Thoughts To Inspire

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Each minute of our life is a lesson but most of us fail to read it. I thought I would just add my daily lessons & the lessons that I learned by seeing the people around here. So it may be useful for you and as memories for me.

Life is not a Race to WIN… Life is like a Journey , to ENJOY every moment. We are running through life so fast that we forget not only where we have been but also where we are going.

There is no reward for completing the race my friend. Please run at your own speed and run how you like it.

Don’t try to run other’s race. It is your own race run how you like it.

Stop worrying about the consequences. Live in the present, share the glory of being a part of this race. No amount of gold, silver or money will or can compensate what you will miss if you try to rush things and miss the very essence of running.

Don’t just run for the sake of running because running is important and not the race!!

life is like a race essay

Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Do not set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless. Do not let your years slip through your fingers by living in the past, nor in the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Do not give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Do not be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly. Do not dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope; to be without hope is to be without purpose. Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going.

We have born and brought up in society, where we were prepared to compete with others – your fellow mates and friends. 

The seed had planted when you were at school. The pressure of scoring highest marks, the pressure of performing well in sports, the weight of getting admission into a renown college, getting a good job and again getting into an unhealthy competition at the workplace.

life is like a race essay

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

When you were in college, you wanted a job.

When you got a job in service-based company, You wanted product-based.

When you got 6 LPA package, you wanted 10 LPA.

When you got 15 LPA, You wanted 30 LPA.

When you got 40 LPA CTC, you wanted 40 LPA Fixed.

When you got 50 LPA fixed, You wanted to build a startup.

When you got successful in that, you wanted early retirement.

When you retired early, you wanted unlimited passive income.

When you got everything you ever wanted, You wanted time to enjoy it.

Hence, time is your most valuable asset and it cannot be equated with your earnings. Enjoy your 20s and 30s by both working hard and playing hard. Feel the satisfaction of hitting milestones. The finish line is not really important.

Achieve your own goals ( Not society’s expectations ). You don’t need to prove anything to anyone but yourself.

Nobody is measuring you, they are busy in their lives. You are the only opponent to yourself in this battle.

Running towards the next fulfillment will never be able to find peace in life. It will only lead us distant away from what we’re hoping to feel.

The only way to win the race of life is to realize that, there is no race.

Winning has to be from within us. We need to find happiness within ourselves. True satisfaction can only be observed from inside.

Life is not a race or competition. It’s a journey. Don’t just run after aiming at the finishing line, rather enjoy the ride.

Please feel free to share your story and any lessons you learned, you experienced, you came across in your life in the comments below. If you enjoyed this, or any other other posts, I’d be honoured  if you’d share it with your family, friends and followers!

If you wish to follow my journey outside of my writing, you can find me on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/MunnaPrawin ) Instagram( MunnaPrawin ) and Twitter( @munnaprawin1 )

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Posted by MunnaPrawin on July 1, 2021 in Experiences of Life. , Life & It's Importance

Tags: life , life is a journey , Life is not a race , Life is short , life is valuable , MunnaPrawin , ShanvikaPrawin

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Mental Branch

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Do things at your own pace. life's not a race - quote and reflection.

life is like a race essay

DO THINGS AT YOUR OWN PACE: LIFE'S NOT A RACE

In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the rat race, constantly striving to achieve more, accomplish goals, and keep up with others. However, in this pursuit, we often forget the significance of moving at our own pace. Life is not a race, but a journey of self-discovery and growth. In this article, we will explore the importance of embracing your own pace, the benefits it brings, and practical ways to do so.

If you want to see 37 Quotes That Will Inspire You to Overcome Challenges click here

Understanding the Pressure to Keep Up

In a society that values productivity and competition, there is immense pressure to keep up with the expectations of others. The fear of falling behind and the desire to succeed can lead to burnout, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. It's essential to recognize that each individual has a unique path to follow, and comparing oneself to others can be detrimental to personal growth.

Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

Instead of focusing solely on the destination, it is vital to appreciate the journey of self-discovery. Life presents numerous opportunities for learning and personal development, and each experience contributes to our growth. Embracing your own pace allows you to savor these moments, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

The Benefits of Moving at Your Own Pace

a. Improved Mental Well-Being: By avoiding the constant pressure to keep up with others, you can reduce stress and anxiety. Embracing your own pace allows for a more relaxed and content mindset.

b. Enhanced Productivity: Surprisingly, moving at your own pace can enhance productivity. When you focus on what truly matters to you, you can prioritize tasks and work more efficiently.

c. Fulfillment and Satisfaction: By setting realistic goals and achieving them at your own pace, you'll experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

Overcoming External Expectations

Society often imposes expectations on us, such as getting a high-paying job, starting a family, or achieving specific milestones by a certain age. However, it's crucial to remember that these expectations might not align with your unique desires and aspirations. Learning to overcome external pressures and defining your own path is essential in living a fulfilling life.

Cultivating Self-Compassion

As you embrace your own pace, it's essential to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and recognize that it's okay to face challenges and setbacks. Treat yourself with the same level of understanding and support that you would offer to a friend. Self-compassion fosters resilience and allows you to bounce back stronger after difficulties.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is a key component of living life at your own pace. Break down your ambitions into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. This approach will help you stay motivated and prevent feelings of overwhelm.

Learning to Say No

In a fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in numerous commitments. However, it's important to remember that you can't do everything, nor should you. Learning to say no to activities or responsibilities that don't align with your priorities is essential in creating a balanced and fulfilling life.

Seeking Support from Like-Minded Individuals

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who appreciate the concept of living life at their own pace can provide invaluable support. Joining communities or support groups focused on personal growth and self-discovery can be uplifting and empowering.

Things get easier when you realize life is not a race!

To sum up, embracing your own pace is a transformative approach to life. Recognize that life is not a race but a beautiful journey filled with experiences, growth, and self-discovery. By understanding the significance of moving at your own speed, you can experience improved mental well-being, enhanced productivity, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Let go of external expectations, set realistic goals, and cultivate self-compassion as you embark on this liberating journey. Remember, life is meant to be savored, not rushed. So, take a step back, breathe, and embrace the beauty of living life on your terms.

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Jake Lizarraga

Life Isn’t a Race: The Value of Slow Living

Life often seems like a pyrrhic race, always sprinting towards your next goal but never feeling fulfilled when you arrive at your destination.

When you view life as a contest, you’re always rushing to keep up with everyone else. Whenever you get close to the finish line, you move the goalpost because you don’t know what you’ll do once the race is over.

You tell yourself that you need a better car, a larger house, or a higher income.

You use any excuse to justify your fast-paced lifestyle, a race that is never won because it never ends.

But what happens if you slow down?

Why it’s time to stop racing through life

In Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s book, The Gap and The Gain , we’re introduced to American speed skater Dan Jansen. Despite competing at the 1984 Winter Olympics as a 16-year-old, Dan’s quest to win a gold medal continuously evaded him over the following decade.

The 1994 Olympics in Norway was his last shot to become an Olympic gold medalist. With only one event remaining (the men’s 1,000-meter speed skating final), and one that Jansen considered his weakest category, the pressure seemed insurmountable.

In reality, Jansen had decided that his last Olympic event would serve as a thank-you and farewell to everyone who had supported his journey in the sport. Gratitude was his motivation, not the hunger for gold.

Dan Jansen broke a world record that day and, of course, took home the gold medal.

You don’t need to be a top athlete to understand the lesson of Jansen’s last race.

Life is about how far you’ve come from where you started, not where you finish in the end.

Let’s walk through what life could be like if you stop chasing the next big thing — if you free yourself from the vicious cycle of endlessly pursuing achievements and, instead, slow down long enough to see the progress you’ve already made.

What is slow living?

Slow living is being intentional about the speed you live your life.

It’s finding the “tempo giusto” or “right pace” at which to operate. Slow living helps you avoid the hedonic treadmill and creates opportunities to appreciate what you already have.

Carl Honore, the author of In Praise of Slowness , said:

I love speed. Going fast can be fun, liberating, and productive. The problem is that our hunger for speed, for cramming more and more into less and less time, has gone too far.

What slow living isn’t

Aversion to speed.

Slow living isn’t about avoiding speed entirely.

Speed helps us make quicker progress and stay motivated on the path toward our goals. Slow living is about controlling the speed at which you live life for yourself instead of giving in to external pressures or societal expectations.

Digital minimalism

Slow living isn’t anti-tech.

It’s not about moving to a cabin in the woods armed with nothing more than a survival knife and a Nokia 3310. Those practicing slow living use technology as a tool rather than a distraction.

Unproductive lifestyle

In an environment where toxic productivity and hustle culture are glorified, the idea of slowing down may seem terrifying — especially if you’ve grown accustomed to optimizing your output. But, research shows that living at a slower pace can increase your productivity.

One 2011 study found that taking breaks is key to focusing on tasks longer with no decline in performance.

Unfortunately, those with a fast-living mindset often work for extended periods without taking a break — compromising their productivity in the process.

5 tips to live slowly

1. do nothing.

A decade ago , Deep Work author, Cal Newport, asked, “have American students lost their tolerance for a little boredom? At the first sign of boredom, we reach for e-mail or refresh a Facebook feed.”

In the modern day of Netflix, TikTok, and smartwatches, our tolerance for boredom has deteriorated over time.

The first, and perhaps most important, tenet of slow living is learning how to do nothing.

Turn off your phone (or even better, ask someone to hide it) and sit on your couch.

Don’t journal.

Don’t talk.

Don’t read.

Sit quietly for a few moments and see how it feels. Observe what thoughts come into your head that may have been suppressed by constant stimulation. 

If you overcome the urge to organize your desk, check your messages, or turn on the television, you’ll likely find your self-imposed idleness insightful.

2. Do something creative

Expressing your creativity is a great way to slow down. For example, you could write an article, paint a portrait, redecorate your home, start a garden, practice the guitar or cook a nutritious meal.

It doesn’t matter which activity you choose, as long as you give this creative undertaking your full attention. Don’t have a movie playing in another room or listen to a podcast as background noise.

It takes time and practice to enter a flow state , but you’ll quickly realize the value that focused creativity brings to the table.

3. Go for a walk

Because walking is an inherently slow-paced activity, your mind will instinctively slow down too. Unlike other forms of exercise, you can walk anywhere and anytime without needing any special equipment.

Bonus Tip: Walk in green spaces. Spending time in nature is proven to improve sleep, reduce stress, and increase happiness .

4. Tech-free mornings

Enable airplane mode an hour before you go to bed and don’t get back online until after lunch the following day.

This will set you up for a tech-free morning — devoid of push notifications, emails, text messages, social media, and news headlines.

Bonus Tip: Buy an analog alarm clock so you don’t need to pick up your phone. 

5. Spend time alone

Humans are inherently social creatures, and becoming a recluse is by no means a prerequisite for slow living.

