Vindictive Vindication

Michael Jordan was arguably the best basketball player of all time. He was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame for his prowess on the basketball court. While most people were expecting a positive speech where he'd thank his coaches, fellow basketball players, and family, they got the exact opposite. He was getting even. Jordan touched on something I learned a long time ago in high school.

"You motivated me not through love but because you challenged me. You put another log on the fire." - Jordan

Many people are motivated by many things, and in this respect, I can relate to Jordan. My first taste of sweet revenge was on the game board. I enjoyed playing a World War II game called Axis & Allies. A classmate of mine brought the game to school and we played before classes began, during lunch, and after school. He was determined that he would outplay me, and many times over, he'd tell me he was going to crush me. For those that knows me, I remember. Not because I'm petty, but because I know it's another log in the fire.

When I go for a run, the extra mile doesn't isn't compelled by the fuel of love and benevolence. It's out of competitive spirit. It's out of the same thing Jordan said. It's because of those who doubted my resolve, my promise, my ability to succeed. Many of Jordan's commentators stated that his speech was petty. It was vindictive in what should've been a benevolent speech. Listening to them makes me wonder how many of them are at the top of their field? Do they actually know the motivate fuel it takes to get on top? Or are they just the majority of mediocrity that gets their kicks from shit slinging on the sidelines?

While I'm no higher echelon of accomplishment or success, I can relate to what Jordan goes through.

I know how powerfully motivating it is to be rejected and doubted. To turn the negativity of disappointment into one's greatest strength.

I know how a desperate rage creates combustion better Christmas morning.

I also know how that combustion is difficult to sustain when you've won. How you cannot thrive unless you constantly have enemies nipping you at the heels.

And perhaps most important, I know how you become a sycophant to the plebs' acknowledgment of your 'success'. How you mortgage your self-worth onto the subjective scales of the general populace.

Success at what cost? All this for what?

To be inducted into the hall of fame. To become a 6 time NBA champion. To become a 6 time Finals MVP. To become a multi-millionaire. To become a Hollywood celebrity. To have a model of shoes named after you. To earn two olympic gold medals. To own his own steakhouse in NYC.

But these are just things and boy scout badges, no?

The real worth of a human being is not so much how good he is at his craft, but how much water he can carry for those who can only drink it.