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I have long contemplated the meaning of that phrase; is it better to master one subject or skill so as to achieve a level of excellence that most cannot? Or is it better to try to gather as many different skills as possible? When I say is it better, I suppose I mean ‘better’ in a number of senses.
Firstly, does being a master at one skill bring you greater life satisfaction than somebody who is reasonably good at a lot of skills?
For example, to become a martial arts master requires years of commitment, if not a whole life time before one acquires the skills that can lead them to being called master.
I guess my main point that I am trying to make is that I have grown up in a world that is culturally interconnected. I have been extremely lucky to be exposed to various aspecks of many of these culutres. From as young as I can remember have seen my football heroes perform to levels to which I still aspire, I have been able to watch many musical influences of my era flourish (as well as being lucky enough to see recordings of some of the legends that came before them). Equally I have been exposed to the films of Bruce Lee, Jet Li and Jackie Chan, thus I have witnessed the skills of martial arts.
This exposure to eclectic cultural pastimes has both inspired and frustrated me. I will never be a martial arts master, I may acquire a certain level of skill but due to the fact that it takes lifelong dedication and I’m a bit late in starting I will never be as good or as tough as somebody who has. This should not be a deterrent from trying new skills, but it is a constant reminder of what is and isn’t possible.
I’m equally a bit late for professional football but due to my childhood years (playing from dusk till dawn), I have achieved a level of skill that makes me happy. I love football and play any chance I get. So maybe I should be less concerned with becoming a master, relax and enjoy the fruits of the world that are available to me.
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