But taking time to hang out with yourself helps you stay in touch with who you are. Reflect on your thoughts, meditate in the morning, and nurture your quirky side.

Psychotherapist Amy Morin found that solitude increases empathy, productivity, and creativity .

Good slowness vs. bad slowness

There’s a line to be drawn between controlling the pace at which you live versus using slow living to justify detrimental habits.

Procrastination is a prime example of ‘bad’ slowness because it’s a negative reflex rather than a conscious choice to slow down.

Using intentionality as an excuse for laziness is just one way we twist slow living into a negative lifestyle. 

For example, if you have an impending deadline but choose to read a book instead, that action could place you in a state of hyperactivity — a condition slow livers seek to avoid.

On the other hand, ‘good’ slowness is impermanent and an active decision   — often benefiting the fast side of your life in the long term.

Combining fast and slow thinking leads to improved productivity overall while preventing burnout. In fact, they complement one another.

In his book Hyperfocus , author Chris B ailey talks about two states: hyperfocus and scatterfocus.

Hyperfocus helps you narrow your attention to a specific problem you’re addressing. Filling your entire attentional space with one task allows you to work more efficiently and resist distractions.

Scatterfocus is the complete opposite. 

Hyperfocus is the most productive mode, but scatterfocus is the most creative. 

Letting your mind wander may not be as appealing as operating in a state of peak productivity, but it has unique benefits.

Bailey outlines the three core benefits of scatterfocus in chapter six of his book:

  • It allows you to set intentions and plan for the future
  • It recharges your mental energy so you can focus for longer during work sessions
  • It helps you connect the dots of ideas that have been drifting in your subconscious

To test the ideas espoused by authors like Cal Newport and Chris Bailey, I reduced my work window to three hours per day in August 2022. The (anecdotal) results? I wrote 50,000 words that month — a personal record.

In praise of slow living

Living life like a race implies that there’s only one winner. 

That you have to get ahead of others to be happy.

That whoever moves fastest is the most deserving of praise.

Instead of seeing life as a race, why not think of it like a movie playing on TV?

You don’t get to decide every aspect of the movie you’re in, but the T.V. remote is in your hand. 

Slow living is simply about hitting play in a society intent on smashing the fast-forward button.

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Tiny Buddha

“Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness.”  ~Chuang Tzu

At an early age I learned that nothing in life is guaranteed. When I was eleven years old, a close friend and classmate lost his battle with cancer. After that, I had several more instances of losing loved ones , some expected, others not so much.

After having gone through so much loss at such an early age, my outlook on life was one word: rushed .

I wanted to get through college as fast as I could, while taking on as much as I could. I wanted to have meaningful relationships and foster my athletic abilities. I wanted to get out into the real world and have a great job where I felt like I mattered, and made a difference .

I had graduated college a semester early, and I was blindsided by how seemingly cold the real world was and by the fact that I had all of these dreams with little to no understanding as to how they were going to come to fruition— as fast as possible .

After all, time was of the essence because I could die tomorrow, or the day after that, or the day after that… (What twenty-something year olds think like that?)

With the economy on the decline, I was only able to find a job at a nearby hospital as a transportation aide. This basically entailed bringing patients to and from their appointments within the hospital.

While I did enjoy certain aspects of this job, such as trying to make each and every person I transported smile during their otherwise not-so-great day, the attitudes of fellow hospital staff left me feeling worthless, as I was mocked by physicians and nurses for no other reason than my job title.

As months crept on, I became seriously devastated at the thought of my future success being delayed any further. It was hard to feel like success was on the horizon when those who were supposed to be my “teammates” were treating me so poorly.  I was genuinely distraught over the uncertainty of what tomorrow was going to bring.

I tried my very best to trudge on, with the sole thought and hope that “surely another career wouldn’t be like this, right?”

About six months later I was offered a different job. It wasn’t exactly like my previous one, but left me feeling once again like I was on another rollercoaster ride, this time with a healthcare consulting company.

When I was offered this position that would have me relocating to Pennsylvania, I packed my bags as quickly as I could. I seized the moment , not knowing when another opportunity would present itself.

In this position I had effectively transitioned from a job that required direct interaction with patients, to a role that was focused on how hospitals and medical groups financially managed themselves.

While my previous critics during my time as a transportation aide would have deemed this job title more favorable, this consulting position did not leave me feeling any better at the end of the day.   

Now, I was boots-on-the-ground implementing change within an organization, with one major problem: my boss was one of the most despised people at the hospital.

This left me putting out fires at every turn, and put me in a position where I felt forced to back certain causes I didn’t truly believe in because I was told to “step up, or step out,” by the management within the consulting company.

During this time, I was spending ten to twelve hours a day at work, getting nothing more in return than feeling emotionally and mentally drained at the day’s end.

While I did have a small group of friends in the area, I wasn’t close to any of them, as this group of individuals primarily focused on surface-level relationships and drinking.

To fill any remaining time I had available to me, I began training for an Olympic distance triathlon.

More or less, I threw all of the things that I felt I needed to achieve to feel happy in life up in the air, hoping at least one would catch, but none of them did.

My failure in this approach was that I was running—not just in a “hey, I’m training for an Olympic distance triathlon” kind of way, but in an “oh-my-gosh, I’m terrified to leave any amount of time free because if I truly take a step back and look at my life, I will realize how unhappy I am and how unimportant all of this is” kind of way.

I was cramming my days so full in an attempt to truly experience the world like my other friends and family members never had the chance to, and in doing this, I wasn’t actually experiencing anything at all.

I didn’t know who I was , and I most certainly didn’t know what I wanted.

Fast forward a year and a half and here I am, now located in Boise, Idaho, where I have relinquished “striving for happiness,” because happiness is not something you strive for.

When I moved to Idaho for another job opportunity, I decided not to fill all my downtime like I had in the past.

At first, I felt truly and utterly alone. Things were quiet, and it became apparent that in trying to experience everything around me and check items off of my bucket list, I had neglected to cope with several past experiences.

The loss of loved ones, the ending of relationships, and past decisions that did not suit me all haunted me in my downtime.

Through counseling and deep self-reflection over the past several months, I have been able to resolve many of these feelings and have learned, among other things, that happiness is something that already lies within us.

It is a personal choice, however, whether or not we allow ourselves to feel it.

I believe happiness is choosing to let go of those situations and people who do not suit us personally. It is living in the moment, rather than, in my case, living in fear that the moment is going to be over before I’m ready.

It is here that I have allowed myself to only invest time in what truly interests and suits me, rather than what I feel obligated to achieve.

I have made time to enjoy exercising, to cherish my family and friends, to read and write, and to enjoy the simplicity of life rather than stress over all of life’s complexities. In realizing how much I have missed while running from my past and planning far into the future, I have become truly present.

We all have the ability to enjoy our lives, but it can’t happen if we’re racing toward the future. If we want to be happy, we have to choose to create happiness now.

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About Lauren Baratto

Lauren Baratto is a twenty-four year old self-proclaimed “old soul,” who strives to impact the lives of others through consistently exercising compassion, and empathy. Overly enthusiastic about the healthcare field and helping others, Lauren’s ultimate passion is writing and while she doesn’t have a blog or book just yet… she hopes to in the future….. STAY TUNED and connect at: facebook.com/lauren.bee53

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life is like a race essay

Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century

life is like a race essay

Doing Race focuses on race and ethnicity in everyday life: what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Going to school and work, renting an apartment or buying a house, watching television, voting, listening to music, reading books and newspapers, attending religious services, and going to the doctor are all everyday activities that are influenced by assumptions about who counts, whom to trust, whom to care about, whom to include, and why. Race and ethnicity are powerful precisely because they organize modern society and play a large role in fueling violence around the globe. Doing Race is targeted to undergraduates; it begins with an introductory essay and includes original essays by well-known scholars. Drawing on the latest science and scholarship, the collected essays emphasize that race and ethnicity are not things that people or groups have or are, but rather sets of actions that people do. Doing Race provides compelling evidence that we are not yet in a “post-race” world and that race and ethnicity matter for everyone. Since race and ethnicity are the products of human actions, we can do them differently. Like studying the human genome or the laws of economics, understanding race and ethnicity is a necessary part of a twenty first century education.

About the Author

Paula Moya

PAULA M. L. MOYA, is the Danily C. and Laura Louise Bell Professor of the Humanities and Professor of English at Stanford University. She is the Burton J. and Deedee McMurtry University Fellow in Undergraduate Education and a 2019-20 Fellow at the Center for the Study of Behavioral Sciences.

Moya’s teaching and research focus on twentieth-century and early twenty-first century literary studies, feminist theory, critical theory, narrative theory, American cultural studies, interdisciplinary approaches to race and ethnicity, and Chicanx and U.S. Latinx studies.

She is the author of  The Social Imperative: Race, Close Reading, and Contemporary Literary Criticism  (Stanford UP 2016) and  Learning From Experience: Minority Identities, Multicultural Struggles  (UC Press 2002) and has co-edited three collections of original essays,  Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century  (W.W. Norton, Inc. 2010),  Identity Politics Reconsidered  (Palgrave 2006) and  Reclaiming Identity: Realist Theory and the Predicament of Postmodernism  (UC Press 2000). 

Previously Moya served as the Director of the Program of Modern Thought and Literature, Vice Chair of the Department of English, Director of the Research Institute of Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, and also the Director of the Undergraduate Program of the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. 

She is a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, a Ford Foundation postdoctoral fellowship, the Outstanding Chicana/o Faculty Member award. She has been a Brown Faculty Fellow, a Clayman Institute Fellow, a CCSRE Faculty Research Fellow, and a Clayman Beyond Bias Fellow. 

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Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century

Doing Race focuses on race and ethnicity in everyday life: what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Going to school and work, renting an apartment or buying a house, watching television, voting, listening to music, reading books and newspapers, attending religious services, and going to the doctor are all everyday activities that are influenced by assumptions about who counts, whom to trust, whom to care about, whom to include, and why. Race and ethnicity are powerful precisely because they organize modern society and play a large role in fueling violence around the globe. Doing Race is targeted to undergraduates; it begins with an introductory essay and includes original essays by well-known scholars. Drawing on the latest science and scholarship, the collected essays emphasize that race and ethnicity are not things that people or groups have or are , but rather sets of actions that people do . Doing Race provides compelling evidence that we are not yet in a “post-race” world and that race and ethnicity matter for everyone. Since race and ethnicity are the products of human actions, we can do them differently. Like studying the human genome or the laws of economics, understanding race and ethnicity is a necessary part of a twenty first century education.

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Race & Ethnicity—Definition and Differences [+48 Race Essay Topics]

life is like a race essay

Race and ethnicity are among the features that make people different. Unlike character traits, attitudes, and habits, race and ethnicity can’t be changed or chosen. It fully depends on the ancestry.

But why do we separate these two concepts and what are their core differences? How do people classify different races and types of ethnicity?

To find answers to these questions, keep reading the article.

