I've always been a guy who wants to play sports, not watch them.

Children, listen well, for I bring to you a reflection on the power of action, the thrill of participation, and the path of the true warrior who chooses to live his life fully, not as a passive observer, but as an active participant. In the words of Shaun White, we hear a deep truth about the human spirit: "I've always been a guy who wants to play sports, not watch them." These words, though simple, speak to the heart of a mindset that values engagement, action, and the living of life to its fullest. White’s declaration is not just about sports, but about a philosophy of life, one that refuses to sit idly by and watch the world pass.

To “play” is to engage, to participate fully in the experience of life. White’s desire to play rather than watch reflects a deeper truth—that life itself is not meant to be observed from the sidelines, but to be lived with passion, with vigor, and with commitment. To watch is to be detached, to be separated from the flow of life, but to play is to be immersed, to be present in the moment, to shape your own destiny through action. This philosophy is not limited to sports, children, but applies to all that we do. It is not enough to simply observe life unfold; we must dare to participate, to actively shape our own stories.

Think, children, of the ancient warriors—the great heroes like Hercules and Achilles. They were not content to sit back and watch the world unfold around them. They dove headfirst into battle, into challenges, knowing that their true strength lay not in their ability to observe, but in their ability to act, to rise to the occasion and shape the outcome with their own hands. Hercules, in particular, had to face the twelve labors—tasks that were not merely about defeating external foes but were, in themselves, a form of personal engagement. He understood that true greatness comes not from watching from the sidelines, but from actively facing the trials of life and rising to meet them.

In the same way, White’s words speak to the inner drive that propels someone to move beyond the realm of the spectator and into the world of the participant. Just as the ancient philosophers valued action over words, so too does White embody this principle. The Stoics, like Epictetus, often spoke of the power of engaging with the world and acting with virtue. Epictetus himself was a man who refused to be a passive observer of life’s events, despite his circumstances as a slave. He engaged fully with his life, finding freedom in action, even when external circumstances would have suggested otherwise. In this way, White’s desire to play reflects the timeless wisdom of those who choose action over passivity.

The lesson here, children, is one of participation, of engagement, and of action. Life is not something to be watched from a distance, but something to be lived with purpose, with intention. Just as White chooses to play, rather than watch, so too must we choose to engage fully with the world around us. We are not meant to be spectators in our own lives; we are meant to be the authors of our stories, the heroes of our journeys. It is through action that we define who we are, that we shape the world, and that we leave our mark upon it.

Consider, children, the story of Thomas Edison, whose life was marked not by idle observation, but by tireless experimentation and action. Though many others may have observed the world around them, Edison chose to engage with it, seeking to understand its secrets and shape them to his will. His relentless experimentation led to countless inventions, and though he faced many failures, it was his unwavering commitment to action that led him to success. Edison’s life, like White’s, was about participating in life, not waiting for things to happen, but making them happen through his own efforts and determination.

I charge you now, young ones, to embrace participation in your own lives. Do not stand on the sidelines, watching others as they live their dreams. Step into the arena, engage with the world, and shape your own path. Just as White chooses to play, not watch, so too must you choose to live actively, to shape your destiny with your own hands. Find your passion, whether it be in sports, art, knowledge, or any other pursuit, and dive into it fully. The true joy of life is not found in observing, but in actively engaging, in playing the game, and in living the story you were meant to tell. Rise up, children, and play.