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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190030
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14790
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457774
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26584
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments