Do you think that the veritable worship of the Olympics and the winning athletes is a sad commentary....

Question

...on humanity?

Do you think humanity would be better served by venerating knowledge, peacemaking, innovation - anything but mindless athletic pursuits?

Answer 1

The Olympics is not totally about the competition. It is also about bringing people together for a common cause. This promotes peacemaking and innovation.

Answer 2

I  envy no man,  it's the competition I enjoy.  These athletes bring the best out of each other in their respective sports.  Maybe you are right and a lot of fans take their idolatry too far but you are kind of asking for there to be no more stupid people in the world and thats impossible.

Answer 3

NO! Sports are the pinnacle of human existence!

But...seriously, the Olympics are cool because the whole planet shows up, under a theoretical flag of peace, and plays together. Olympiads are some of the best athletes in the world, which is also kinda cool.

Answer 4

Yup, but what can you do?

Answer 5

It would be nice, but it's never going to happen.  

Answer 6

If only our society had given Greek philosophy, art, and theater as much emphasis as it does Greek athletic competitions.

Could you imagine the world watching the best thinkers competing in the Socratic method?