I've been watching a little of the Olympics. The sports have been a hodgepodge which have included downhill skiing, snowboard cross, speedskating, and figure skating. In many ways, the games are not the great meeting place, where all the nations come together and the best athletes compete against one another, bringing the world closer. The Olympics don't stop wars, don't prevent famine. An earthquake will strike, with or without the games playing. The games are not the great human achievement. They are just one small pebble rippling in the vast sea of human consciousness.
Though, it's that insignificance which also shows the Olympics' greatness. In this highly likely to be nihilistic world, showing up and competing means long hours and dedication. It might not result in a medal, but 25th place might very well be the greatest of showings. The games spotlight how our effort matters, how it can lend some purpose to our often blind sense of our lives.
Triple axles. Half-hour train rides. Late night streetlamps.
How it matters.
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