Hmm. You know, the likely aversion of nuclear war is pretty sweet. But wow, do each of those knife blades have Dale Earnhardt's "3" car engraved on them? Why must I choose?

I don't mean to knock on the Associated of World Citizens for giving Mr. Petrov a cash prize of that value. On the contrary, I have their gratitude. They took full initiative to at least bring a little recognition to a man who certainly deserves as much as we can give him.

This story has given me two things to think about. The first is the monumental importance of thinking for yourself. Many times, people will throw ideas and opinions at you from every angle. External input is always valuable, so you're inclined to let it influence you. But you must be able to think and decide completely of your own accord, and never, ever put someone else behind the wheel.

The second is that proceeding to go through life with the mindset that the world owes you is terribly undignified. We're fairly guilty of this. We paint ourselves as victims of the system, and use this to justify ourselves whenever the opportunity presents itself to take advantage of it. Granted, Mr. Petrov did something that perhaps some other people would have had the courage to do, but what speaks to his character especially is that he has not walked around since with an air of superiority, accomplishment, or the idea of being owed. The next time you have the chance to step over someone else to get what you want, or scratch and fight for everything you can take from the world, take a moment and remember good old Stanislav Petrov, a man who put himself at great risk to perhaps come closer and more directly to the idea of saving the world than anyone else in human history, who lives in a tiny house off pension checks, who has been widowed for ten years and had to borrow money for his wife's funeral, who received $1000 and a trophy, and a plaque for his troubles, and smiled, and called it one of the greatest days of his life, and asked nothing more of anyone.

End

Dale Earnhardt 6 X Champion Knife Set Display 1 of 750

Starting bid: $950.00

Dale Earnhardt 6 Time Winston Cup Champion Knife Set!! #1 of 750 made!!

This set includes one large knife that includes all 6 dates and 6 pocket knives, representing each individual year. I tried to get a close-up of the emblem that says "1 of 750" but the glass interferes with the clarity of the photo. This is a box framed set with "Dale Earnhardt ; 6 Time winston Cup Champion" engraved in the top portion of the frame.