There are often “trade-offs” in biology. One of the classic examples is the sickle cell trait; you might not get as sick if you get malaria, but a bout of dehydration or intense exercise at altitude could easily land you in the hospital. And in Lipid Land where I tend to hang out, those with hypobetalipoproteinemia due to a truncated APOB variant have low LDL cholesterol and less risk of heart disease, but a greater tendency toward fatty liver. And the list goes on and on.

And the concept of trade-offs extends into other facets of life. The most ruthless competitors in the world of sports are universally revered for their athletic successes…but often alienate others and fracture relationships during their ascent to the top of their crafts. Casual onlookers would view a “rags to riches” entrepreneur as a classic example of the American Dream…but what if on the way to accruing millions of dollars and admirers, he lost his wife and his family?

And the most important question regarding trade-offs? “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”