I’m gonna try not to rant here
Actually getting across in a way that is understandable would be enough (these are all my on opinions)
You know, when we talk about bodybuilding, the first thought should not be Phil Heath or some other super massive guy on the Olympia stage. Phil got dethroned this year (spoiler alert) and a lot of people were going crazy over it. “How could Rhoden beat Phil, he has no triceps” “He’s too small” yada yada yada. The fact is that Rhoden was easily the most aesthetic guy there. Phil was off. He had a gut and he looked awkward, that second place was gifted to him. But it proved a point; a better guy won. (Now of course it was probably done just to create a new rivarly setting and to give Phil a chance for a massive comeback, so in the end, it was politics). Now, that’s exactly why we should not look at Mr. Olympia when we talk about bodybuilding. It’s pretty much just a freakshow, an act. I’m not disagreeing with that, the industry is fucked up.
What I’d want people to think about when bodybuilding is mentioned is natural bodybuilding. Natural bodybuilding requires insane commitment if you want to reach a competitive level. The guys are usually strong as hell and also very good in a multitude of sports due to increased strength, agility, speed and bodily awareness. They are not just sacks of meat.
Now, for anyone saying that you cannot get big naturally, behold;
This guy is arguably one of Finland’s best natural bodybuilders. A three time national champion, one time Nordic champion and he finished 6th at worlds. 6’2" and a bit under hundred kilos in contest shape. And this guy is not even a genetic freak really. Started from 52 kilos and just put in a whole lot of work. (If I remember correctly he had been training for 13 or so years when this picture was taken). Dude is also really strong (6x160kg CGB and 20x180kg squat for example). This is what bodybuilding should be about. Commitment, gaining strength, eating according to the plan. Competing if that is what you want to do, although that is definitely not the healthiest thing you could do. And in my opinion, bodybuilding should be done naturally for as long as possible. (also, the natural competitions are a lot less about politics as there are less people following it, so the better guy wins 9/10 times)
You should train hard and be dedicated to your diet for years before going on a cycle. Bodybuilding is an individualistic sport, and even if the goal (looking as good as possible) is vain, the methods don’t have to be. You can train with a thick hoodie on and only do sets of six if you want. There is nothing vain about that.
Just for your enjoyment, a couple of posing routines from natural guys;
Another one of Finland’s top natural guys (the song is You raise me up in Finnish)
Same dude two years later, he switched over to bodybuilding
This is the guy from the picture, as you see, it doesn’t have to be that serious.
All in all. Whatever sport you choose to do, whichever goal you choose to strive for, you should do it because you WANT to. You should always have passion for what you do. It doesn’t matter to me if bodybuilding federations are corrupted or if people think I’m vain for choosing bodybuilding. I do it because I want to. Ever since I was a literal stick figure as a teen I’ve had passion and drive for this sport. That’s the way it should be for every sport; @duketheslaya is passionate about strongman, @MarkKO chases powerlifting numbers. @littlesleeper does whatever he feels like doing and beats us all at it. Having passion for something makes people interesting.
That’s all, carry on.
or a skinny strongman 
