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A review by pankajmehra
The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
4.0
An easy read that provides an introduction to a decent human being, Alex Trebek. A well-known and respected celebrity, who comes across a hard working, truthful, compassionate and caring person and a loving family man.
I have lost friends to cancer and was instantly touched by Alex' comments on his own condition as these thoughts resonate completely with my own thinking:
“I don’t like to use the terms battling or fighting when talking about cancer. It suggests that there are only two outcomes: “winning” and “losing.” If you don’r get well, then you are a “loser.” If you have decided to stop treatment, you have “given up.” That’s nonsense.
I understand why we humans choose to see cancer in these terms. It’s easier to comprehend and less scary if we see the experience as a boxing match and the disease as an opponent who might be subdued by sheer force of will and determination. However, cancer doesn’t get demoralized. It doesn’t require a pep talk from its trainer between rounds. It is a fight, that’s true. There are days when I feel like Mike Tyson just dropped to the canvas by a Buster Douglas uppercut. But is is by no means a fair fight. Not even close. It is simple biology. You get treatment and you get better. Or you don’t. And neither outcome is an indication of your strength as a person.
Yet I still believe in the will to live. I believe in positivity. I believe in optimism. I believe in hope, and I certainly believe in the power of prayer."
I have lost friends to cancer and was instantly touched by Alex' comments on his own condition as these thoughts resonate completely with my own thinking:
“I don’t like to use the terms battling or fighting when talking about cancer. It suggests that there are only two outcomes: “winning” and “losing.” If you don’r get well, then you are a “loser.” If you have decided to stop treatment, you have “given up.” That’s nonsense.
I understand why we humans choose to see cancer in these terms. It’s easier to comprehend and less scary if we see the experience as a boxing match and the disease as an opponent who might be subdued by sheer force of will and determination. However, cancer doesn’t get demoralized. It doesn’t require a pep talk from its trainer between rounds. It is a fight, that’s true. There are days when I feel like Mike Tyson just dropped to the canvas by a Buster Douglas uppercut. But is is by no means a fair fight. Not even close. It is simple biology. You get treatment and you get better. Or you don’t. And neither outcome is an indication of your strength as a person.
Yet I still believe in the will to live. I believe in positivity. I believe in optimism. I believe in hope, and I certainly believe in the power of prayer."