Born on Third Base Thoughts


Born on Third Base Thoughts

Born on Third Base was an interesting read but not my favorite. Compared to Growing a Farmer I found this book to be denser and less enjoyable and easy read. I felt I related much more to Growing a Farmer in a way I did not relate to Born on Third Base (this is not to say that there were not parts of the book that I related to because there were). On a more positive note I like how the book was broken up into parts. The six distinct parts created for some structure in what I otherwise felt was a dense and challenging book. I also appreciate Collins’ perspective on wealth and how his unique point of view gives him a different voice. A few different points stuck out to me but in particular I liked when he quoted Johan Rockström saying “we’re still blind, despite all the science, to the fact that wealth in the world depends on the health of the planet.” I like this quote because it can relate to everyone from and environmentalist to a money hungry anti-environmentalist. If someone is uber wealthy and only responds to how they can increase their profits maybe this statement will influence them to also care about the environment.  

The chapter I found the most personal value in was Chapter 9 “Unequal Opportunity.” As I get ready to graduate in a mere matter of weeks I have heavily reflected upon my college education. While I can get caught up in the fact that I’m still trying to figure out my next move and I don’t feel ready to leave college yet, I have been very lucky. I will graduate without student loans or debt with essentially a “clean slate.” I know this is not the case for everyone and this chapter put into perspective just how fortunate I am to have that opportunity.

After learning about Collins’ background I assumed we had nothing in common. While I come from an upper middle-class background I never considered my family among the top 1%, however what I have taken away from this book is the “third base” concept is a spectrum. Although I can’t relate to the immense wealth the Collins comes from I can relate to being privileged. After reading this book I am better able to check my privilege and be more conscious of my place in the world and how I have a responsibility to make it a little bit better.

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