Also, if you have a writing assignment on the same topic due soon and looking for inspiration, you’ll find plenty of race, racism, and ethnic group essay examples. At IvyPanda , we’ve gathered over 45 samples to help you with your writing, so you don’t have to torture yourself looking for awesome essay ideas.

Race and Ethnicity Definitions

It’s important to learn what race and ethnicity really are before trying to compare them and explore their classification.

Race is a group of people that belong to the same distinct category based on their physical and social qualities.

At the very beginning of the term usage, it only referred to people speaking a common language. Later, the term started to denote certain national affiliations. A reference to physical traits was added to the term race in the 17th century.

In a modern world, race is considered to be a social construct. In other words, it’s a distinguishable identity with a cultural meaning behind. Race is not usually seen as exclusively biological or physical quality, even though it’s partially based on common physical features among group members.

Raramuris native chihuahua mexican.

Ethnicity (also known as ethnic group) is a category of people who have similarities like common language, ancestry, history, culture, society, and nation.

Basically, people inherit ethnicity depending on the society they live in. Other factors that define a person’s ethnicity include symbolic systems like religion, cuisine, art, dressing style, and even physical appearance.

Sometimes, the term ethnicity is used as a synonym to people or nation. It’s also fair to mention that it’s sometimes possible for an individual to leave one ethnic group and shift to another. It’s usually done through acculturation, language shift, or religious conversion.

Though, most of the times, representatives of a certain ethnic group continue to speak their common language and share some other typical traits even if derived from their founder population.

Differences Between Race and Ethnicity

Now that we know what race and ethnicity are all about, let’s highlight some of the major differences between these two terms.

  • It divides people into groups or populations based mainly on physical appearance
  • The main accent is on genetic or biological traits
  • Because of geographical isolation, racial categories were a result of a shared genealogy. In modern world, this isolation is practically nonexistent, which lead to mixing of races
  • The distinguishing factors can include type of face or skin color. Other genetic differences are considered to be weak

India women dancing.

  • Members of an ethnic group identify themselves based on nationality, culture, and traditions
  • The emphasis is on group history, culture, and sometimes on religion and language
  • Definition of ethnicity is based on shared genealogy. It can be either actual or presumed
  • Distinguishing factors of ethnic groups keep changing depending on time period. Sometimes, they get defined by stereotypes that dominant groups have

It’s also worth mentioning that the border between two terms is quite vague . As a result, the choice of using either of them can be very subjective.

In the majority of cases, race is considered to be unitary, which means that one person belongs to one race. However, ethnically, this same person can identify themselves as a member of multiple ethnic groups. And it won’t be wrong if a person have lived enough time within those groups.

Race and Ethnicity Classification

It’s time to look at possible ways to classify racial and ethnical groups.

One of the most common classifications for race into four categories: Caucasoid, Mongoloid, Negroid, and Australoid. Three of them have subcategories.

Let’s look at them more closely.

– Caucasoid. White race with light skin color. Hair ranges from brown to black. They have medium to high structure. The subcategories are as follows:

  • Alpine. Live in Central Asia
  • Nordic . Baltic, British, and Scandinavian inhabitants
  • Mediterranean. Hail from France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain

– Mongoloid. The race’s majority is found in Asia. Characterized by black hair, yellow skin tone, and medium height.

  • Asian mongol. Found in japan, China, and East-India
  • Micronesian. Inhabitants of Malenesia

– Negroid. A race found in Africa. They have black skin, wooly hair, and medium to high structure.

  • Negro. African inhabitants
  • Far Eastern Pygmy. Found in the south Pacific islands
  • Bushman and Hottentot. Live in Kala-Hari desert of Africa

– Australoid. Found in Australia. They have wavy hair, light skin, and medium to tall height.

Different colors in the air.

It’s fair to mention yet again that it’s practically impossible to find pure race representatives because of how mixed they all got.

Speaking of ethnicity classification, one of the most common ways to do that is by continent. And each of continent’s ethnic groups will have their own subcategory.

So, we can roughly divide ethnic groups into following categories:

  • North American
  • South American

Race Essay Ideas

If all the information above was not enough and you’re looking for race essay topics, or even straight up essay examples for your writing assignment—today’s your lucky day. Because experts at IvyPanda have gathered plenty of those.

Check out the list of race and ethnic group essay samples below. Use them for inspiration, or try to develop one of the suggested topics even further.

Whatever option you’ll choose, we’re sure that you’ll end up with great results!

  • The Anatomy of Scientific Racism: Racialist Responses to Black Athletic Achievement
  • Race, Ethnicity and Crime
  • Representation of Race in Disney Films
  • What is the relationship between Race, Poverty and Prison?
  • Race in a Southern Community
  • African American Women and the Struggle for Racial Equality
  • American Ethnic Studies
  • Institutionalized Racism from John Brown Raid to Jim Crow Laws
  • The Veil and Muslim
  • Race and the Body: How Culture Both Shapes and Mirrors Broader Societal Attitudes Towards Race and the Body
  • Latinos and African Americans: Friends or Foes?
  • Historical US Relationships with Native American
  • The experiences of the Aborigines
  • Contemporary Racism in Australia: the Experience of Aborigines
  • No Reparations for Blacks for the Injustice of Slavery
  • Racism (another variant)
  • Hispanic Americans
  • Racism in the Penitentiary
  • How the development of my racial/ethnic identity has been impacted
  • My father’s black pride
  • African American Ethnic Group
  • Ethnic Group Conflicts
  • How the Movie Crash Presents the African Americans
  • Ethnic Groups and discrimination
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Racial and ethnic inequality
  • Ethnic Groups and Conflicts
  • Ethnics Studies
  • Ethnic studies and emigration
  • Ethnicity Influence
  • Immigration and Ethnic Relations
  • A comparison Between Asian Americans and Latinos
  • Analysis of the Chinese Experience in “A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America” by Ronald Takaki
  • Wedding in the UAE
  • Social and Cultural Diversity
  • The White Dilemma in South Africa
  • Ethnocentrism and its Effects on Individuals, Societies, and Multinationals
  • Reduction of ethnocentrism and promotion of cultural relativism
  • Racial and Ethnic Groups
  • Gender and Race
  • Child Marriages in Modern India
  • Race and Ethnicity (another variant)
  • Racial Relations and Color Blindness
  • Multiculturalism and “White Anxiety”
  • Cultural and racial inequality in Health Care
  • The impact of colonialism on cultural transformations in North and South America
  • African American Studies
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Home Essay Samples Sociology

Essay Samples on Race and Ethnicity

How does race affect social class.

How does race affect social class? Race and social class are intricate aspects of identity that intersect and influence one another in complex ways. While social class refers to the economic and societal position an individual holds, race encompasses a person's racial or ethnic background....

  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Social Class

How Does Race Affect Everyday Life

How does race affect everyday life? Race is an integral yet often invisible aspect of our identities, influencing the dynamics of our everyday experiences. The impact of race reaches beyond individual interactions, touching various aspects of life, including relationships, opportunities, perceptions, and systemic structures. This...

Race and Ethnicity's Impact on US Employment and Criminal Justice

Since the beginning of colonialism, raced based hindrances have soiled the satisfaction of the shared and common principles in society. While racial and ethnic prejudice has diminished over the past half-century, it is still prevalent in society today. In my opinion, racial and ethnic inequity...

  • American Criminal Justice System
  • Criminal Justice

Why Race and Ethnicity Matter in the Social World

Not everyone is interested in educating themselves about their own roots. There are people who lack the curiosity to know the huge background that encompasses their ancestry. But if you are one of those who would like to know the diverse colors of your race...

  • Ethnic Identity

The Correlation Between Race and Ethnicity and Education in the US

In-between the years 1997 and 2017, the population of the United States of America has changed a lot; especially in terms of ethnic and educational background. It grew by over 50 million people, most of which were persons of colour. Although white European Americans still make...

  • Inequality in Education

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Damaging Effects of Social World on People of Color

Even though many are unsure or aware of what it really means to have a culture, we make claims about it everyday. The fact that culture is learned through daily experience and also learned through interactions with others, people never seem to think about it,...

  • Racial Profiling
  • Racial Segregation

An Eternal Conflict of Race and Ethnicity: a History of Mankind

Ethnicity is a modern concept. However, its roots go back to a long time ago. This concept took on a political aspect from the early modern period with the Peace of Westphalia law and the growth of the Protestant movement in Western Europe and the...

  • Social Conflicts

Complicated Connection Between Identity, Race and Ethnicity

Different groups of people are classified based on their race and ethnicity. Race is concerned with physical characteristics, whereas ethnicity is concerned with cultural recognition. Race, on the other hand, is something you inherit, whereas ethnicity is something you learn. The connection of race, ethnicity,...

  • Cultural Identity

Best topics on Race and Ethnicity

1. How Does Race Affect Social Class

2. How Does Race Affect Everyday Life

3. Race and Ethnicity’s Impact on US Employment and Criminal Justice

4. Why Race and Ethnicity Matter in the Social World

5. The Correlation Between Race and Ethnicity and Education in the US

6. Damaging Effects of Social World on People of Color

7. An Eternal Conflict of Race and Ethnicity: a History of Mankind

8. Complicated Connection Between Identity, Race and Ethnicity

  • Gender Stereotypes
  • National Honor Society
  • Social Media
  • Gender Roles
  • Rogerian Argument
  • Transgender
  • Intercultural Communication

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Hear Something, Say Something: Navigating The World Of Racial Awkwardness

Listen to this week's episode.

We've all been there — confronted with something shy of overt racism, but charged enough to make us uncomfortable. So what do you do?

We've all been there — having fun relaxing with friends and family, when someone says something a little racially off. Sometimes it's subtle, like the friend who calls Thai food "exotic." Other times it's more overt, like that in-law who's always going on about "the illegals."

In any case, it can be hard to know how to respond. Even the most level-headed among us have faltered trying to navigate the fraught world of racial awkwardness.

So what exactly do you do? We delve into the issue on this week's episode of the Code Switch podcast, featuring writer Nicole Chung and Code Switch's Shereen Marisol Meraji, Gene Demby and Karen Grigsby Bates.

We also asked some folks to write about what runs through their minds during these tense moments, and how they've responded (or not). Their reactions ran the gamut from righteous indignation to total passivity, but in the wake of these uncomfortable comments, everyone seemed to walk away wishing they'd done something else.

Aaron E. Sanchez

It was the first time my dad visited me at college, and he had just dropped me off at my dorm. My suitemate walked in and sneered.

"Was that your dad?" he asked. "He looks sooo Mexican."

life is like a race essay

Aaron E. Sanchez is a Texas-based writer who focuses on issues of race, politics and popular culture from a Latino perspective. Courtesy of Aaron Sanchez hide caption

He kept laughing about it as he left my room.

