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. No goals? Trees too close together or light posts too far apart will do just fine. Soccer will happen.   It’s said that at any given time more than a million people are playing soccer. Factor in the millions more watching, reading or thinking about it. This elevates the sport beyond a pastime. It makes it a way of life. It’s alive and it shapes how we see the world. It forms our philosophies.   It pulls us together and pushes us apart and is the single greatest metaphor for human life on this planet. It’s a battle, it’s a war. It’s the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat or an exercise in futility. Just like all the parts of life.   But it reminds us 90 minutes at a time that we need each other. You take the ball and you venture out on your own attack. You can because you know there’s people all around you waiting to help you if you need it and cheer for you if you succeed. Because your victory is their victory. Just like all those people that love you.   In soccer, just like in your life, there are superstars. People to look up to and to get excited about. You know who yours are. But yo