Heroic Commitments for 2026
The author reflects on his unfulfilled resolutions for the past years, particularly focusing on learning Ancient Greek and improving his tennis skills.
In a reflective piece, the author shares his struggles with keeping new year resolutions, particularly as he enters February having made little progress on goals set for 2025. Among these aspirations are a commitment to read the 'Iliad' in its original Greek text, which he made after a poignant interaction with historian Robin Lane Fox. Despite his initial enthusiasm to enroll in a Greek course, life distractions have caused him to postpone this intellectual pursuit.
The author humorously illustrates the all-too-common scenario of setting ambitious goals that often fall by the wayside, echoing the sentiment that many can resonate with. His desire to engage deeply with classical literature and improve in tennis reflects a longing for personal growth amidst the complexities of modern life. The challenge of prioritizing such aspirations is a universal theme, showing how easily we can become sidetracked from our noble intentions.
As he revisits his resolutions, the author portrays a mix of determination and regret, emphasizing that while these commitments might seem out of reach, they remain a testament to one's hopes for self-improvement. This introspection serves not only as an acknowledgment of his failures but also as a motivation to recommit to his heroic endeavors, hoping to fulfill them by 2026.