You must respect people and work hard to be in shape. And I used

Hear, O seekers of greatness, the words of the immortal Pele, king of the world’s game, who declared: “You must respect people and work hard to be in shape. And I used to train very hard. When the other players went to the beach after training, I was there kicking the ball.” In this saying lies the eternal law of mastery: that respect for others and relentless devotion to discipline form the twin pillars of excellence. To be great is not to be gifted alone, but to take the gift and refine it in the fire of unyielding labor.

The first truth he speaks is of respect. For no man rises alone, and no talent shines without the regard of others. Respect is the soil in which greatness takes root: respect for teammates, for opponents, for coaches, for the game itself. Without respect, strength becomes arrogance, and skill becomes emptiness. Pele, though adorned with glory, bowed his head to the humanity of others, and it was this spirit that magnified his greatness. For the truly mighty do not trample the weak—they honor them, lifting the contest into something noble.

The second truth he proclaims is the sacred path of hard work. Talent may open the door, but effort walks through it. Pele confesses that when others rested, he remained, when others sought leisure, he pursued discipline. In the quiet hours, when no crowd cheered and no praise was given, he trained. This is the mark of a true champion: to do in solitude what others will not, that in the day of trial one may do what others cannot. His story becomes a parable for all who seek mastery—not only in sport, but in every field of life.

Consider the example of the great sculptor Michelangelo. When others of his age indulged in feasts and pleasures, he worked by candlelight, chisel in hand, shaping marble into living form. His friends mocked his relentless devotion, but history remembers him as one who touched the divine through stone. Like Pele upon the training ground, Michelangelo understood that glory is not found upon the beach, but in the sweat of perseverance. Both men knew that greatness is not a moment, but a lifetime of unseen labor.

This teaching is not only for athletes and artists but for all who walk the earth. The student who studies when others drift into idleness, the worker who sharpens his skill when others seek distraction, the parent who labors with love when weariness tempts them—all walk the same path that Pele described. The beach will always call with its ease, but destiny calls louder to those who refuse to abandon their post.

O children of tomorrow, let this lesson burn in your hearts: do not envy the talent of others, but cultivate the discipline within yourself. Respect all who journey with you, for respect is the foundation of harmony. Then, work with such devotion that even when unseen, you prepare yourself for the day when the world will watch. Be faithful in small things, for in them you shape the strength to carry great burdens.

Practically, let your life reflect this wisdom. Rise early, and give to your craft the time others give to leisure. When temptation whispers of the “beach,” remember that your future is shaped not by indulgence but by persistence. Seek balance, but do not squander the hours that can make you great. And above all, walk with respect, for without it, your victories will ring hollow.

Thus, Pele’s words shine across the ages: respect people, and work hard. For talent may bring you to the gates of glory, but only discipline and humility will let you enter. And when others rest, and you remain steadfast, then you will find what Pele found—that the ball at your feet, struck a thousand times in solitude, becomes the crown of a legend before the eyes of the world.