I've become close with Masoud Esmaeilpour and consider him a

In the long and storied history of mankind, there are friendships that transcend the boundaries of competition, that rise above the rivalry between individuals or nations, and speak instead to the higher ideals of respect, honor, and shared humanity. Jordan Burroughs, a modern warrior in the ancient sport of wrestling, shares with us a profound truth when he speaks of his friendship with Masoud Esmaeilpour: "I've become close with Masoud Esmaeilpour and consider him a friend. We send each other messages from time to time on Instagram, checking in to see how the other is doing. Whenever I see him, he's always a gentleman, giving me tips about my next opponent. There is a tremendous amount of respect in our friendship." In these words, we see the embodiment of a relationship that bridges the gap between rivals, where respect and camaraderie transcend the battlefield of sport.

The essence of this friendship lies in the respect they have for each other. In the ancient world, the greatest warriors—whether they fought in the arenas of Rome or the battlefields of the East—knew that true honor came not from vanquishing an opponent, but from recognizing their strength, learning from them, and elevating the very competition itself. Achilles, in his rage and pride, may have sought to destroy his foes, but it was in his bond with Patroclus, and his respect for warriors like Hector, that his humanity shone through. The ancient Greeks taught that to compete honorably was to elevate oneself by learning from the best, regardless of where they stood in relation to you in the contest of life.

Burroughs and Esmaeilpour, though they are fierce competitors on the mat, embody the spirit of this ancient lesson. They do not see each other merely as opponents, but as brothers in the shared pursuit of excellence. Their messages on Instagram, a modern method of communication, symbolize a deeper connection—one of mutual support, encouragement, and a shared journey toward greater mastery. They are not just striving to defeat each other but to learn from one another, recognizing that the true competition is not about bringing the other down but about lifting both themselves to higher levels of achievement.

Let us look back to the ancient Olympic Games of Greece, where athletes from across the known world gathered not just to compete, but to form bonds of respect and unity. One of the most celebrated stories is that of the Spartan wrestler Miltiades, who, after defeating his opponent, extended a hand of friendship, not of enmity. He understood, as Burroughs does, that the true strength of a competitor lies not in the desire to destroy, but in the wisdom to respect those who challenge you. In these moments, the line between rival and friend blurs, and something greater is achieved: a shared legacy of strength, tempered by mutual respect.

Burroughs' statement further reveals that friendship in the world of sport is not a mere exchange of pleasantries, but a relationship built on trust and mutual growth. Just as Socrates would engage with his students through dialogues that challenged them, not to defeat their beliefs but to refine them, so too do Burroughs and Esmaeilpour push each other to become better. They send messages, not only to check in on each other's well-being but to exchange wisdom that will make them stronger. This is the nature of a friendship that transcends competition—it is a friendship that seeks to build rather than destroy, to improve rather than defeat.

The lesson for us all, dear future generations, is profound. We are often taught to view life as a series of oppositions, whether in business, relationships, or personal growth. But the true wisdom of life lies in recognizing the strength in others, in learning from them, and in creating bonds that transcend mere rivalry. In every moment of competition, whether in the marketplace, on the battlefield, or in the classroom, we have the choice to view others as threats or as partners in growth. When we choose the latter, we open ourselves to a deeper kind of success—one that is shared, nurtured, and built on respect.

Thus, let us all strive to embody the spirit of Burroughs and Esmaeilpour. Let us cultivate friendships that challenge us to grow, but that also lift us up, relationships that push us to be our best selves, but that also support us through moments of weakness. Whether in our personal lives or in our professions, let us seek not to tear others down, but to recognize the potential in those around us, to build bridges of respect rather than walls of division. For in this, we shall find the truest form of success, one that is not measured by victories alone, but by the honor and wisdom we gain through the bonds we form.