The Olympics in China are upon us, and I have decide to share with you a few of my thought on these matters. I have recorded a podcast where I talk about it, but chose not to post it because what I have to say is unpopular; I thought it would be better to write it out so that there are no misunderstandings.

Being better than another at certain skills that may be of benefit in real life situations is important, but if one's superior skills are only utilized within the playing of the sport, then such superiority is trivial. For example, if Bob is a good monopoly player and competes at the world level to find that he is the best monopoly player in the world, there is only a gain if Bob is able to apply his superior monopoly playing skills to real world situations, such as in financing someone's mortgage, etc. But, if Bob's skills are not utilized in some other fashion, then there is no worthwhile gain . . . only Bob's pride and ego are boosted.

I find there to be a striking parallel between the Olympics and the monopoly example. But with the Olympics, it is far worse. That is because the Olympians, because the competition is at such a high level, must focus solely on training for their sport. Instead of devoting their lives to helping others in any significant way, they have chosen to devote their lives completely to themselves and to their pride and vanity. Perhaps I should draw a distinction between those atheletes who are professionals and those who are not, but I think that is beyond the scope of this entry. The point is that to be a successful Olympian, you have to be self-absorbed, self-centered, prideful, and narcissistic.

The Olympians do provide entertainment and can inspire patriotism; that is what is always said. Some even go so far as claim they are serving God by competing. Well, there are different ways to serve God, some more uncommon than others. But in the interviews I have seen on television, the athletes seem to want accolades for devoting themselves to God in this fashion. Whether or not they acknowledge it, it is really their pride they are serving. I wonder what Mother Theresa would have thought about the athletes who play sports that are no more important than a game of monopoly for their entire lives and who then act as if they should be commended for their fine works. Well, Mother Theresa is no longer with us, but I suppose you could ask all the orphans in India who she saved whether they would rather see her on the streets or Michael Phelps (is that his name?) in a pool swimming for another gold.