Is newer always better?

Every new generation of athlete tends to think they are bigger, stronger, faster and better than those who have come before them. I don’t even want to waste time and breath arguing the point. Look at technology, for example.

Everyday someone is coming up with a new device, a better widget if you will. Greater capabilities or, as they used to say, “a better mousetrap.” Quite naturally it improves the quality of our lives. Generally speaking, I think that is true. Let’s save this one for another time as I have a point that perhaps alters our thinking a little.

I propose that the greatest performers of an era would be great today. What about bigger, faster, stronger you say? My response is that greatness is a product of hours of practice and an intense love of the practice. “Red” Grange was an amazing running back at a mere 170 lbs. No chance he would be great today. Too small, too slow, etc. I say, “wrong.”

If he was born in another century he would benefit from better training methods, diet and technique. He would still be the guy who puts in the time and effort that leads to his greatness. He would also be 215 lbs. and bigger, faster and stronger.  Being human, not a thing or device, is the difference.

If you think I am nuts, how is it that the great classical composers work is still great? That Mark Twain is still revered for his writing? Do you mean that if he were writing about the human condition today that no one would pay any attention?

Do you think that Byron Nelson wouldn’t be just as great today with the highly engineered clubs as he was back in the day with his set of wood-shafted clubs? Babe Ruth wouldn’t still be hitting home runs?

Greatness is simply “being great” regardless of the competition. The love of what the person does and the willingness to persevere in traveling the path to mastery is what leads to greatness. No one achieved greatness by playing a little catch in the backyard. Learning from each failure and refusing to stop practicing is what counts. No one can get you to be great.

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