Does Anyone actually Win?
The game of Life is quite literally a game of money. Whether it be the career card, stock certificate, salary card, or house deed, basically all decisions made during Milton Bradley's famous board game revolve around those green pieces of paper. Even the board itself h
as depictions of a typical life, all relating to wealth. First, you must give up freedom and relaxation to pursue higher education or a fast-paced career. Then, you somehow make it to a "precarious and irksome livelihood", and now you live in Blithering Heights. Wow! There's a library, parlor, servant's quarters, and a grand assortment of amenities. Do not be deceived though: "after the exertions of years...undergoing constant distress of mind and fortune", you will be lucky to take an afternoon break. Of course, the mansion is infinitely better than the Deals on Wheels Realty. With "aluminum-siding" and a "great location" next to the local smoke stacks, no one logically prefers the portable home. However, I've realized- after playing the game for many years- no matter where you live or how much money you possess, Life ends in a similar way- "the wiseacres will crowd round your coffin". Like a vulture feasting on a dead creature, others will seek to take advantage of the expense you left behind. It lasts until others do the same to them. Thus, the circle of Life begins again. Sure, the moments of Life can sometimes be overwhelming, but true wealth comes when you suppress "chagrin and disappointment". It's not easy, but then again, no one said Life would be either.
as depictions of a typical life, all relating to wealth. First, you must give up freedom and relaxation to pursue higher education or a fast-paced career. Then, you somehow make it to a "precarious and irksome livelihood", and now you live in Blithering Heights. Wow! There's a library, parlor, servant's quarters, and a grand assortment of amenities. Do not be deceived though: "after the exertions of years...undergoing constant distress of mind and fortune", you will be lucky to take an afternoon break. Of course, the mansion is infinitely better than the Deals on Wheels Realty. With "aluminum-siding" and a "great location" next to the local smoke stacks, no one logically prefers the portable home. However, I've realized- after playing the game for many years- no matter where you live or how much money you possess, Life ends in a similar way- "the wiseacres will crowd round your coffin". Like a vulture feasting on a dead creature, others will seek to take advantage of the expense you left behind. It lasts until others do the same to them. Thus, the circle of Life begins again. Sure, the moments of Life can sometimes be overwhelming, but true wealth comes when you suppress "chagrin and disappointment". It's not easy, but then again, no one said Life would be either.
The Game of Life and real life share one similarity, as you pointed out: money. In the game, whoever possesses the most money in the end is the "winner". However, in the end, it all becomes meaningless. What you accomplish in the journey of Life is what really holds significance. Well written!
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