A Reflection on Haruki Murakami's "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" | by Diyora Islamova
Haruki Murakami's memoir, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running", holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favourite books. In this insightful and thought-provoking memoir, Murakami takes us on a journey into his world of marathon running and the mental and physical challenges he faces. As I delved into the pages of the book, I found myself engaged in a conversation with the author, as his words flowed effortlessly, making it a light and quick read.
Embracing Mortality and Legacy:
One theme that struck a chord with me was Murakami's contemplation of ageing and how it affects his performance as a runner. Despite his age slowing him down, he refuses to accept defeat and strives to improve through better training and determination. This introspective journey got me reflecting on my own mortality and, somewhat self-centred, the idea of someone eventually surpassing me in my work.
The Perennial Pursuit of Improvement:
I was intrigued by the persistent thoughts about being outperformed by others in my field. However, I was also bewildered as to why this idea lingered in my mind, unable to find a resolution. Then, within the pages of Murakami's memoir, I discovered a passage that beautifully captures the essence of life's continuous cycle. While running at Harvard, he finds himself surpassed by a younger woman, a metaphor for passing the baton to the next generation. This notion extends beyond running and encompasses all aspects of life, including writing and creative pursuits.
A Shift Towards Community Interdependence:
Murakami's reflections on being surpassed in his running and writing led me to a profound realisation – it's not about one's individual accomplishments but rather the sense of community and interdependence. Embracing the idea that there will always be others who can do something better opens up opportunities for mentorship and sharing knowledge. We cannot change the entire world single-handedly, but we can each contribute to leaving it better than we found it.
Legacy and Incremental Change:
With this newfound perspective, I shifted my thoughts from self-centred concerns to legacy and incremental change. It is not a race against others but a collective effort to improve ourselves and empower those who come after us. Just as Murakami hands over the metaphorical baton to the younger woman, we too must share the lessons we've learned to pave the way for a brighter future.
Changing Mental Models:
My personal revelation about not wanting to share my knowledge or experience was a limiting belief that I needed to confront. By recognizing this mental model, I realised the importance of openness, collaboration, and mentorship. Changing our own beliefs and attitudes can lead to transformative growth and a positive impact on others.
Conclusion:
Haruki Murakami's memoir, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running," served as a catalyst for profound self-reflection. It encouraged me to embrace my mortality and view the pursuit of excellence not as a competition against others but as a communal journey of continuous improvement. Through mentorship and sharing, we contribute to a legacy that incrementally changes the world for the better. And in this process, we find fulfilment, growth, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Diyora Islamova is a data apprentice at Multiverse based in London, UK. She’s been writing for the Apprentice Lens as part of the Blogging Team. Here’s more about her:
“Hello! Writing is one of the most important and vital forms of communicating, sharing ideas and storytelling. As I start to learn more about Data, I realize how communication and storytelling are both key components of the Data Science Process. Through my blog posts, I hope to hone my skills and be able to effectively execute an idea in written form.”