I was caught off-guard. Instantly, I grew self-conscious, not because I was ashamed of my father, but because my respectability politics ran deep. My appearance was supposed to be impeccable and my manners unimpeachable to protect against stereotypes and slights. I felt exposed.

To be sure, when my dad walked into restaurants and stores, people almost always spoke to him in Spanish. He didn't mind. The fluidity of his bilingualism rarely failed him. He was unassuming. He wore his working-class past on his frame and in his actions. He enjoyed hard work and appreciated it in others. Yet others mistook him for something altogether different.

People regularly confused his humility for servility. He was mistaken for a landscape worker, a janitor, and once he sat next to a gentleman on a plane who kept referring to him as a "wetback." He was a poor Mexican-American kid who grew up in the Segundo Barrio of El Paso, Texas, for certain. But he was also an Air Force veteran who had served for 20 years. He was an electrical engineer, a proud father, an admirable storyteller, and a pretty decent fisherman.

I didn't respond to my suitemate. To him, my father was a funny caricature, a curio he could pick up, purchase and discard. And as much as it was hidden beneath my elite, liberal arts education, I was a novelty to him too, an even rarer one at that. Instead of a serape, I came wrapped in the trappings of middle-classness, a costume I was trying desperately to wear convincingly.

That night, I realized that no clothing or ill-fitting costume could cover us. Our bodies were incongruous to our surroundings. No matter how comfortable we were in our skins, our presence would make others uncomfortable.

Karen Good Marable

When the Q train pulled into the Cortelyou Road station, it was dark and I was tired. Another nine hours in New York City, working in the madness that is Midtown as a fact-checker at a fashion magazine. All day long, I researched and confirmed information relating to beauty, fashion and celebrity, and, at least once a day, suffered an editor who was openly annoyed that I'd discovered an error. Then, the crush of the rush-hour subway, and a dinner obligation I had to fulfill before heading home to my cat.

life is like a race essay

Karen Good Marable is a writer living in New York City. Her work has been featured in publications like The Undefeated and The New Yorker. Courtesy of Karen Good Marable hide caption

The train doors opened and I turned the corner to walk up the stairs. Coming down were two girls — free, white and in their 20s . They were dancing as they descended, complete with necks rolling, mouths pursed — a poor affectation of black girls — and rapping as they passed me:

Now I ain't sayin she a golddigger/But she ain't messin' with no broke niggas!

That last part — broke niggas — was actually less rap, more squeals that dissolved into giggles. These white girls were thrilled to say the word publicly — joyously, even — with the permission of Kanye West.

I stopped, turned around and stared at them. I envisioned kicking them both squarely in their backs. God didn't give me telekinetic powers for just this reason. I willed them to turn around and face me, but they did not dare. They bopped on down the stairs and onto the platform, not evening knowing the rest of the rhyme.

Listen: I'm a black woman from the South. I was born in the '70s and raised by parents — both educators — who marched for their civil rights. I never could get used to nigga being bandied about — not by the black kids and certainly not by white folks. I blamed the girls' parents for not taking over where common sense had clearly failed. Hell, even radio didn't play the nigga part.

I especially blamed Kanye West for not only making the damn song, but for having the nerve to make nigga a part of the damn hook.

Life in NYC is full of moments like this, where something happens and you wonder if you should speak up or stay silent (which can also feel like complicity). I am the type who will speak up . Boys (or men) cussing incessantly in my presence? Girls on the train cussing around my 70-year-old mama? C'mon, y'all. Do you see me? Do you hear yourselves? Please. Stop.

But on this day, I just didn't feel like running down the stairs to tap those girls on the shoulder and school them on what they damn well already knew. On this day, I just sighed a great sigh, walked up the stairs, past the turnstiles and into the night.

Robyn Henderson-Espinoza

When I was 5 or 6, my mother asked me a question: "Does anyone ever make fun of you for the color of your skin?"

This surprised me. I was born to a Mexican woman who had married an Anglo man, and I was fairly light-skinned compared to the earth-brown hue of my mother. When she asked me that question, I began to understand that I was different.

life is like a race essay

Robyn Henderson-Espinoza is a visiting assistant professor of ethics at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif. Courtesy of Robyn Henderson-Espinoza hide caption

Following my parents' divorce in the early 1980s, I spent a considerable amount of time with my father and my paternal grandparents. One day in May of 1989, I was sitting at my grandparents' dinner table in West Texas. I was 12. The adults were talking about the need for more laborers on my grandfather's farm, and my dad said this:

"Mexicans are lazy."

He called the undocumented workers he employed on his 40 acres "wetbacks." Again and again, I heard from him that Mexicans always had to be told what to do. He and friends would say this when I was within earshot. I felt uncomfortable. Why would my father say these things about people like me?

But I remained silent.

It haunts me that I didn't speak up. Not then. Not ever. I still hear his words, 10 years since he passed away, and wonder whether he thought I was a lazy Mexican, too. I wish I could have found the courage to tell him that Mexicans are some of the hardest-working people I know; that those brown bodies who worked on his property made his lifestyle possible.

As I grew in experience and understanding, I was able to find language that described what he was doing: stereotyping, undermining, demonizing. I found my voice in the academy and in the movement for black and brown lives.

Still, the silence haunts me.

Channing Kennedy

My 20s were defined in no small part by a friendship with a guy I never met. For years, over email and chat, we shared everything with each other, and we made great jokes. Those jokes — made for each other only — were a foundational part of our relationship and our identities. No matter what happened, we could make each other laugh.

life is like a race essay

Channing Kennedy is an Oakland-based writer, performer, media producer and racial equity trainer. Courtesy of Channing Kennedy hide caption

It helped, also, that we were slackers with spare time, but eventually we both found callings. I started working in the social justice sector, and he gained recognition in the field of indie comics. I was proud of my new job and approached it seriously, if not gracefully. Before I took the job, I was the type of white dude who'd make casually racist comments in front of people I considered friends. Now, I had laid a new foundation for myself and was ready to undo the harm I'd done pre-wokeness.

And I was proud of him, too, if cautious. The indie comics scene is full of bravely offensive work: the power fantasies of straight white men with grievances against their nonexistent censors, put on defiant display. But he was my friend, and he wouldn't fall for that.

One day he emailed me a rough script to get my feedback. At my desk, on a break from deleting racist, threatening Facebook comments directed at my co-workers, I opened it up for a change of pace.

I got none. His script was a top-tier, irredeemable power fantasy — sex trafficking, disability jokes, gendered violence, every scene's background packed with commentary-devoid, racist caricatures. It also had a pop culture gag on top, to guarantee clicks.

I asked him why he'd written it. He said it felt "important." I suggested he shelve it. He suggested that that would be a form of censorship. And I realized this: My dear friend had created a racist power fantasy about dismembering women, and he considered it bravely offensive.

I could have said that there was nothing brave about catering to the established tastes of other straight white comics dudes. I could have dropped any number of half-understood factoids about structural racism, the finishing move of the recently woke. I could have just said the jokes were weak.

Instead, I became cruel to him, with a dedication I'd previously reserved for myself.

Over months, I redirected every bit of our old creativity. I goaded him into arguments I knew would leave him shaken and unable to work. I positioned myself as a surrogate parent (so I could tell myself I was still a concerned ally) then laughed at him. I got him to escalate. And, privately, I told myself it was me who was under attack, the one with the grievance, and I cried about how my friend was betraying me.

I wanted to erase him (I realized years later) not because his script offended me, but because it made me laugh. It was full of the sense of humor we'd spent years on — not the jokes verbatim, but the pacing, structure, reveals, go-to gags. It had my DNA and it was funny. I thought I had become a monster-slayer, but this comic was a monster with my hands and mouth.

After years as the best of friends and as the bitterest of exes, we finally had a chance to meet in person. We were little more than acquaintances with sunk costs at that point, but we met anyway. Maybe we both wanted forgiveness, or an apology, or to see if we still had some jokes. Instead, I lectured him about electoral politics and race in a bar and never smiled.

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Metaphors for Life That Can Fit Your Journey

Popular Metaphor Examples to Inspire and Motivate you

  • Development
  • Common Examples
  • Using Metaphors

Metaphors about life are figures of speech that state that one thing is actually another thing. They are a way of creating a comparison that while not literally true, provides a figurative meaning. This can help you think about your life and problems in a different way , also serving as a source of encouragement, motivation, or gratitude.

Here we explore some common metaphor examples about life that can be used to inspire you in your daily life. These metaphors may also help you better understand some of the challenges you face, giving you the ability to see more clearly why you feel the way you do or even how to move forward.

How Metaphors About Life Begin

As children, we begin to understand and organize the world. If we think of the brain as a filing cabinet, childhood is when we open new files and label them. We then spend the rest of our lives putting material in these files.

Metaphors often begin as a way to understand the world around us, both as individuals and within the communities in which we live. They can make it easier to know where to place this information in our internal filing system.

Impact of Metaphors for Life

Even if we don't know the origin of certain life metaphors, many have stood the test of time for good reasons. These metaphor examples not only help us define and describe an experience but they can be used to improve our lives in many ways.

For example, some people see life as a battle. Every encounter is a struggle, and if they don't win, they feel like they have lost. Others view life as an adventure. Each new day brings new opportunities to explore, and if something goes badly today, there's always tomorrow.

If you are facing a challenge , a metaphor might help you see the big picture and give you strength. For example, someone going through cancer treatment may look at the journey as climbing a mountain. It may be difficult at the moment, but the view that lies at the top helps them keep pushing forward.

Metaphors can also provide a picture that helps others enter your world. A picture is often worth a thousand words, but a word picture (a metaphor) can sometimes do the same. Alternatively, a negative metaphor may help you see that you haven't been living your life the way you wish. It might be the stimulus you need to make changes.

While there are no specific studies looking at commonly held life metaphors and wellness, positive thinking is beneficial in many ways. A general attitude of optimism has been correlated with lower rates of cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and infection.

Common Metaphor Examples for Life

Metaphors for life are not always obvious. We may have to stand back a long way to see patterns. Because the way we look at things can have a great impact on how our lives unravel, it's worthwhile to think about the metaphors that fit the life we currently live.

Metaphors can be positive or negative. These are just examples and not every metaphor will resonate with every individual. Take a moment to think of other metaphor examples that may describe your life or serve you better.

If you see your life as a garden, you may feel that relationships with family and friends can be cultivated like flowers or vegetables. Relationships, like flowers, need regular watering. They need sunshine. Sometimes they need to be pruned. Sometimes you need to weed the garden (or eliminate toxic friends ).

The end result of careful and regular care, with timely interventions for insect infestations or decay, can lead to plants (or relationships) that are growing, producing oxygen that helps you breathe. They also create beauty as they flower and bloom.

You may see a battle as a metaphor for your life if everything is a competition or a struggle. In a battle, you are always either winning or losing. If a battle represents your life, you may wish to look at how life isn't always about winning or losing.

