Against All Odds
Driven to succeed or just stupid,
That is the question?
Whether tis nobler in the mind to fight, wounded, to the death
Or by opposing injury, end then
Yeah – I know the real thing works better, but here is MY question:
I have a friend who ran a marathon with a broken foot. I was, and am, impressed by her stamina and determination….but, wow – what if she had never walked again? Were those 26.2 miles worth it?
Another impressive friend got me thinking about this topic the other day as he spoke about amazing moments in tennis when, against all odds, injured greats, battled on and won. (The most important of those involving the best ever, Andre Agassi…., but there are many other amazing tales of triumph.)
What is an “acceptable business risk” and what is the decision process these athletes went through when they decided to gamble their millions-of-dollars-worth bodies and play on.
I said to my friend, “There’s a point where it becomes insanity. But, right before that point it is inspiring.”
Part of why Agassi was so successful, and inspiring, is that he was willing to risk it all (and he is talented). I don’t really have to conduct a similar risk assessment – losing a Nike or Wheaties contract or being damaged for life…, but I do wonder what is at stake when I don’t choose to fight a good fight, or incorporate the counsel Polonius gave Laertes…
This above all: to thine own self, be true.
There is much this statement could imply, but for me it is more than just what not to do (like not carousing with lascivious friends or like not giving up in the face of a challenge). It also infers what TO do (like “be all you can be” or live life well….follow your dreams….etc..).
So – I ask: Is my "acceptable risk" inspiring. Can I run a broken-foot marathon?
3 comments:
Ok, now you've gone way over my head. Actually, we just had a conversation about commenting on your deep thinking blog. I say that it's more important that we comment than what we comment. Other impressive friends suggest that we must equal the deepness in the post as in the comment. Sit back and be pensive on that thought for a while.
There are many reasons I love tennis, but the number one reason is because I believe it is a microcosm of life. A person battles against all odds. Sometimes they win. Sometimes they lose. Sometimes limping and crying, they grit their teeth and destroy their opponent. Sometimes they give EVERYTHING and yet still come up short. And sometimes a player defeats him/herself. All these situations have the capacity to inspire growth, knowledge, a fresh view on life, and love.
Absolutely you could.... but only if it is your passion....otherwise I wouldn't. If only your head is involved, I would pass..... but if your heart is as well, well then everything changes, new rules, new playing field and new heights....
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