The Limits: What are They?

Once in a while in any skill building or training pursuit, you ask yourself the question, "what are my limits" in that particular endeavor. Often, we assume a limit that is set by our own assumptions and the perceived evidence up at present time. My assumption is that the world records in the Olympics, and human performances such as a world-class ballet, are about where the near-peak of human capabilities reside. I do not believe that the best performance possible necessarily is what is portrayed in the highest recorded IQ scores, or the highest rated opera acts, but I think it is safe to assume that if one is tying to become a kind of universal man, capable in various areas, physically and mentally, morally and in the mastery of crafts, then the current records that exist are an excellent guideline for what is possible and what is not possible for one to achieve. The records may be striven to be broken if one has the greatest passion or specializes in that specific area, so the idea to be the absolute best in every area is in the realm of fantasy.

Another interesting point is that sometimes we are limited by the social system we grew up in. Sometimes, cultural practices and ways of living can hinder us. There are modes of thinking and doing that are not the best way. One can imagine a superior system almost always, by other nations' examples or by our own reasoning and creativity. Do not allow yourself to be limited by the social system you are used to, as much as you may be aware of it anyway.

It has been proven that one can become a Heisman Trophy winner and Rhodes Scholar (Peter Miller Dawkins). It has been proven that one can pursue a career as a medical doctor and attain the olympic gold medal twice (Sammy Lee). There are examples of men who have achieved incredible things throughout the course of their lives, and of men who have experienced the human existence to the fullest. It seems to be about attitude and dedication.

How much can you bench? How fast can you run? How many sit-ups can you do in one sitting? What is your IQ score? Which games can you achieve expert level of mastery in? How many books can you read in a month? Which social, political, and economic achievements can you attain? How many skills can you master, which morals can you perfect? There is a plethora of such questions that faces the Metiston, but the key is finding the right approach for each individual. Balance out where you feel you should, specialize where you have great talent, and maximize the value of the whole package.