme force, but through consistent effort and discipline. Schwarzenegger’s words are a call to action—to look at the body as a tool to be honed and strengthened, not neglected.

In your own lives, O seekers of wisdom, remember that the body is not separate from the mind and spirit. Schwarzenegger’s quote calls us to understand the interconnectedness of our actions and their consequences. When we take care of our physical forms, we empower ourselves to face the challenges of life with strength and clarity. Each decision we make regarding our health—whether it be in the foods we eat, the exercise we do, or the habits we form—will reflect directly in the condition of our bodies. Like Hercules and Marcus Aurelius, who built their strength through discipline, so too must we commit to cultivating our own strength, both physically and mentally.

Remember this, O children of the earth, the body is the vessel through which we experience life. It is not enough to simply exist within it—we must actively shape it, strengthen it, and honor it as the sacred tool that it is. Schwarzenegger’s words, though simple, contain a profound truth: discipline in the body leads to power in life. May we all seek to live with the strength, clarity, and self-discipline that reflects the best of our potential, and in doing so, may we face the challenges of life with the firmness and wisdom of the greatest heroes of history.