World Cup 2010, or, Ecclesiastes

Imagine yourself standing on the podium, after the final round of the FIFA World cup. You lift the champion trophy high in the air, for the spectators to see, and as you do so, supporters of yours roar and cheer. Pride and joy swell up in your chest and you think, I am a Champion, the very Best (Note the capital "C" and "B").

But hasn't this happened before? Aren't there other winners, too? What happened to them?

Italy won the Cup in 2006, but this year, the most recent mention of Italy's football team is a front page article bearing the title "ITALY CRASH OUT".

So then, we ask ourselves, what is the meaning of these achievements and accolades, and strivings to find a sense of self-worth?

And, even more importantly, does our identity and value hinge solely on these empty cups and trophies?

If we take away our achievements-

our actions-

our ambitions-

our material possesions-

Is there anything left?