Favorite Boris Pasternak Poem of Buvaisar Saitiev | Joe Rogan Experience

In this segment of the Joe Rogan Experience, Buvaisar Saitiev shares his personal ritual before every competition: reading a poem by Boris Pasternak, the renowned Russian poet and Nobel Prize laureat known for writing *Doctor Zhivago*. Saitiev explains that he chooses to read from Pasternak because the author's work embodies the specific ethic required in combat sports. Although there is some difficulty with translating the nuances of the original Russian text into English—leading to a slightly imperfect but still powerful rendition—the core message remains clear and deeply resonant for an athlete seeking mental clarity before stepping onto the mat or ring. The poem itself serves as a philosophical guide, emphasizing that external factors such as fame, money, recognition, and even the binary outcome of winning or losing are ultimately insignificant to the true artist or fighter. Saitiev highlights specific lines from the text which urge the individual not to distinguish their victory from their defeat in a way that compromises their integrity. Instead, the focus must remain on staying alive spiritually and emotionally until the very end, burning with passion for one's craft rather than being consumed by the results of the match or the judgment of others who will inevitably write stories about how events unfolded. Central to Saitiev's interpretation is the concept that what truly matters in any endeavor is the purity of art and the complete surrender of oneself to it. He argues that while other people may record history, tell whether one acted well or poorly, and use an individual's story for inspiration, these external narratives do not define the essence of the struggle. The artist, much like a fighter, must be concerned solely with the love of the art form itself, ensuring that their actions are driven by internal conviction rather than the desire to impress an audience or secure material gain. This dedication to purity and selflessness is presented as the ultimate goal for any competitor who wishes to maintain their integrity throughout their career. By reciting these words before every match, Saitiev reinforces a mindset where the act of competing becomes an expression of devotion rather than just a pursuit of medals or accolades. The poem acts as a reminder that life and art are about enduring commitment to one's credo without betrayal, ensuring that the spirit remains unbroken regardless of whether the outcome is favorable or not. Ultimately, Saitiev presents Pasternak's verses as a timeless testament to finding meaning in the process itself rather than in the fleeting nature of victory or defeat.