Exploring Life's Questions: From Soccer Players to Success and Beyond

Throughout my life, certain questions have continuously puzzled me, leading me to delve deeper into the complexities of existence. These inquiries range from the origins of intelligent designed life to the glamorous world of professional soccer players and the very nature of success.

Why Do We Pay a Lot of Money to Soccer Players?

One day, when I was about five or six years old, in the afternoon while watching TV with my parents, a curious thought crossed my mind. While my father was engrossed in the TV, and my mother was busy with household chores, I noticed the extraordinary wealth of famous soccer players. This was my first exposure to the idea that playing a simple ball game could result in such a lavish lifestyle. It felt wrong to contemplate this, as soccer was mostly a game of fun and excitement for my friends and me, not a profession to earn millions.

However, this question was not just a fleeting thought; it stayed with me throughout my childhood and teenage years. As I grew older, the status of soccer players increased, yet my understanding of their success remained elusive. My friends admired and idealized these players, which only served to deepen my own curiosity. So, I kept this questioning mind buried like a secret, pondering why some people could make such a significant fortune by merely kicking a ball, and why it felt right for the world to celebrate their achievement.

Why Do We Applaud Success?

The idea of success often clashes with the life lesson that tells us to be content and appreciate what we have. In many cases, success is portrayed as an unreachable goal, demanding not only hard work and dedication but also a certain level of single-mindedness and relentless pursuit. This leads to a paradox: while everyone agrees that true happiness lies in simple moments and fulfillment, we still celebrate and revere those who exhibit all the qualities of success.

But is this celebration justified? Are those who achieve success the true winners, or are those who strive to enrich their lives and be content in the present?

What Should I Pursue?

Life often presents us with pivotal moments where we must choose between different paths, each promising its own set of rewards. Should I strive for relentless ambition and the heights of success, or should I settle for simple contentment and self-satisfaction? Should I aim to be the center of attention and applause, or should I be the one to offer it to those around me?

It's a question of balance, but often, choosing one path means risking the other. Wealth and stability can offer a secure future, but they might come at the cost of lost time and joy in the present. Conversely, living in the moment and enjoying the small pleasures of life might enrich the soul but could mean missing out on the grand achievements that others might celebrate.

I, for one, am still wrestling with this question. If you have already found your own path, I would be grateful for your advice and teachings.

Conclusion

The questions we hold dear can reveal much about our deepest beliefs and the values we hold. Life is a complex balance of contradictions and challenges, and our pursuit of meaning can sometimes lead us down unexpected paths. Whether we delve into the mysteries of the universe, the glamorous world of soccer stars, or the enigma of success, these questions help us navigate the terrain of our existence with greater clarity.