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"比赛并不总是归于最快的人,也不总是强者胜利,但这就是你赌注的方式。"

Damon Runyon
Damon Runyon Journalist, Author
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Quote meaning
This quote taps into the idea that while outcomes in life aren’t always predictable based on who seems the most likely to succeed, it's often wise to place your bets on those who have demonstrated speed or strength. In simpler terms, even though underdogs can win and surprises happen, it’s usually a safer bet to go with the one who’s shown they have what it takes to win.

Historically, this concept has been around for ages, often appearing in various forms across different cultures and contexts. It’s like the old fable of the tortoise and the hare, right? The hare seemed like the obvious winner because it was faster, but the tortoise, slow and steady, ended up winning. Still, if you had to put money on it, most people would pick the hare. Why? Because the hare’s got the obvious advantage, even if things don’t always pan out as expected. This quote reflects a more pragmatic view of life, acknowledging that while miracles and upsets happen, they’re not the norm.

Imagine you’re watching the World Cup finals. The team everyone expects to win has a track record of victories, incredible players, and top-notch training facilities. They’re the swift and the strong in this scenario. You might feel a little tug at your heartstrings for the underdog team, the one with less funding and fewer star players, but if you were placing a bet, logic would guide you to choose the team with the proven track record. It's not because you don’t believe in the possibility of an upset; it’s because historically, the team with more strengths tends to come out on top.

So, how can we use this wisdom in our daily lives? Think about hiring for a job. You’ve got two candidates: one with an impressive resume and years of experience, and another who’s brand new to the field but seems eager and passionate. While there’s a chance the newbie could bring fresh ideas and unmatched enthusiasm, the safer bet is the seasoned professional who’s already proven they can do the job. It’s not infallible, but it’s a practical approach when making decisions that have significant consequences.

Picture this: you’re at the office, and there’s a huge project deadline looming. Your team is freaking out, unsure if they can pull it off. Now, you’ve got two options—one is to hand over the project to the person who’s nailed similar tasks before, the other is to give it to the newbie who’s been showing promise. Sure, the newbie might surprise everyone and deliver a fantastic result, but if your job’s on the line, you’d probably lean towards the tried-and-true performer, right? It’s the same logic as the quote. You’re stacking your cards in favor of the most likely outcome.

In essence, while it’s important to stay open to unexpected victories and the power of the underdog, betting on those with proven capabilities is often the safer route. Whether it’s in sports, business, or personal decisions, this approach helps manage risk and increases the likelihood of success. So next time you’re faced with a decision where outcomes matter, remember this quote. It’s a reminder to weigh your choices carefully and lean towards the option with the strongest track record, even if your heart is rooting for the underdog.
Related tags
Competition Luck Odds Perseverance Speed Sportsmanship Strategy Strength Uncertainty Winning
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