Are We All Winning The Right Way? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Are We All Winning The Right Way?

Humans are always competing with each other, be it in sports or work. Humans strive for glory and have been fighting for it since the very beginning of their existence.

91
Are We All Winning The Right Way?

Since then, the topic of the ethics of winning has been debated upon constantly over and over again. Do the results matter more than how you play the game? The word game does not signify any sport, rather does not have a specific meaning at all. The game can signify a certain sport, work, or our whole lives which, in today's world is overflowing with immense competition. Is how you live more important than what you achieve? Way

This debate took over a major portion of my brain for a solid two months after attending an All India Football Tournament in the hills of Shimla. The team was having a good run in form and we finished on top of our respective group. However, the previous game we had played had left me extremely dissatisfied. We had the luck of scoring an early goal. However, after the goal the team just sat back and defended, the second we took possession of the ball we used to clear it to the other side and then defend again. We registered just two shots and yet, won the game. Even after winning the game, I was not in the mood of celebrating. I was disappointed with the win.

The next game we played, the quarterfinals, we played a good brand of attacking football. However, after the best of our efforts, we lost the game 2-1. But, I was satisfied. I was proud of the football we had played. At that very moment, I realized I preferred playing the game right than winning.

Similarly, in the gym, I find it imperative to gain muscle without the use of steroids and other drugs. The fact that the steroids provide an unfair advantage over non-users undermine the satisfaction of having a great body. It feels like cheating. Therefore, to me, the process of the results matter more than the result itself.

However, there are many existing counterclaims and arguments which majorly differ from my opinion. If the use of anything which enhances performances is 'cheating' then essentially basic items like shoes should also be disallowed. What is defined as unethical and what as ethical? For example, George Leigh Mallory a renowned mountaineer, considered the use of oxygen cylinders while scaling mountains unethical. But most of the mountaineers to have scaled Mount Everest used oxygen cylinders to battle the low availability of oxygen at high altitudes.

On the other hand, coaches like Jose Mourinho (Manchester United, Head Coach) and Matt Patricia (Detroit Lions, Head Coach) have continuously been delivering results playing a defensive/boring game in their respective sports. They prioritize results over the game and seem to be very content in doing so.

Therefore, the debate on winning the 'right way' goes on with extremely abstract answers depending on different individuals.

For me, the use of substances/things not accessible to others and the deviation of rules and gameplay to attain an unfair advantage over other competitors is defined as winning unethically. I would prefer the enjoyment of the game and the thrill of living my life than being bound by plans and the pressure of obtaining results.

This opinion on ethical winning can differ from person to person and it is, therefore, wise to look at different perspectives to get a complete, unbiased idea of the same.

"It's a fool's gold if you're winning and not playing the right way."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
coffee

It's finally flu season! It's around that time in the school year where everyone on campus is getting sick, especially if they live in the dorms. It's hard to take care of yourself while being sick at school, but here are some coping mechanisms to get you on the path to feeling better!

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

The Battle Between College And My Mental Health

College isn't easy, and I'm afraid I'm not going to make it at the rate my mental health is going.

643
woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Everyone tells you that college is hard, but they fail to explain why. Sure, classes are hard. Math sucks, and political science can be so boring. But that's not even what's killing me about college. What's killing me about college is my deterioating mental health.

As a college student, I feel as if people don't understand just how exhausted I, and fellow college students are. We have so many things going on, all the time, and sometimes it's hard to explain to people how we feel. Personally...I'm tired. I'm sad. And I'm struggling every single day with my emotions. But the thing is, it hasn't always been this way. I haven't always hated school, so why am I feeling like this now?

Keep Reading...Show less
manager

For the average 20-something, life moves pretty fast. You’ve got classes, friends, relationships, jobs, family, and whatever else we overcommit ourselves with. I probably should have learned to say no to adding more to my schedule a long time ago, but instead here are 11 things that can be more helpful than coffee.

Keep Reading...Show less
Parks And Rec
NBC

Your professor mentions there's a test in a few days and you didn't know about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

Resting b***h face. Defined as a person, usually a girl, who naturally looks mean when her face is expressionless, without meaning to. Many of you suffer from this "condition." You are commonly asked what's wrong, when nothing is. What people don't know is that is just your facial expression. Here are some things they wish you knew.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments