The Winner Stands Alone

, various biological studies have shown that if a frog is placed in a container along with water from its own pond, it will remain there, utterly still, while the water is slowly heated up. The frog doesn’t react to the gradual increase in temperature, to the changes in its environment, and when the water reaches the boiling point, the frog dies, fat and happy.

“On the other hand, if a frog is thrown into a container full of already boiling water, it will jump straight out again, scalded, but alive!”

Olivia doesn’t quite see what this has to do with the destruction of the world. Igor goes on:

“I was like that boiled frog. I didn’t notice the changes. I thought everything was fine, that the bad things would just go away, that it was just a matter of time. I was ready to die because I lost the most important thing in my life, but, instead of reacting, I sat there bobbing apathetically about in water that was getting hotter by the minute.”

e must struggle in order to grow, but without falling into the trap of the power we gain through that struggle, because we know that such power is worthless.

come to their senses

in the prime of life

keep a lid on their feelings

got off to a good start

get on the scales

fulfilled by her career.

without a twinge of conscience.”

the worse for wear