My ideal for the well-lived life has so closely paralleled the classical one — the passionate struggle for excellence in the pursuits of mind, body and soul. And no wonder my admiration for this ancient Greek vision and inspiration to live an encyclopedic — literally, all-around — life has been tempered and frustrated in this day and age. For me, the joys of books, art, religion, and sports are inextricably connected.

Phil Cousineau, The Olympic Odyssey