A life second to none

I have often thought about this phrase that we hear so often at meetings.  For years I've thought about it in terms of equality: all lives are equally sacred and equally capable of joy.  Come right down to it, that's a pretty abstract concept.

At a recent meeting I heard another take on the phrase.  I have a life second to none, meaning I don't want yours.  That, to me is concrete and a challenge.