Glenn Reynolds asks: Is physical strength the most important thing in life?

Mariusz Pudzianowski: One of the strongest men in the world

Well…it’s certainly served me remarkably well. I’ve only met a small handful of people who have more natural physical strength than I do, and it’s been a tremendous attribute for me for most of my life for many reasons.

The new version is terrific with lots of pictures and details about how to perform basic barbell exercises. This updated edition seems a lot bigger and more detailed than the 2nd edition.The book takes the reader through the proper form for squats, deadlifts, presses and a number of other exercises. It would make a great gift for the weightlifter or exercise buff on your list.

As an aside, Rippetoe says that physical strength is the most important thing in life. “A weak man is not as happy as the same man would be if he were strong.” I used to disagree and think that intellect was more important. I’m not so sure anymore; on days that I feel good, my life seems perfect, when I feel ill, not so much.

The question was posed after Glenn received a copy of Mark Rippetoe’s updated new book Starting Strength, 3rd edition in the mail. I’m currently teaching my 11-year old nephew strength training using the 2nd edition of Starting Strength. Rippetoe has been a huge influence on my training, both in Crossfit and my Olympic lifting. I’m stronger today at 43 years old than I have ever been in my entire life — even with two shot knees, I can still pull a 500 lb deadlift, 410 lb back squat, 405 lb bench press, and 210 lb press. I only wish I’d started this kind of strength training when I was a much younger man.

Exceptional physical strength gives me a degree of confidence in myself that has manifested itself into nearly every facet of my life. Physically, I’ve always known that I could attempt and accomplish a lot of things that I knew most others couldn’t do. And that confidence to try difficult things, physically, gave me the desire and confidence to try hard things in other areas of my life.

If you’re looking to build real-world functional strength, I highly recommend Rippetoe’s books.

As to the question, is it the most important thing in life? While it has been an exceptionally important part of my life, it’s not the most important. That top honor goes to “love.”