Theagenes
of Thasos was a renowned athlete, a champion of boxing, pankration and running
in ancient Greece. He was gifted with extraordinary strength and swiftness. He
became an Olympic victor in boxing in 480 BC and again in pankration in 476 BC.
In addition, he gained numerous victories in several national and international
athletic contests and games.
When
Theagenes died, the people of Thasos erected a huge bronze statue of Theagenes
at the centre of the city as a lasting memorial to the distinguished athlete of
the island.
Pausanias,
a Greek traveller and writer has narrated a story about this statue. A person
in Thasos could not defeat Theagenes even once in any contest. He became
extremely envious of Theagenes and as an act of revenge, he used to come to the
statue of Theagenes every night and express his hatred by beating, whipping and
flogging the statue. One night, while he was scourging the statue violently and
possibly digging the ground around the statue with the foul intention of
pushing it over, it fell down upon the man and killed him. The next morning,
the people of Thasos witnessed this tragic scene. The man fell victim to his
own envy.
The story illustrates the danger of getting intoxicated by
meaningless feelings of competition and envy. People often become crazy on
seeing others in a better position or with better capabilities. Thoughtless
efforts to surpass others and take revenge may lead to loss and disaster. We
must admit our limitations and respect others' achievements. That is the easy
way to be healthy, happy and holy. Envy or jealousy is a serious sin.
The
Holy Bible teaches, “Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like
a cancer.”
…………………………………………………………………….
©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Darsana Academy,
Kottayam-686001, Kerala, India ( Former Professor, Cochin University of Science
& Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India), Prof.
Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St. Dominic's
College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St. Antony's
Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally,
Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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