Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you are

In the journey of life, there is one truth that resonates through the ages, carried by sages and philosophers alike: discipline is the key to true freedom. Eliud Kipchoge, a man whose life is defined by his extraordinary discipline as a marathon runner, expresses this wisdom with a clarity that echoes across generations: “Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you are undisciplined, you are a slave to your moods and your passions.” These words encapsulate a powerful lesson about the nature of self-control and freedom—that to live freely, we must first master ourselves, for without discipline, we are merely slaves to the ever-changing currents of our own emotions and desires.

The idea that discipline leads to freedom is not a new one. In the ancient world, philosophers like Aristotle and Epictetus preached the value of self-mastery. For Aristotle, virtue was the balance between extremes, and it was through discipline that one could live a life of moderation, avoiding the excesses of indulgence and the pitfalls of neglect. Similarly, Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, taught that true freedom is found not in the external world, but in the ability to control one's inner world—to govern the mind, emotions, and actions, rather than being ruled by them. In this sense, Kipchoge’s words are a modern reflection of a much older truth: those who have discipline in their lives are the ones who are truly free, for they are not swayed by every passing emotion or whim.

Consider the example of Socrates, who lived a life of rigorous self-discipline and intellectual pursuit. His commitment to living a life of virtue, governed by reason, not only led him to become one of the most influential figures in history but also allowed him to face his own death with calmness and grace. When Socrates was sentenced to death, he did not succumb to fear, anger, or despair, emotions that would have enslaved a lesser mind. Instead, he accepted his fate with dignity, understanding that his freedom lay not in his external circumstances but in his ability to control his own thoughts and actions. Discipline, for Socrates, was the gateway to true freedom—freedom from the tyranny of fear, passion, and irrationality.

In the more recent world, Eliud Kipchoge himself embodies this principle in a way that is accessible to all. Through his unwavering discipline in training, he has become the world’s greatest marathon runner, achieving what was once considered impossible: running a marathon in under two hours. But his discipline is not simply physical—it is a mental and emotional strength. Each day, Kipchoge chooses to stay disciplined, to set aside temporary pleasures for the sake of a greater, long-term goal. He is not a slave to the whims of fatigue, doubt, or distraction. Instead, he is the master of his mind and body, shaping them through consistent effort and self-control. In this way, Kipchoge’s life is a living testament to the truth that discipline is the bedrock upon which freedom is built.

Kipchoge’s success is not merely the result of natural talent, but of consistent effort and self-regulation, both on and off the track. It is easy to look at someone like him and think that his achievements are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Yet, Kipchoge’s message is clear: discipline is not about grand gestures or rare moments of greatness. It is about the daily commitment to control oneself, to stay focused and determined even when the path is difficult. Every day, Kipchoge practices the art of discipline in small, seemingly insignificant ways, and it is through this that he has achieved extraordinary freedom and success.

The lesson from Kipchoge’s words is profound: true freedom comes not from the ability to indulge every impulse, but from the ability to choose how we respond to life. If we allow ourselves to be carried away by our moods, desires, and passions, we are like ships tossed on the waves, unable to control our direction or destination. However, when we cultivate discipline, we become the captains of our own lives, able to navigate through the storms with purpose and direction. We are not enslaved by external circumstances or our own unchecked emotions, but free to choose how we engage with the world.

In our own lives, we must recognize that discipline is the key to mastering not only our actions but our minds and hearts. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our personal growth, it is through consistent effort, self-control, and focus that we unlock the freedom to live authentically and fully. The journey is not easy—there will be temptations, distractions, and moments of weakness—but it is in those moments that we must remember: discipline is the path to true freedom. Let us then, with every choice we make, strive to live with intention, to remain steadfast in our commitments, and to free ourselves from the tyranny of undirected passion and emotion. In doing so, we will find not only the strength to achieve our goals, but the freedom to live as masters of our own fate.