Man is striving for primacy. Everyone wants to be the best everywhere and always. This happens involuntarily, regardless of conditions and capabilities. It’s just that a man craves recognition worthy of his abilities and merits.
Why is it that second place is often worse than non-participation? The essence, of course, is in human nature. The label "second" means "not the first, but very close to it." Take, for example, the mathematics Olympiad among schoolchildren. Any student who took places below the fifth can say that he simply did not give all his best, did not work on himself properly. He takes it easy. He is not depressed by the fact that someone managed to get around him. Such a participant can push everything in a hurry and carelessness. But those who are from the very beginning focused on the primacy and occupy the first five places cannot say so. After all, they made every possible effort. The lucky one who won the first place, of course, will be very proud that he was appreciated, and the rest will be full of grief and despair - because their hopes remained unjustified.
Silver is not gold. In each competition, the second place, the prize of which is a
silver medal, is hateful to potential leaders. After all, it is precisely the one who takes the next place after the leader who realizes that he did not have enough for a complete victory. The silver medal becomes for such people a symbol of a missed opportunity. That is why many athletes of the
Olympic level would prefer to remain without a medal than to be awarded with silver.
School relay
A silver medal at the school is issued to those who, upon completion of studies, have “excellent” marks and no more than two “good” marks in general education subjects. It is also called the “Medal of Diligence”. Some perceive this without much joy, because zeal is an application of great effort to the educational process. But it seems that just as diligence without a result means nothing, so diligent study without a gold medal does not make sense. Many students, especially students, are very sensitive to the assessment of their efforts.
Of course, the presence or absence of a medal does not always determine the future of a person, but the emotional background that accompanies such situations can leave a residue in a person’s heart for life. Each parent needs to remember that his child needs support and acceptance. For those who “shine” a silver medal, it is sometimes necessary even more than for those who finish school with an average mark.
A silver medal can be a turning point that will make a person think that his efforts will never be appreciated. In this case, it is important to make it clear to the child that grades, medals, diplomas and certificates are not the main thing. They do not determine the future of a person, his fate. And, of course, happiness, recognition, respect and love do not depend on them at all. There is something more important in life than getting an education. The main thing is not to be the best for someone, but to live in accordance with the ideal that you have determined for yourself. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to please everyone.