Relationships, especially, are not always a competition. Sometimes it is better to be more loving toward others than to be right or win.

Viewing your life as a mission can be either positive or negative. You may feel that you have talents and gifts you wish to share. On the other hand, you might feel that you need to convince others that your point of view is the only correct one.

Just as with missions throughout history, your life can be a platform to bring goodness to the world. Alternatively, you may see your mission as the need to impose your beliefs on those who do not wish to hear them.

A journey is a common metaphor for life as it reminds us that the destination is not our only goal. Like with any journey, there are times when the roads are straight and times when they are winding.

This metaphor example helps us remember that there will be ups and downs and potholes along the way—times when life will feel easy and times when life feels hard . Yet, there are also often wonderful surprises and fun discoveries that we would never have experienced if it weren't for the route we chose.

An adventure can also be a beautiful metaphor for life. We don't always know where we are going, but the thrill of our travels (our day-to-day living) leaves us excited and ready to see and experience new things.

A building is a solid metaphor for life and can be a reminder that a sturdy foundation is needed before building higher. Once you have a firm foundation in place, whatever that means to you, it's easier to confidently add floors and rooms that will stand the test of time and weather.

Roller Coaster

This metaphor example can describe life or it can describe the speed bumps we encounter. For example, people with a chronic disease know the roller coaster effect of a challenging diagnosis. Using the metaphor of a roller coaster also illustrates what many people who have had hardships understand so well.

You don't fully experience the high points of your journey without the contrast of the lows. For example, studies are now finding that being diagnosed with cancer doesn't just introduce challenges but can also change people in positive ways as well.

Stained-Glass Window

The metaphor of a stained-glass window illustrates not just the variety of lights and colors which make up our world, but the beauty in every person and situation. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude by taking the time to see what isn't obvious at a quick glance can be illustrated by this metaphor.

Mountain Climb

Climbing a mountain is a great metaphor for many parts of our lives. It can describe our educational path or the steps we take in climbing the corporate ladder. Life often consists of hierarchies.

This metaphor example also illustrates that it typically takes hard work, determination, and sometimes sheer endurance to get where we wish to go. Most mountain paths are not directly uphill, but take us down through valleys to get to the next peak.

Emotional resilience allows you to follow the trail as it descends before it turns the corner and heads back up again. This can improve your ability to cope and protect mental health during times of stress.

A race can be both a positive and negative metaphor for life. In the biblical sense of the metaphor, we are called to run the race of life not only for the prize.

A race can also be a negative metaphor, as in the "rat race," describing how sometimes we are so busy going from one place to another that we never really stop to enjoy any particular moment. In yet another negative sense, a race can describe the practice of always finding the fastest route, or needing to keep up with the proverbial Joneses.

If you view life as a courtroom, life can be challenging. In a courtroom, everything in life should be fair. Real life, however, is not always fair.

Good people die young and criminals go free. If you try to constrain your life to the metaphor of a courtroom, you open yourself up for repeated disappointment.

Stepping Stones

Stepping stones can be a metaphor for life in many ways. In a negative sense, stepping stones may describe the phenomena in which we barely get comfortable where we are before we look for a better job or a bigger house. In another sense, stepping stones can be a positive metaphor for a life lived with goals in mind and conscious awareness of the steps needed to get there.

This metaphor can also describe how we sometimes take a detour right or left along our way to prevent negative influences from catching up with us. An example of this type of metaphor is stepping stones crossing a stream in a garden.

Life is a classroom in so many ways and there are always new lessons to learn no matter your age. This metaphor can be a reminder to keep your mind active and strive to continue to learn throughout your life.

A prison can be a metaphor for a life in which you feel out of control . You may feel like you don't have choices and that others have the power. If this is you, it might be helpful to visualize a key to the door by which you can escape to your freedom, and what that might mean in real life.

Learning to reframe a situation can shift your perspective and change how you see a situation. Doing this can help reduce worry, stress, and anxiety.

A battery represents a life metaphor example of being drained and recharged through life, such as the daily drain of energy related to work, followed by weekends and evenings in which to recharge. Often taking small periods of time to recharge at frequent intervals leaves your battery less likely to die (lose all energy).

How to Use These Metaphor Examples

The examples above are just a few of the metaphors that illustrate people's lives. What metaphors fit your life? Do they work for you or do they cause problems and limit your choices? It's possible to change metaphors or modify yours (such as finding the key to the prison cell) but it can take some effort.

Taking the time to think about the metaphors that fit your life can help you find patterns that aren't working well for you, motivate you in positive directions, and help you cope with the obstacles we all periodically face. Think of your life metaphors today, but don't stop there.

Periodically re-think your life metaphors. Are they positive metaphors that bring you peace and contentment , help you reach goals, or allow you to see the beauty around you? Or are they negative metaphors that are limiting your life?

Good mental health includes having metaphors that help you see the big picture of your life. After thinking about your life metaphors, learn about other ways in which you can become a positive thinker and reduce stress in your life .

Metaphors about life can be helpful ways of thinking through problems you might be facing. They can also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to encourage you to keep working toward your goals.

At other times, negative metaphors might hold you back or contribute to feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. If your life metaphors are hurting instead of helping, look for ways to reframe your thinking in order to take a more positive, optimistic approach.

Black Rupp N. The rise and fall of metaphor: A study in meaning and meaninglessness . Semiotica . 2016:213:419-433. doi:10.1515/sem-2015-0131

Kim ES, Hagan KA, Grodstein F, Demeo DL, De Vivo I, Kubzansky LD. Optimism and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol . 2017;185(1):21-29. doi:10.1093/aje/kww182

Holtmaat K, van der Spek N, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Cuijpers P, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM. Positive mental health among cancer survivors: overlap in psychological well-being, personal meaning, and posttraumatic growth .  Support Care Cancer . 2019;27(2):443-450. doi:10.1007/s00520-018-4325-8

Färber F, Rosendahl J. The association between resilience and mental health in the somatically ill .  Dtsch Arztebl Int . 2018;115(38):621-627. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0621

Eagleson C, Hayes S, Mathews A, Perman G, Hirsch CR. The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in generalized anxiety disorder .  Behav Res Ther . 2016;78:13-18. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.017

By Leonard Holmes, PhD Leonard Holmes, PhD, is a pioneer of the online therapy field and a clinical psychologist specializing in chronic pain and anxiety.

Conscious Evolution

Life Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint: Why You Need To Slow Down

Life is often compared to a marathon, not a sprint, and for good reason.

In our fast-paced world, getting caught up in the sprint mentality of instant gratification is easy. We chase quick fixes, rush last-minute deadlines, and compare ourselves to others’ finish lines.

But what if this breathless, breakneck pace hinders our long-term happiness and success? What if, instead of rushing past the scenery, we see life as a marathon, not a sprint?

Seeing life as a marathon, not a sprint, can boost your well-being, relationships, and happiness.

Life Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Life Is A Marathon

I was immediately attracted to the concept that life is a marathon, not a sprint.

When you see your life as a marathon, you become more focused on the process and not only the finish line.

Unlike a sprint, a marathon tests our endurance and challenges our mental toughness and ability to keep moving forward when everyone would most likely quit.

We must pace ourselves in our life’s journey, or we’ll run out of gas or burn out. Slow and steady wins the race.

Why Is Life Not A Sprint?

Here are some key points to consider:

Unlike a sprint, which is a short burst of intense activity, a marathon requires sustained effort and pacing over a long period.

Life is similarly filled with long-term endeavors, requiring consistent dedication and resilience to achieve our goals and aspirations. Burning out all your energy early won’t get you to the finish line.

Life is a journey of continual learning and growth. While a sprint focuses on reaching a single endpoint, the marathon of life offers opportunities to learn from experiences, overcome challenges, and develop new skills.

This journey itself shapes who we become, not just the final destination.

Viewing life as a marathon encourages us to savor the small moments and experiences, not just fixate on the final outcome. The scenic sights, meaningful connections, and personal growth we encounter along the path become integral parts of the journey, enriching our lives beyond simply reaching the finish line.

Achieving long-term goals requires maintaining a healthy balance between effort and rest, work and leisure. Just like marathoners need to pace themselves and prioritize recovery, fulfilling life requires finding a sustainable rhythm that nurtures our physical and mental well-being.

Life is rarely predictable. Unexpected challenges and changes can arise at any time. Viewing life as a marathon prepares us to adapt and be flexible, developing resilience to overcome obstacles and navigate unforeseen circumstances.

While the “marathon vs. sprint” analogy is not a perfect metaphor, it offers a valuable perspective on approaching life.

It reminds us to prioritize sustainability, continuous learning, savoring the journey, maintaining balance, and adapting to change. Ultimately, a well-paced and mindful approach to life allows us to experience the trip entirely rather than solely focusing on the finish line.

Of course, there are also situations where short bursts of energy and focus are crucial, and sprinting could be a valid metaphor.

Ultimately, the key is to find the appropriate pace and approach for different aspects of life, acknowledging that it’s a complex and multifaceted journey, not a single-minded race.

Life Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint

The Pitfalls of Sprinting: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Costs

In a sprint, the focus is on speed, urgency, and reaching the finish line as quickly as possible.

While sprinting may yield short-term gains, it often comes at the expense of long-term sustainability and well-being.

On the other hand, a marathon is a test of endurance, patience, and pacing oneself for the long haul. Applying this perspective can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling existence.

Sustainability: The Key to Endurance in Life’s Marathon

One of the key reasons to embrace the marathon mindset is the importance of sustainability.

In a sprint, there’s a risk of burnout – pushing yourself too hard, too quickly, and draining your physical and mental resources.

This can lead to fatigue, stress, and a diminished capacity to enjoy life. By slowing down and adopting a more sustainable pace, you allow yourself the time and energy to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

Resilience in the Marathon of Life

Moreover, life is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, much like the varied terrain of a marathon course.

Unexpected obstacles, setbacks, and opportunities are inevitable, and a sprint mentality may leave you ill-equipped to handle the inevitable ups and downs.

By embracing the marathon approach, you develop the resilience to navigate life’s challenges more effectively, adjusting your pace when needed and persisting through difficulties with a steady, determined mindset.

The Marathon of Connection In Relationships

Building and maintaining meaningful relationships also benefits from life, a marathon perspective.

In a sprint, there’s a tendency to prioritize personal achievements over interpersonal connections, leading to loneliness and isolation.

Much like a marathon, relationships require time, effort, and commitment. Cultivating deep connections with others, being present in the moment, and investing in the well-being of those around you can lead to more fulfilling and lasting relationships.

Life Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Appreciating the Journey

Another aspect of the marathon mindset is the appreciation for the journey itself. In a sprint, the focus is primarily on the end goal , often neglecting the experiences, lessons, and personal growth gained along the way.

Life’s journey is a series of moments, and slowing down allows you to savor and appreciate each step. It’s about finding joy, celebrating small victories, and learning from challenges.

