Earlier in the semester, a major discussion in our class
centered on the question “what defines good and evil?” These concepts of good and evil can prove
rather ambiguous and difficult to define at times. I wanted to throw out another often used, yet
rarely defined philosophical term: “Greatness.”
The commonly accepted definition of greatness is usually something along
the lines of ‘far exceeding ordinary limits.’
Voltaire once made the complaint that these limits are often so poorly
defined that “the epithet “great” is often applied to those who possess only
mediocrity.”
While greatness
alone is difficult to define, Voltaire goes on to postulate that it becomes
much easier to define someone as great when a few restrictions are
applied. Such a restriction could be the
profession or art of whomsoever is being touted as great. For instance, calling someone a great actor,
a great scientist, a great writer, etc. provides a whole lot more information
than simply calling an individual “great.”
And throughout the history of film, and literature in general, having
two “Greats” square off against one another is a timeless motif. From Hector versus Achilles, to Frodo versus
the Ring, our stories throughout time are loaded to the gills with such
climaxes.
Such
examples throughout film and television are too numerous to name, but I found an
example which has to be one of the most spectacular duels I’ve yet
witnessed. Oddly enough, it’s not in a
film or TV show, but a sporting event: a motorcycle race, to be specific (for
the record, I know jack squat about this sport). The race took place in 2009, and saw two
legends of the sport duke it out in the final three laps. The two contestants were Valentino Rossi and
Jorge Lorenzo. This showdown has it all:
two phenomenally talented contestants, plenty of suspense, many exchanges both
ways, and dare I say it…elegant beauty.
Enjoy!
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