In the mid-19th century, Karl Marx tagged religion as the ‘opiate of the masses’. Leaving aside the fairness or otherwise of that barb, were he alive today, he would have to redirect it at organised sport.
It may seem crass to talk about popular amusements when the world is facing unprecedented existential challenges. It just might be, though, that greater appreciation for such distractions is the key to a happier, fairer, more peaceful future. Human flourishing depends, after all, not so much on our institutions and economies as on our thoughts and expectations.
Leaving aside the current reality though, consider the matter in the abstract, as an ideal. What’s not to like about the following? The spectacle! I’m struggling to concentrate now because Barcelona are playing Bilbao and that means that Lionel Messi — the finest footballer ever — is doing his incomparable thing. Jinking, jumping, turning, teasing; it’s a mix of athleticism and magic that regularly takes the breath away. It’s like ballet, in a way, but with the massive added aspect of unpredictability and excitement.
Sporting contests are purely and unashamedly meritocratic; though subject to the rules, inevitably. And to strict segregation, fortunately. Within those parameters though, it’s the best who end up winning.
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