Unreal Success - But Very Real Failure

"Winning feels unreal."

I am sure it does. The sudden rush of excitement is not a daily occurrence. If you have never felt it before, how can it be real? While this may seem logical, the converse seems extremely depressing. 

Failure is real. 

In fact, the pain is even more real. Could this be because we experience failure much more often than success? Could this be because we feel pain much more often than euphoria? 

Faker crying.

I can't say I disagree. Winning is rare. If we are talking about being the best, only one person, one team can be the best. And failure is everything else, everything other than the best. Sure, people's definition of failure may vary, but the relationship is true. Success is rare and therefore feels unreal. Failure is common and therefore feels real. 

Down into despair. 

A world like that is dark, very dark, and fireflies are the only light that people chase after: the light of victory. Most people do not reach it; they just tumble around in darkness. The people who do reach it enjoy a moment of warmth, but only for a moment like the Little Match Girl. 

However.

It is not possible for the world to be that dark. Humans possess the extraordinary ability to adapt. It is like how at night, our pupils grow in size, allowing us to see more light. During the day, our pupils shrink so sunshine is not blinding. 

The same thing applies to success and failure. While pain may be very real, the fight against pain is incredibly commendable. That guy you see in that picture will practice harder, fight harder, to reach the fleeting firefly. And that is a beautiful side of life. 

Beautiful, like the story of Deemo, a figure who plays the piano relentlessly so that the little girl can climb out of the dark cave.  

Art from Deemo.