In Adam Gopnik's "Paris to the Moon," he observes that both soccer writers and art critics often find themselves craving engaging content. This desperation can lead them to elevate mediocre performances or creations to an extraordinary status simply because they provide a welcome distraction from the ordinary. Gopnik's commentary highlights the tendency in these fields to overhype moments of enjoyment in a bid for excitement.
The notion suggests that the context of admiration is influenced by the scarcity of compelling work, prompting critics to celebrate even minor successes as remarkable achievements. This reflects a broader cultural phenomenon where enthusiasm for something enjoyable can overshadow more critical assessments, revealing how subjective experiences shape our appreciation of sports and the arts.