This is marvelous! I love the poetic flow of your writing. We move from mocking Tate, which is a good in and of itself, through Trafalgar to the use of Rugby, all to make a true point.
This is an extremely interesting post challenging a topic I haven't seen addressed much elsewhere. Thank you for taking the time to think through this. This is definitely a concept I'd like to ponder more.
Also, perhaps you'd be interested in the book The Case for Greatness by Robert Faulkner. There's some similarities I think you might find fascinating.
So, if we reserve praise for the really gifted, and showing up isn't that commendable, because you didn't die and you're not the best, what's the draw for guys that can't be the best? If toughing it out, and doing the best you can under the circumstances isn't a commendable part of masculinity, do we run the risk of telling the middle of the bell curve they're not *really* good men? I'm asking for . . . well, for me, because I'm not amazing at anything. I am pretty sure that the long term doggedness of not giving up, even if I'm just mediocre actually means something.
"Of course, greatest glory still goes to the star quarterback, the leading touchdown scorer, the cornerback the recruiters are after. But since the athlete in question is not one of those guys, a sling makes a wonderful white badge of courage, a way to spread abroad what renown he can."
So, if you're talented you get congratulated. But not if you're mediocre.
This is marvelous! I love the poetic flow of your writing. We move from mocking Tate, which is a good in and of itself, through Trafalgar to the use of Rugby, all to make a true point.
Less talk, more results.
Thank you!
This is an extremely interesting post challenging a topic I haven't seen addressed much elsewhere. Thank you for taking the time to think through this. This is definitely a concept I'd like to ponder more.
Also, perhaps you'd be interested in the book The Case for Greatness by Robert Faulkner. There's some similarities I think you might find fascinating.
Isn't the misrepresentation you allude to early on the sin of Annias and Sapphira? "I gave it all," but really... Didn't.
Just so!
So, if we reserve praise for the really gifted, and showing up isn't that commendable, because you didn't die and you're not the best, what's the draw for guys that can't be the best? If toughing it out, and doing the best you can under the circumstances isn't a commendable part of masculinity, do we run the risk of telling the middle of the bell curve they're not *really* good men? I'm asking for . . . well, for me, because I'm not amazing at anything. I am pretty sure that the long term doggedness of not giving up, even if I'm just mediocre actually means something.
Who said anything about the really gifted?
"Of course, greatest glory still goes to the star quarterback, the leading touchdown scorer, the cornerback the recruiters are after. But since the athlete in question is not one of those guys, a sling makes a wonderful white badge of courage, a way to spread abroad what renown he can."
So, if you're talented you get congratulated. But not if you're mediocre.
Again, who said anything about "really gifted"? If you think talent is what makes for greatness, I'm sorry.
Great thoughts brother! Thank you.
Amen!