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Posted By: Paul

This is a bit off topic, and it is only my own personal opinion, but I felt I had to respond to Bruce's original post. I was genuinely saddened when I saw Bruce equate success in any field to complete dedication to the task. And the reason I was saddened because, as an attorney, I have watched many of my former classmates and colleagues destroy their families and any semblance of a normal life as they placed their job above all else.

I think Bruce has also misstated the "target" that drives these super-dedicated attorneys at mega law firms. In the case of junior attorneys, they are required to work around the clock if they are to advance at their firm and achieve the pot of gold that comes with advancement. They are not working hard to become the best attorney ever. In the case of senior attorneys, many at the mega firms do not work that hard. Those that do work hard are often doing so to bring in new clients because their firm's compensation system requires them to do so in order to continue being well paid. Again, they are not working hard in an effort to become the best attorney.

In this way, I think they are very different than Michael Phelps. People can rationally debate whether the type of greatness that Michael Phelps has achieved is worth the sacrifice. But I think there's no doubt that the sacrifices made by many others, including the attorneys that Bruce mentioned, just aren't worth it.