This mindset shift can enhance your overall satisfaction with life and contribute to a more positive outlook.

Embrace the Marathon: Balancing Ambition and Well-Being

In a world that values speed and instant gratification, it takes courage to resist the sprint mentality and embrace the marathon mindset.

Slowing down doesn’t mean abandoning goals or ambition; it involves a strategic and intentional approach to life.

It’s about finding a balance that allows you to pursue your aspirations while prioritizing your well-being, relationships, and the richness of the journey itself.

Life Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint - Relaxation MP3

The Marathon Mentality

A marathon is a test of endurance, resilience, and strategic pacing. It’s not about bursting out of the gates with explosive speed only to fizzle out halfway through.

It’s about finding a sustainable rhythm, weathering the course’s ups and downs, and crossing the finish line with strength and satisfaction.

This, my friend, is a much more apt metaphor for life’s journey.

Sure, there will be moments that call for sprints – bursts of effort towards a specific goal, moments of passion and intensity.

But these must be interspersed with rest, recovery, and reflection periods. Like seasoned marathoners, we must understand the importance of training, building our physical and mental reserves, and listening to our bodies’ signals.

Here are some key lessons we can learn:

  • Focus on the long game:  Set long-term goals and break them down into manageable steps. Celebrate small victories, but keep your eyes on the horizon.
  • Pace yourself:  Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Find a rhythm that works for you, listen to your needs, and avoid burning out.
  • Enjoy the journey:  Life is not just about reaching the finish line. Savor the experiences, appreciate the moments, and find joy.
  • Embrace the hills:  Challenges are inevitable. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to build strength and resilience.
  • Learn from setbacks:  A stumble doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and get back on track.

Ultimately, the metaphor reminds us that life is a continuous journey, not a race against time or others. It’s about showing up daily, progressing, and enjoying the scenery.

So, take a deep breath, slow down your pace, and embrace the beautiful marathon that is your life. Remember, slow and steady wins the race, and the finish line, when you get there, will be all the sweeter.

What are some roadblocks you’ll face?

Even with the benefits a marathon mindset offers, it’s not without its potential roadblocks:

1. Difficulty maintaining motivation: While long-term goals can be inspiring, they can also feel distant and abstract. Staying motivated through daily actions when the finish line is far away can be challenging.

2. Dealing with impatience: Our fast-paced world encourages instant results. The marathon approach requires patience and acceptance of a slower pace, which can be frustrating for those accustomed to quick wins.

3. Overtraining and burnout: The focus on endurance can lead to pushing oneself too hard, neglecting the importance of rest and recovery, and increasing the risk of burnout.

4. Difficulty adapting to setbacks: Unexpected events and challenges are inevitable, and sticking to a predetermined plan amidst change can be difficult.

5. Lack of social support: Embracing a slower pace can feel isolating in a world obsessed with productivity and achieving milestones quickly. Finding others with a life-is-a-marathon mindset can be crucial for support and encouragement.

6. Difficulty balancing long-term goals with immediate needs: Prioritizing long-term goals sometimes means sacrificing immediate desires. Managing this balance can be tricky and requires careful planning and decision-making.

7. Overlooking small victories: Focusing solely on the distant finish line can make it easy to miss and celebrate the smaller achievements along the way, potentially leading to feeling discouraged and unappreciated.

These roadblocks highlight the importance of flexibility and finding the right balance within life in a marathon mindset.

By acknowledging these challenges and implementing strategies to overcome them, individuals can embrace the long-term journey while adapting to life’s inevitable twists and turns.

How Do You Recover?

Recovery is an essential part, both physically and mentally. Here are some strategies to help you bounce back from the roadblocks mentioned:

Physical Recovery:

  • Rest and listen to your body:   Take active rest days, prioritize sleep, and engage in low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, or light walks.
  • Fuel your body:  Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to replenish nutrients and rebuild muscle tissue.
  • Stay hydrated:  Drink plenty of water daily to aid muscle recovery and prevent dehydration.
  • Active recovery:  To improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness, consider incorporating gentle stretches, foam rolling, or self-massage.

Related: Effective Ways To Relieve Tension

Mental Recovery:

  • Practice mindfulness and meditation:  Taking time to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment can help manage stress and boost resilience.
  • Celebrate small victories:  Acknowledge and appreciate your progress, no matter how small, to stay motivated and reinforce positive behaviors.
  • Connect with supportive people:  Surround yourself with friends, family, or a community that understands and values your long-term goals.
  • Seek professional help:  If you’re struggling to cope with stress or manage setbacks, consider consulting a therapist or counselor for personalized guidance and support.

Remember, recovery is not a linear process. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient, adapt your strategies as needed, and don’t be afraid to seek help.

By prioritizing physical and mental recovery, you can navigate the roadblocks and continue your journey with renewed energy and a positive outlook.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You can build a more sustainable, fulfilling, and meaningful life by slowing down, pacing yourself, and appreciating the journey.

Embracing the marathon mindset allows you to navigate challenges resiliently, cultivate lasting relationships, and find joy in living.

So, take a deep breath, adjust your pace, and savor the marathon that is life.

So what do you think? Is life a marathon and not a sprint?

Read Next: Joshua Bell Incident: Stop And Smell The Roses

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SCOTUS Says You Can Discuss Race in Your College Essay. Should You?

The us supreme court banned colleges’ affirmative action admission practices, raising a question about students writing about race in their college essay.

Photo: A young, tan woman with curly hair pulled back in a ponytail sits on a couch crossed-legged as she types on her silver laptop. She wears a yellow shirt and jeans as she sits in front of a bright window.

Although the Supreme Court says college application essays may discuss race and disadvantage, BU experts say inauthentic or traumatic recollections won’t cut it. Photo by Delmaine Donson/iStock

Should You Discuss Race in Your College Essay?

“Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise.” — Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts

“The student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race. Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. …Universities may not simply establish through application essays or other means the regime we hold unlawful today.”—Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts

Confused? So are many in higher education. When the United States Supreme Court sacked affirmative action racial preferences in June, Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion, while spotlighting applicants’ personal essays, also put vague guardrails around their use. And anyway, not every young person who has suffered racial discrimination wants to revisit it in their essay, that critical part of applying to college where students tell their story in their voice. 

After the SCOTUS decision, the advice from Boston University admissions and college guidance experts is this: your story must always be authentic. It can be about discrimination or other challenges met and dealt with, but it need not be. And it shouldn’t be , if writing about it means revisiting traumatic experiences.

“The essay for us is just going to continue to be as important as it always was,” notwithstanding the new legal landscape, says Kelly Walter (Wheelock’81), BU dean of admissions and associate vice president for enrollment. She has discussed the ruling with the University’s legal office, she says, and her office has tweaked BU’s two essay question options applicants must choose from. (The University also asks potential future Terriers to complete the Common Application for college, which has its own essay requirement.) The tweaks were partly in response to the court ruling, Walter says, but also to ensure that the questions conveyed to students “what BU stood for, and that we value diversity. We thought it was very important to put that out there front and center, and for them to be able to specifically respond to our commitment, our values, as it relates to one of these two essay questions.” 

Those questions are:

Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it? What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

While the chief justice exhorted students to share discrimination episodes in answering such questions, recent alum and current student Erika Decklar (Sargent’22, SPH’24) says that may not be comfortable for some. She is an advisor with BU Admissions College Advising Corps (CAC-BU) , which gives college application counseling to low-income and other marginalized high schoolers.

“In my experience,” Decklar says, “students from marginalized backgrounds gravitate towards writing college essays on traumatic experiences, whether they are comfortable sharing these experiences with admissions counselors or not. We have always advised and encouraged students to write about a topic that highlights their strengths, personalities, and passions—whether it is a ‘resiliency’ essay or an essay about their culture, values, or a unique passion.”

After the SCOTUS ruling, Decklar says, her advice to students has not changed. “We should continue motivating students to write about a passion, something that makes them unique, but not coach them to write about their traumatic experiences.” 

Katie Hill, who directs CAC-BU, says applicants sharing in their essays what makes them special “does not require them revisiting their pain. If students so choose, we can help them write about their families and cultures, what is beautiful and makes them proud to be” of that culture.

Students from marginalized backgrounds gravitate towards writing college essays on traumatic experiences, whether they are comfortable sharing these experiences with admissions counselors or not. Erika Deklar (Sargent’22, SPH’24)

But what BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) students do not need, Hill says, is to hear from their advisors that in order to get into college, they need to open themselves up beyond their comfortable boundaries.

Walter agrees that an applicant’s story need not be an unrelenting nightmare. It’s true that some of them “are sharing things about their personal lives that I’m not sure I would have seen 20 years ago,” she says. “Students are certainly talking about their sexual identity in their essays. And some will say to us, ‘I’m telling you this [about my identity], and my parents don’t know yet.’” 

But she can reel off the opening lines from three of her favorite essays over the years that were hardly gloomy. One began, Geeks come in many varieties. “We laughed. It makes you want to keep reading,” she says. Then there was the woman who started, Life is short, and so am I.  

The third: By day, Louis is my trusty companion; by night, my partner in crime. “Doesn’t that make you want to read more and find out who or what Louis is?” Walter asks. (He was the applicant’s first car, a metaphor for this woman’s passion for the independence it conveyed, preparing her for the next step of going to BU, where she indeed matriculated.)

The essay is so important because it’s a given that applicants to BU can manage the academics here. “We have 80,000 students applying for admission to Boston University [annually],” Walter says, “and I think it’s fair to say that the vast majority of them can do the work academically. We’re also shaping and building a class.

“For some, it may be leadership. For some, it may be their cultural background. For others, it might be writing for the Daily Free Press. We really want to think about a wide variety of students in our first-year class.” The essay fills in blanks about applicants for admission, along with teacher and counselor recommendations, their high school activities, and their internships or jobs. 

That’s not to say there aren’t lethal don’ts to avoid, most of them emphasizing the necessity of having a proofreader.

“We often get references to ‘Boston College,’” says Patrice Oppliger , a College of Communication assistant professor of communication, who solicits faculty reviews of applicants to COM’s mass communication, advertising, and public relations master’s program before making a decision.

And need we say, do your own work? Walter recalls an essay from a couple of years back where the applicant discussed life in Warren Towers. “And I was like, wait, you couldn’t have lived in Warren Towers, you’re not here yet. And it became very clear that the parent, who was an alum—I think in an effort to help—was telling her story. And somehow no one [in that family] caught that.”

So writing about dealing with discrimination, race-based or otherwise, is fine if it’s not traumatic for you to revisit— and if it’s authentic. Authenticity also includes avoiding over-reliance on artificial intelligence in crafting your essay. According to Admissions’ AI statement ,

If you opt to use these tools at any point while writing your essays, they should only be used to support your original ideas rather than to write your essays in their entirety. As potential future Terriers, we expect all applicants to adhere to the same standards of academic honesty and integrity as our current students. When representing the words or ideas of another in their original work, students should properly credit the source.

