Real Life Philosophy

 　　You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through, and you'll get the point (an awesome¹ one) it is trying to make!

　　Take this quiz:

　　1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

　　2. Name the last five Heisman trophy² winners.

　　3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

　　4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

　　5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

　　6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

　　How did you do?

　　The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish³. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades⁴ and certificates are buried with their owners.

　　Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

　　1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

　　2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

　　3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

　　4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

　　5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

　　6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

　　Easier?

　　The lesson:

　　The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials⁵, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

1 awesome   

adj.令人惊叹的，难得吓人的，很好的

参考例句：

• The church in Ireland has always exercised an awesome power.爱尔兰的教堂一直掌握着令人敬畏的权力。
• That new white convertible is totally awesome.那辆新的白色折篷汽车简直棒极了.

2 trophy   

n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品

参考例句：

• The cup is a cherished trophy of the company.那只奖杯是该公司很珍惜的奖品。
• He hung the lion's head as a trophy.他把那狮子头挂起来作为狩猎纪念品。

3 tarnish   

n.晦暗，污点；vt.使失去光泽；玷污

参考例句：

• The affair could tarnish the reputation of the prime minister.这一事件可能有损首相的名誉。
• Stainless steel products won't tarnish.不锈钢产品不会失去光泽。

4 accolades   

n.（连结几行谱表的）连谱号( accolade的名词复数 )；嘉奖；（窗、门上方的）桃尖拱形线脚；册封爵士的仪式（用剑面在肩上轻拍一下）

参考例句：

• Unlike other accolades for literature which tend to value style or experimentation. 有别于其他偏重风格活实验性的文学奖项。 来自互联网
• Build your trophy room while amassing awards and accolades. 建立您的奖杯积累奖项和荣誉。 来自互联网

5 credentials   

n.证明，资格，证明书，证件

参考例句：

• He has long credentials of diplomatic service.他的外交工作资历很深。
• Both candidates for the job have excellent credentials.此项工作的两个求职者都非常符合资格。