Thursday, November 21, 2013

Michael Phelps vs. Michelangelo


“World records for runners and painters are set in equally unequivocal media, for the runners in clock times, and for the artists in denomination if U.S. dollars and other currencies.” 377

As a runner and an artist I found this quote very interesting. The fame of a runner or athlete is not much different to the fame of an artist. Scharfstein talks about how the prices of particular pieces fluctuate as well as the times on the clock for the runners. However, in that particular time of an auction, the price is set. As well as if a runner runs a particular race, the time on that clock is final and cannot be changed.

I would have never thought about comparing a famous athlete with a famous artist. When we look at Michael Phelps versus Michelangelo we may see more things in common than we think. Both had to establish their work ethics and practice and perfect what goals they intended to accomplish. They had to establish themselves as well, they had to make a name for themselves and prove to others that they are worthy of the fame. For example, Michael Phelps and Michelangelo didn’t come out of nowhere and become famous painters or world record-breaking swimmers. Michael Phelps had to work hard and prove himself to his coaches and countless Olympic trials to get all those medals. Michelangelo had to work with other artists and learn how to become someone who could be a working artist. He had to do many apprenticeships and many projects before accomplishing his most famous commissioned works. Both of these extraordinary people had to work for their fame. 

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