In Richard Ford's "The Sportswriter," the narrator reflects on the nature of life and storytelling through the lens of sportswriting. He suggests that sports, much like life, are finite experiences that ultimately come to an end, and this realization can be quite liberating. The fleeting moments of victory and defeat become significant in their temporality, highlighting that life does not always offer grand narratives or meaningful resolutions. Instead, accepting things as they are, without seeking deeper meaning, can be a more honest approach.

Ford contrasts this perspective with the traditional themes found in literature and the liberal arts, which often search for more profound meanings and transcendental truths. He acknowledges his struggles in teaching and his reluctance to pursue fiction writing, feeling that his own experiences align more with the straightforwardness of sportswriting than with the complex narratives of fiction. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding contentment in the transient nature of life.