In the Mike Webster ESPN series, a narration of Webster’s triumphant career followed by his deteriorating health exemplify the cost of the pursuit of the good life and raises a question; what is the good life worth? In his pursuit of athletic aspirations, Webster sacrificed a long, healthy life, as well as milestones in his children’s life. “With his brain deteriorating from the hits suffered during a 17-year NFL career, Webster suffered from dementia and was often disoriented. The multiple medications he took for pain . . .” highlights the physical damage received by doing the sport he loved. When someone is truly passionate about an interest, it is near impossible to see when it is consuming you whole, transforming into an abusive relationship.
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There even has been talk of dismantling the whole sport altogether which leads to the question, what would do you if you were denied the opportunity to do what you felt you were born to? Telling someone not to do something fuels up the spirits of some while hiders others. There is something almost tantalizing of doing what is forbidden but when the forbidden also has a destiny-like property to it, it is next to impossible to stop someone. Personally, it will depend on the circumstances of why I couldn't do what I feel I should but knowing myself I would fight for the opportunity.
It is important to consider what we define as our priorities when measuring the cost of the Good Life. If Webster would have preferred to have lived long, happy life, unconcerned with being immortalized in football history, then his sacrifice to the game was not worth it. Personally, I do not agree with the cost that Webster paid. I would rather continue pursing my passion at the lost of fame and wealth than give up precious time with family and friends. I also cannot judge Webster too harshly because in the moment he was not aware of the life long damage his own passion would betray him with. Maybe I would be able to rationalize the cost
There even has been talk of dismantling the whole sport altogether which leads to the question, what would do you if you were denied the opportunity to do what you felt you were born to? Telling someone not to do something fuels up the spirits of some while hiders others. There is something almost tantalizing of doing what is forbidden but when the forbidden also has a destiny-like property to it, it is next to impossible to stop someone. Personally, it will depend on the circumstances of why I couldn't do what I feel I should but knowing myself I would fight for the opportunity.
It is important to consider what we define as our priorities when measuring the cost of the Good Life. If Webster would have preferred to have lived long, happy life, unconcerned with being immortalized in football history, then his sacrifice to the game was not worth it. Personally, I do not agree with the cost that Webster paid. I would rather continue pursing my passion at the lost of fame and wealth than give up precious time with family and friends. I also cannot judge Webster too harshly because in the moment he was not aware of the life long damage his own passion would betray him with. Maybe I would be able to rationalize the cost