Thought of the Day 01.14.09

Imagine for a moment that a new variant on the sport of track and field develops in America, the key difference

Imagine that America develops a new variant of track and field, the key difference being a pre-race lottery which gives some runners a starting lead over the others. So, for instance, while some run 400 meters, others get to run just 380 or even 360, depending on how the individual race is designed.

But there is one particular runner who sort of resists the system. Whenever he draws the advantage, he asks the officials if he can donate his starting lead meters to all the non-advantaged runners, even putting himself behind them sometimes. Also, whenever this man loses in the drawing, he implores the lucky runners to follow his example, usually excluding himself from receiving any of the benefits.

Well, as you would expect, this man doesn’t win many races. Some of the runners and spectators are baffled by him. Others are awed by him. But he soon becomes tremendously famous. Of course, it is easier to remember him than most others because he only goes by one name: Christian.

No comments: