The Sympathetic Impact of Adam Smith and Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi and Adam Smith may seem like an unlikely pair at first glance, but upon closer examination we can see how these two individuals have had a profound impact on their respective fields and continue to inspire and influence people around the world. While Messi is known as one of the greatest football ("soccer" for the Americans) players of all time, Smith is known as the father of modern economics, whose influential work Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (Wealth of Nations) laid the foundations for the study of economics as we know it today.

One aspect of Smith's work that can be applied to the comparison between these two figures is his ideas on the "The Theory of Moral Sentiments." In this book, Smith explores the nature of morality and how it relates to human behavior and social interactions. He argues that human beings are naturally inclined to feel sympathy for others and to desire the happiness of others, and that this natural inclination drives our moral behavior.

This idea can be seen in the way Messi is perceived by fans and the general public. Despite his incredible talent on the football field, Messi is also known for his humility and graciousness towards his opponents and teammates. Even if some would like to see some aspects of Diego Maradona crawl out through his skin. He has consistently demonstrated a desire to see his team succeed and has shown a willingness to put the needs of the team above his very own personal accomplishments. This selflessness and desire to see others succeed can be seen as a manifestation of the natural inclination towards sympathy and desire for the happiness of others that Smith discusses in The Theory of Moral Sentiments.

Similarly, Smith's own work has had a lasting impact on the field of economics and beyond due to his desire to understand and improve society. His ideas continue to be widely debated and applied to this day, and this desire to improve the world around him aligns with the natural inclination towards sympathy and desire for the happiness of others that he writes about. His insights and analysis have influenced the way we think about economics, business, and social interactions, and his work continues to inspire and influence people all over the world. In this way, Smith's desire to improve the world around him aligns with the natural inclination towards sympathy and desire for the happiness of others that he writes about in The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Overall, it is clear that Smith's work has had a lasting and significant impact on our understanding of the world and continues to shape the way we think and act.

Lionel Messi had long been considered one of the greatest football players in the world, and he has consistently delivered outstanding performances on the pitch for both his club team and the Argentine national team. However, one accolade that had eluded him throughout his career was the World Cup. Despite coming close in Brazil in 2014, Messi had yet to lead his team to victory in the most prestigious football tournament. Despite this, his fans and admirers continued to hope that one day he would be able to lift the trophy and add this ultimate achievement to his already impressive list of accomplishments. The World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, and it was to be a fitting crowning achievement for a player of Messi's caliber. Lusail Stadium and Qatar witnessed Messi’s crowning one December night.

Regarding to the topic of the World Cup, it is worth considering what Adam Smith might say about this global event. One could argue that the World Cup, with its global appeal and massive economic impact, is a prime example of the principles of free trade and competition that Smith wrote about in Wealth of Nations. The World Cup brings together teams from all over the world, allowing them to compete on a level playing field and showcase their skills and talents to a global audience. This competition can be seen as a driving force behind the success and growth of the soccer industry, as teams and players strive to be the best and attract the most fans and sponsors.

In conclusion, the comparison between Messi and Smith highlights the enduring relevance of Smith's ideas, even if this might not seem to be the first thing we think about. Both figures are known for their dedication, hard work, and desire to see others succeed, and this shared quality is a testament to the enduring power of the natural inclination towards sympathy and desire for the happiness of others that Smith discusses in his work. Whether on the football pitch or in the field of economics, Messi and Smith continue to inspire and influence people around the world and will continue to do so for generations to come.



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Adam Smith on "The Race (in Markets)": In the race for wealth, and honors, and preferments, [a man] may run as hard as he can, and strain every nerve and every muscle, in order to outstrip all his competitors. But if he should justle, or throw down any of them, the indulgence of the spectators is entirely at an end. It is a violation of fair play, which they cannot admit. (II. ii. 2)

Jon Murphy's "Why do we admire celebrities?" at AdamSmithWorks

Janet Bufton's "Modern Society Allows Appreciation of Frontline Workers" at AdamSmithWorks

Book: John Millar's The Origin of the Distinction of Ranks at the Online Library of Liberty