Tortoise & the Hare – Life’s Race

We are all familiar with Aesop Fables and the “famous race” between the tortoise and the hare. We all understand the advantages that the hare had versus the skills of the tortoise. We often fail to recognize the natural differential between the two competitors and that if the race were held today most bets would be placed on the hare. I can picture the person holding the starter's pistol leaning over and asking the tortoise, “Are you sure you really want to do this?” Then he might whisper something else to the poor creature with the low center of gravity, “You should probably reconsider!”


In my mind I can see the tortoise smiling at this person and quietly saying, “I know a secret about this rabbit, and I know his weaknesses and I will use this knowledge to my advantage. Watch me. I will cross the finish line first!”


We know what happened in this classic race between the two mismatched creatures, and we often use this story to teach our children that just because they may be an underdog, they can still participate and even win the race of life, which in many ways is a competition only against themselves.


Frequently our children lack confidence or self-esteem or even desire to exert the energy needed to accomplish what they would really like to do. It is our job as parents to dig deep into our own repertoire for ideas that we can use to help them achieve their goals.


When I was in the second grade, Tourette syndrome raised its head in my life, and I have never been the same. Later I learned that some co-morbidities (OCD and ADD) also entered my life and created more new challenges. As I look back, I recognize some tortoise tendencies that I struggled with as I went through my educational experiences. I also see that even though I started slowly, I eventually caught up to my ability and enjoyed a good career in public health and teaching at the university level.


The hare in our story represents someone (a child, a sibling, a friend, a classmate, etc.) who gets off to a quick start and learns and excels quickly. They  are frequently scholars, athletes, quick witted, and considered can’t miss prospects for future success


I am well aware that many of my classmates at all levels of my educational experiences were able to start the race with vigor, vitality, and speed. In all fairness, many of these people have done very well in their race of life and accomplished many of the goals they set for themselves. I am excited for them and continue to wish them happiness and success. I can honestly say that I have run my life’s race more like the tortoise and what I have accomplished in my life I can be proud of, as I experienced and overcame things that many teachers and others never thought I could achieve. 


Based on my lived experiences and challenges I believe that children (and adults) with any physical or emotional or other challenges can adapt to their lives and conquer their individual difficulties like the tortoise through perseverance, maintaining a steady pace, and focusing on their finish line. Knowing ourselves and our strengths is fundamental.


Those of us, like me, who are tortoises in the race of life, have challenges that may hinder a fast start and a speedy sprint to the finish line, but nevertheless we have own set of abilities that can serve us well. We may or may not always “win the race,” yet, as we plug along slowly and consistently, there will be times when we may catch up with the hare and perhaps even pass him. Along the way, we can slowly gain confidence, make up ground, cross the finish line, and demonstrate courage and self-esteem. Wise parents will help all our children realize that ultimately there is nothing more important in this old race of life than to do our best all the way to the end and to be happy and satisfied with our efforts.