“We want to think about not just who will thrive academically at BU,” Walter says, “but also who will enrich the University community and make diverse contributions.”

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The resiliency essay is the archetypical admissions essay of our time, but it has its drawbacks: https//www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/against-land-acknowledgements-native-american/620820/

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Life is race and you have to run

Life is like a race, you keep on running. you try to get as fast as possible however, it is the special race , it’s a race against time , not everyone can run long time.

author_logo

Thursday December 06, 2018 ,

Life is certainly competitive. Fight or die. “Well I believe, if one enjoys the competition then one should really take life as a race”.

Life is like a race, you keep on running. You try to get as fast as possible however, it is the special race , it’s a race against time , not everyone can run long time, some have many years left , some may have minutes , but the point is running as fast as you can before your time runs out.

You are in a marathon

marathon

Life is quite a long journey. You learn at each and every step. If you try to be very fast at beginning the chances are that you will be very late at the end. You need lot and lots of practice and a long marathon to be a good marathon runner but in sprint you can be fast but only for a short period. Sometimes you have to sprint in your life to feel yourself and your position. From marathon you can learn that everything is possible in life.

wake up

The day you realize that your setbacks are not the ending moreover it’s a beginning of your race, that day you turn out to be successful in awaking the victor inside of you. Embrace all the setbacks, fears and rejections, embrace all of it and push on. Because the moment you give up, it’s the same as you stopping in the marathon just because you shoelace came off. What you want is the goal in the end. Not fasters then others so persevere on and make the most out of every day.

Live like this is the last day of your life

live your life

“steve jobs asked himself one question every day . If today were the last day of my life, would I want to be doing the same what I would going to”

Ask yourself this question every morning and try to find out the most meaningful answer for this. Prioritize your tasks; use your time to the fullest, & Crying over spilt milk will never make things right; Instead of regretting for your failures start preparing for your success .

Turn your illusions into reality

illusion into reality

Dreams and goals are the backbone of society and innovation. They motivate you to do your best and reach your full potential. You have a power to turn your reveries into actuality. Visualize yourself reaching your dreams; it will give you strength and positive energy which encourage you to work hard. Reaching your greatest dream is to come up with a strategic plan, follow it with keenness and morality without giving a thought about its outcome and you will end up turning your visions into certainty.

Life is what you make it

You are the ultimate person who decides what happens in your life. You can bow down to others and accept what they want from you or you can lead your life the way you want to lead it. You are the only person responsible for how hard you work, others can only motivate you however, you are the ultimate person who decides whether you want to do that work or not. It’s up to you what you will do for yourself. You are the sole person responsible for your actions. Let yourself influence with the good and don’t accept defeat before competing.

Began to live

“Live each day as your life had just begun”.

Keep your stress, worries and anxiety on one side and start your day as like you are opening a new chapter from your book called life. You have ample to learn, so much to explore about yourself, about the things around you. Observe others; adopt their qualities how they live? How they deal with difficulties? Discovery new ways to live, find reasons why you want to do something. Work without greed. Support others, make people laugh, don’t run blindfolded in the race of life; run with a blindfold of dreams which make you win in every marathon. You only live once, but if you live it in correct way then once is enough.

race

“In the end, life is only a race if we are competing with ourselves. It’s about who will cross the finish line - not who will cross it first”.

  The person who was last in the beginning can win too and the person in the middle can compensate at least. You don’t need to dishearten if you won’t learn it in the early phase .you can stand tall and can learn it in the coming moment. Life is like a race, run until you cross the finish line .

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A Searing Reminder That Trump Is Unwell

His bizarre diatribe at the RNC shows why the pro-democracy coalition is so worried about beating him.

Trump at the RNC

This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

Donald Trump’s bizarre diatribe at the Republican National Convention shows why the prodemocracy coalition is so worried about beating the GOP nominee—even if it means that Joe Biden must step down.

But first, here are three new stories from The Atlantic .

  • It’s official: The Supreme Court ignores its own precedent.
  • What the Microsoft outage reveals
  • “Hillbilly” women will get no help from J. D. Vance.

Not Comparable

It’s been quite a year in politics, what with President Biden facing calls to drop out of the race and Trump having a meltdown in public after an assassination attempt and …

I’m sorry, did I say a year ? I meant a week .

So much has happened, and political events have become so freakish, that we can all be forgiven for losing our bearings a bit. For the past few days, I’ve felt like Homer Simpson after he accidentally turned a toaster into a time machine and came back to find that Ned Flanders was the unchallenged dictator of the world.

But in the midst of all this, two things remain clear:

  • Joe Biden is showing significant signs of frailty and faces real opposition within his party to continuing his campaign.
  • Donald Trump is emotionally unwell.

These are not comparable problems.

Nor did Biden and Trump have equally bad weeks. Biden is facing a revolt in his own party and is now recovering from COVID. Trump was nearly killed by a young loner .

Biden claims to still be in the race, an answer many elected Democrats have refused to accept. My colleague Russell Berman wrote yesterday afternoon that Senator Peter Welch of Vermont believes that the Biden campaign may be at an end; more telling is that Russell described Welch as the only member of the upper chamber making that argument, but from the time that Russell wrote that article to this afternoon, three more sitting Democratic U.S. senators— Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Jon Tester of Montana, and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico—called for Biden to step down.

The case for Biden leaving the race is evident to anyone who’s watched him over the past month. He seems to be no better in his public outings than he was during the debate, and has sometimes seemed worse. As I’ve said here , I don’t think that means he can’t run the country for the remainder of his term, but Trump is going to be fired up and on the road, and I doubt that Biden can match that level of engagement, which could be decisive in a race that will be won on slim margins in a handful of states. I suspect that the people voting to save democracy would vote for Biden if he were governing from a cryostatic tube, but the Democrats calling on him to wrap it up have perfectly valid fears that he could lose and take the down-ballot races with him.

Meanwhile, the Republican National Convention was a searing reminder that Trump is a vengeful autocrat with obvious mental deficits who has surrounded himself with a crew of vicious goons.

I approached Trump’s speech with genuine curiosity. I was for most of my life a working political scientist, and I have written speeches for politicians; I think I know a good one when I see one. So I watched last night to see if Trump, tamed by a brush with death, would strike a new tone or, at the very least, try to make peace with one of his most hated enemies: the teleprompter.

No chance. To be fair, some people who watched the speech thought that the first 10 minutes or so, in which Trump recounted being injured, were good, even thoughtful. I thought they were terrible; although Trump and his people have emphasized Trump’s defiance in the moment after he was hurt, his blow-by-blow account of the incident came across to me as creepy and solipsistic rather than brave.

Contrast that with Ronald Reagan, the previous president injured in an attempt on his life. Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post reminded us today that Reagan appeared before Congress a month after he was nearly killed. (His injuries were severe and life-threatening.) Reagan was on the Hill to talk about the economy, but he started by thanking the country for its prayers and good wishes, noting a cute letter he got from a child while he was in the hospital, and paying tribute to the people injured alongside him. This digression took all of four paragraphs, a matter of a few minutes. “Now, let’s talk about getting spending and inflation under control and cutting your tax rates,” he then said. Trump, however, droned on about how much the human ear can bleed, while the screens behind him showed huge pictures of blood on his face. He then went over to the equipment owned by Corey Comperatore, the volunteer firefighter killed in the attack, and kissed the helmet. Some in the crowd may have loved it, but I prefer a bit more stoicism in national leaders; I’ve always thought that Trump’s penchant for hugging and kissing flags was weird, and planting a kiss on the headgear of a dead man was even weirder.

And then things really went off the rails. If you didn’t sit through it, I can’t blame you; it was the longest presidential-nomination-acceptance speech on record. Basking in the friendliest audience he will ever find on this planet, Trump couldn’t help himself. He was supposed to be like a band at a concert doing a tight set, playing some favorites for the loyal fans, introducing a little new material, and gaining a wider audience. Instead, he blew the chance and ran overtime as he noodled, improvised, and even mangled some of his classics.

The speech wasn’t written that way, of course, but Trump can’t stick to a script. You can always tell when Trump is trying to read the teleprompter: His shoulders tense up, he cocks his head and squints, and he rushes through words he has clearly never seen before. It doesn’t help that Trump’s writers stuff his speeches with baroque constructions that are supposed to be soaring and majestic but that always end up sounding more like dollar-store Churchill imitations. Trump struggles with these complex sentences, and then he abandons them—and that is when the real Trump comes out, in all his whiny and aggrieved glory.

I do not have the space (or the endurance) to relive those moments with you, but they were the ramblings of a man who has serious psychological problems . All of it was on display last night: rage, paranoia, pettiness, desolating selfishness.

I’m always sorry to leave readers with these sorts of observations just before a weekend, but much of the media response to Biden’s troubles and Trump’s madness has been mired in equivalences that obscure what’s happening to both men, and what’s at stake for the nation. (As I was writing this, for example, a Washington Post newsletter arrived in my inbox and told me that the GOP had just wrapped up “an energized, focused convention.” That’s an interesting description of a Republican gathering that featured a sex worker, Hulk Hogan, and a spaced-out Trump.)

Yes, Biden is old, and he’s having trouble communicating. The people expressing serious concerns about him have good reason to worry about both his health and his ability to defeat Trump. He might be out of the race by next week. But Trump is mentally and emotionally unwell. He and his valet, J. D. Vance, are not going anywhere. The real tragedy is that, in a serious country, Biden might step down without incident, and a normal race would continue, because decent people would have banished Trump from the public square long ago.

  • David Frum: This crew is totally beatable.
  • The new Trump is always the old Trump.

Today’s News

  • A software update from the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike caused a digital outage that disrupted airlines, health care, shipping, and many other services on Friday.
  • A federal appeals court temporarily blocked a Biden-administration student-loan-repayment plan, leading the Department of Education to pause payments for 8 million borrowers.
  • Depending on his recovery from COVID-19, Biden expects to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when the latter is in Washington next week to address a joint session of Congress.
  • The Books Briefing : Emma Sarappo explores the books that keep readers awake at night .
  • Atlantic Intelligence : Damon Beres asks: What happens when a bot gets too good at its job ?

Explore all of our newsletters here.

Evening Read

A collage of photos of John Fogerty, and the author of this piece performing as John Fogerty

How I Faked My Way to Rock Stardom

By J. R. Patterson

Before John Fogerty’s life became mine, there was cold. In November 2012, I was 22 and had left the family farm in Manitoba to find work in the oil fields of Alberta. I arrived during a bust and, because work was not immediate, spent the days driving my Ford F-150 around the country surrounding Calgary, listening to AM radio and my small collection of CDs—a few Rolling Stones albums, some outlaw-country records, and the complete discography of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The Ford was what they call a SuperCab, with a rear backward-opening half door and a narrow bench for a back seat. At night, lacking the money for a hotel, I would find a quiet place to park, crawl into the back seat, and stretch out on the bench, my clothes wrapped around my boots for a pillow. I kept my guitars—an acoustic Martin and an electric Epiphone Les Paul—beside me to warm them, lest they crack in the cold. The nights weren’t kind to me either, and I often woke up shivering, the world outside covered with frost or snow. To allay myself, I’d run the engine for a while and put on Creedence.

