Isn't that funny? That struck me as a totally accurate paragraph, not trash at all. In general, I find that people who only issue absolutes when the point of a discussion is the factors that would lead to the possibility of that statement being true, have much less substance and depth than those who make separate points about a topic, and then tie them together with an opinion.
I think, too, there are different levels of conversation-- like I could say, "I think Bach is the most brilliant composer ever!" as we sit at a concert listening to his work. But if I were in a music composition class, I wouldn't get away with that without setting forth my reasons for that conclusion. ANd someone may counter with the argument that Mozart was equally, if not more so, brilliant, and why. But if I just say Bach is the best and Mozart sucks and you are an idiot, I am not showing a whole lot of musicological expertise.
The fact that you considered and brought up all the factors that would come into play in making that statement about Ted Williams, indicates your understanding of this. If you are with my husband and some of his baseball nut friends, you would probably have to do more than proclaim it, and offer up why the different bats, deeper outfields, night games, blahblah don't matter and they will argue and have a grand old time.
If you and I are watching an old news story about him, and you get a tear in your eye and say, ah Ted Williams, the greatest hitter ever, I will smile and understand even though I might be thinking, Silly Mary, the Great Bambino ruled. :) best. |
