Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall In Love With the Process of Becoming Great

Jackie Chan, the singer, athlete, and movie star, visits the community. Mr. Chan delivers an extensive speech on failure as a stepping stone on the path to success. He lists famous examples of successful men and women who once faced setbacks but continued through the loss. That night, John reflects on what these people achieved, despite setbacks, and affirms his desire to keep working.

John stays at the range alone hoping to surpass his rival Katsuo’s achievements. Akira suggests this type of goal-setting to be impractical. Akira tells of a journey he and his one-time lover experienced in which Akira drove relentlessly toward a waterfall, though he never reached it. On the way, he alienated his lover and made a fool of himself in the pursuit of achieving a goal he saw as achievable. Akira explains that even if he had reached the falls, the destruction he’d left behind him in rushing toward his goal was not worth it. John says he understands.

Katsuo and John get into a physical altercation in the dining hall after Katsuo laughs at John’s poor performance in the tournament.