Life is dangerous. Fragile organs encased by an even more vulnerable cocoon of gossamer skin supported by a friable scaffolding of bone.
We persevere against all odds. Given the innumerable dangers human beings face every single day it is amazing that we are not curled into corners, cowering in fear at all the obstacles with which we are challenged.
Columbus sailed off with no assurances he was not voyaging off the edge of the known world. Men rocketed into space in acceptance that upon their return, if indeed they did manage to return, they would be quarantined for an indeterminate time to protect the rest of the world from whatever they might have encountered in the great unknown.
Human beings seem hard-wired to set aside known fears in a quest to explore the precipices of danger. This ability to compartmentalize the obvious obstacles moves humankind forward.
Does this innate search for boundaries create heroes? Sometimes probably, but more often the pursuit itself is a universal trait shared by all of us. We must strive. It is simply a part of us. It is how our species survives. We acknowledge inherent risks, ameliorate them and move forward. There is no alternative. Risk is in us.
When Risk demands payment, the cost can be severe.
In today's society, risk seeking behavior is sometimes quelled by organized sport. Payment still is exacted. Participants are fully cognizant of the perils. They face the dangers with ever evolving safety precautions. When fragility trumps prevention, Fate levies consequences.
We know the possibilities. We persist. We cherish those most dear all the more. Realities reset what we previously thought were priorities.
It's human nature. Despite horrific penalties we return to the pursuit of Risk. We are forever changed in some subtle way though. We draw together. We treasure each other.
Championships are ephemeral. Cherish those who quest. Prize those you love.
