Footylosopher

Footylosopher   It’s a clumsy portmanteau but I couldn’t imagine anything more appropriate.   Philosophy is the love of wisdom. And a philosopher is one who pursues wisdom. The inherent fault in our pursuit is the assumption that there is a universal truth to all things. That cultural variances and personal experiences don’t shape our every opinion and color our world view.   But the lucky ones of us love soccer. It gives us something in common with people in every corner of the world. No matter how different our daily lives are; no matter the chasm between our experiences. If a bad day for you is getting stopped by 3 red lights in row or not knowing where your next meal will come from, we find common ground on the pitch.   With or without manicured grass and meticulously painted white lines, soccer happens. It’s played in dirt, it’s played in mud. It’s played with cleats, with flip flops, or with no shoes at all. People find a way to conjure a game of soccer. No ball? Kids can improvise a sphere. N