Baron Pierre de Coubertin did more than launch the modern Olympic Games, he created a philosophy of life that any individual can follow. While this quote emphasizes the personal aspects of his philosophy, its ambitions and reach are global. In fact, Olympism can be summarized in five steps that move from the personal to the universal. It all begins with human excellence, which any athlete aspiring to be an Olympian must achieve. From excellence, Olympism moves toward mutual respect—the essential respect that athletes must have for the rules of sport and their adversaries. In mutual respect, Coubertin envisioned the seeds of friendship. From friendship between athletes from all over the world, he saw the possibilities of greater international understanding and, finally, in his idealism Coubertin believed that Olympism could make a contribution toward world peace.

While some might scoff at the progression of this five part ideal—or question its ability to foster peace through sport—it is having an important impact right now in the Olympic rapprochement between North and South Korea. Whatever happens in Pyeongchang before of after the Games, Olympism will go on. It is as permanent as Olympic sport and as enduring as the Olympic Movement itself. As surely as it will continue to help individuals achieve balanced lives, Olympism will continue to serve as a platform for helping the world bridge its differences, discover its commonalities, and overcome its animosities.

“Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”

This quote is drawn from Article 2 of the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter, the document that guides the activities of the Olympic Movement worldwide.