Read the full article.

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Some of you may have noticed that I don’t particularly admire Trump’s running mate, Senator J. D. Vance of Ohio. (Vance has noticed it too.) I wrote about his RNC speech here . I remain appalled at Vance’s casual betrayal of the people he claims to care about, the poor and working-class whites he grew up with in Ohio.

Perhaps I feel this more keenly because I grew up in a working-class town in Massachusetts, and I think working people deserve a better spokesperson than an opportunistic plutocrat like Vance. You may find it striking to think of New England as a depressed area; people who are not from the region probably think of it as a lovely expanse of college greens and church steeples and foliage. And it is—but much of New England was once home to mills and factories that produced shoes, textiles, and even military swords. (The bronze doors of the U.S. Capitol’s House wing were cast in 1903 in my hometown of Chicopee.) By the late 1970s, many of those workplaces, abandoned as industries moved out of the Northeast and sometimes out of the United States, were rotting hulks.

If you’d like to read a memoir that shows what it was like to grow up in Massachusetts in those days, I’d suggest Townie: A Memoir , by Andre Dubus III, who is near my age and grew up in a mill town much like mine. It’s not a pretty read, but it is evocative—so much so that some passages made me wince. I can affirm that it captures the reality of growing up in a part of America, far from Vance’s hometown, that was also plagued by dysfunction and decline.

When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic .

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Guest Essay

What Polls Tell Us About Biden’s Chances

An illustration that includes a photo of President Biden and bright orange circles added in the background.

By Kristen Soltis Anderson

Ms. Anderson, a contributing Opinion writer, is a Republican pollster and a moderator of Opinion’s series of focus groups.

As Republicans head into the second day of their convention in Milwaukee, they are energized. They feel jubilant about their chances of winning in November and furious about the near-assassination of former President Donald Trump — an event many of them view as the natural consequence of what they see as hyperbolic rhetoric about the threat Mr. Trump poses to the country.

Meanwhile, many Democrats are despondent. Serious concerns about President Biden’s electoral hopes loomed even before the events of the weekend transpired. Mr. Biden’s advanced age and attendant campaign trail challenges remain. And now the iconic images of a bloodied Mr. Trump, fist in the air, seem to have raised Democrats’ concerns that they have no good options, only a slow march toward defeat.

I admit it feels a bit uncomfortable to dwell on the Biden-Trump horse race given the gravity of current events, but there’s still an election coming up, no matter what, with early voting set to begin in some states in September. And a flurry of polls released in the last few days — while not capturing the impact of the tragedy in Pennsylvania on voter opinion — offer valuable insight into the rigidity of the presidential contest.

In the initial aftermath of Mr. Biden’s disastrous June 27 debate, I was adamant that this was not simply “one bad night” and that there would be serious damage done to his standing with voters on questions of mental acuity and ability to serve. At the same time, with so many of Mr. Biden’s voters fiercely opposed to Mr. Trump returning to power, I suggested that we might actually not see polls move too much. Mr. Biden “may also be inoculated from a sudden polling decline of more than a few points because of the way our current deep polarization has frozen our politics,” I wrote in the week after the debate.

Much of the polling since then seems to have borne out that thesis. The results have been poor for Mr. Biden but are not catastrophic: Fox News’s and NBC News’s polling each show Mr. Trump ahead by only three points nationally. CBS News’s weekend polling release showed Mr. Trump ahead across all key swing states, but by only a two-point margin in six of the seven states. Times/Siena polling released Monday paints a similar picture; being down by three points in the swing state of Pennsylvania does not mean the race is out of reach for Mr. Biden.

I don’t want to sugarcoat things for anxious supporters of Mr. Biden, though. At the moment, the numbers are bad for your candidate. The likelihood of a Trump victory is considerable. Voters believe that Mr. Trump’s policies made them better off, they trust him more on key issues like the economy, and though a significant number of Mr. Trump’s voters view him unfavorably, Mr. Biden’s advantage on favorability has effectively evaporated. Only 28 percent of voters think Mr. Biden has the mental and cognitive ability to serve as president, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll. Mr. Biden’s diminished ability to persuade people he is up to the job may grow only worse as Election Day approaches.

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  1. Life Is Not a Race: Why We'll Never Find Happiness in the Future

    There is no race. The Western collective consciousness teaches us that when we get to the end of something, then we will be happy, whole, complete, and successful. When we graduate from high school or college, when we get married, when we have kids, when we get the dream job, then life will really be rolling.

  2. Life Is Like a Race

    In a race, a person is always moving forward towards the next step just like a person moves forward in their life. I believe in always looking forward in life and never turning back. My life plays out just like a 5K race. The first mile of the race represents my first stage of life, childhood. Like the first mile, my life started off fast ...

  3. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way

    Life is not a Race to WIN…. Life is like a Journey , to ENJOY every moment. We are running through life so fast that we forget not only where we have been but also where we are going. There is no reward for completing the race my friend. Please run at your own speed and run how you like it. Don't try to run other's race.

  4. Do Things at Your Own Pace. Life's Not a Race

    Embracing your own pace allows for a more relaxed and content mindset. b. Enhanced Productivity: Surprisingly, moving at your own pace can enhance productivity. When you focus on what truly matters to you, you can prioritize tasks and work more efficiently. c. Fulfillment and Satisfaction: By setting realistic goals and achieving them at your ...

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    Life often seems like a pyrrhic race, always sprinting towards your next goal but never feeling fulfilled when you arrive at your destination.. When you view life as a contest, you're always rushing to keep up with everyone else. Whenever you get close to the finish line, you move the goalpost because you don't know what you'll do once the race is over.

  6. Life Isn't a Race: Allow Yourself to Be Happy in the Present

    Life Isn't a Race: Allow Yourself to Be Happy in the Present. "Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness." ~Chuang Tzu. At an early age I learned that nothing in life is guaranteed. When I was eleven years old, a close friend and classmate lost his battle with cancer. After that, I had several more instances of losing loved ones ...

  7. Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century

    Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century. Doing Race focuses on race and ethnicity in everyday life: what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Going to school and work, renting an apartment or buying a house, watching television, voting, listening to music, reading books and newspapers, attending religious services, and going to the ...

  8. Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century

    Doing Race focuses on race and ethnicity in everyday life: what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Going to school and work, renting an apartment or buying a house, watching television, voting, listening to music, reading books and newspapers, attending religious services, and going to the doctor are all everyday activities that are influenced by assumptions about

  9. Race & Ethnicity—Definition and Differences [+48 Race Essay Topics]

    Race. It divides people into groups or populations based mainly on physical appearance. The main accent is on genetic or biological traits. Because of geographical isolation, racial categories were a result of a shared genealogy. In modern world, this isolation is practically nonexistent, which lead to mixing of races.

  10. Race and Ethnicity Essay Examples for College Students

    Race is an integral yet often invisible aspect of our identities, influencing the dynamics of our everyday experiences. The impact of race reaches beyond individual interactions, touching various aspects of life, including relationships, opportunities, perceptions, and systemic structures. This... Race and Ethnicity. 645 Words | 1 Page.

  11. Personal Essays About Casual Racism With Friends And Family ...

    Daniel Fishel for NPR. We've all been there — having fun relaxing with friends and family, when someone says something a little racially off. Sometimes it's subtle, like the friend who calls ...

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    Prison. A prison can be a metaphor for a life in which you feel out of control. You may feel like you don't have choices and that others have the power. If this is you, it might be helpful to visualize a key to the door by which you can escape to your freedom, and what that might mean in real life.

  13. Life Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint: Why You Need To Slow Down

    The marathon approach requires patience and acceptance of a slower pace, which can be frustrating for those accustomed to quick wins. 3. Overtraining and burnout: The focus on endurance can lead to pushing oneself too hard, neglecting the importance of rest and recovery, and increasing the risk of burnout. 4.

  14. Should You Discuss Race in Your College Essay?

    The US Supreme Court banned colleges' affirmative action admission practices, raising a question about students writing about race in their college essay. August 9, 2023. 1. "Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant's discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it ...

  15. Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Life Beyond the Race for Success

    Essay Sample: Life is a race. and we are all mere contenders; always trying to come first, always trying to run faster, never thinking that all we are doing is running ... maybe we don't have to push ourselves like this and maybe we can break the vicious cycle and see that life is more than a race, especially in today's greedy world, a race to ...

  16. Analogy essay

    ESSAY OUTLINE. Topic: Life is like a Race. Purpose: To inform. Audience: General. Thesis: Like in a race, those who compete with vigor and appear stronger in terms of persistence will always run faster and emerge as winners, meaning they will stay in the competition. On the other hand, an individual who loses energy or keeps on stopping during ...

  17. Life Is a Race

    The concept of race dates back to recent human history. Race is an integral part of life for individuals residing in the United States. However, this concept of "race", that many Americans believe to be true, has no biological backing; it is merely a social construct. Looking at genetics, and even evolution it becomes clear that race is not ...

  18. Life is race and you have to run

    The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory. Self-help. Life is race and you have to run. Life is like a race, you keep on running. You try to get as fast as ...

  19. Life Is a Race Essay Example For FREE

    The family is something worth elebrating, and in celebrating ourselves we can go on further to build everything else that will try to destroy it. Check out this FREE essay on Life Is a Race ️ and use it to write your own unique paper. New York Essays - database with more than 65.000 college essays for A+ grades .

  20. A searing reminder that Trump is unwell

    He was supposed to be like a band at a concert doing a tight set, playing some favorites for the loyal fans, introducing a little new material, and gaining a wider audience.

  21. Life is Like a Horse Race, an essay fiction

    Life isn't like a roll of toilet paper, a dirty diaper, or even a horse race. Life is like life. There is nothing more to it. Unlike a horse race, life doesn't start with everyone on an even playing field awaiting the signal to go. Life doesn't involve hundreds, if not thousands, of people betting on the odds of a horse and jockey winning. Life ...

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  24. Kamala Harris: Her life and career before she was VP

    Kamala Harris made history as the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president. Longtime friends and colleagues talk about how she's broken barriers throughout her career.

  25. Photo Appears to Capture Path of Bullet Used in Assassination Attempt

    Michael Harrigan, a retired F.B.I. special agent, said the image captured by Doug Mills, a New York Times photographer, seems to show a bullet streaking past former President Donald J. Trump.

  26. Opinion

    Over the past four tumultuous weeks, Biden repeatedly referred to that contest to insist that despite his shockingly unsteady performance in a June 27 debate against Trump and metastasizing doubts ...

  27. Opinion

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