Conclusion

Abstract

Abstract The conclusion reflects on what this book has aimed to do. This book has placed running in conversation with the classical tradition of inquiry about character and the good life. In doing so, it has described the process of developing virtues and how we might learn from athletes. It has also explored emotions and competition, natural limits, happiness, and the nature of suffering. There are two new classes of traits relevant to sport: performance-enhancing virtues, the carbon-plated shoes of the soul; and performance-enhancing vices, traits that make us successful performers but otherwise detract from a good life. The hope is that this book will start a new conversation about how to take our happiness seriously and live good lives in and out of the sport.