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Sport-for-Development: Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will

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Global Sport-for-Development

Part of the book series: Global Culture and Sport Series ((GCS))

Abstract

The sub-title of this chapter is a paraphrase of Gramsci’s advice to radicals. He argued that the challenge of modernity was to live without illusions and without becoming disillusioned. In that context he stated that ‘I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will’ (Letter from Prison, 19 December 1929). This represents a succinct summary of the conflicts I have faced undertaking research in sport-for-development in nine African countries, India and Brazil, and working very closely with some sport-for-development organisations.

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© 2013 Fred Coalter

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Coalter, F. (2013). Sport-for-Development: Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will. In: Schulenkorf, N., Adair, D. (eds) Global Sport-for-Development. Global Culture and Sport Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137289636_4

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