La gara dell'amicizia (tra la Scizia e la Grecia, secondo Luciano)

We could discern the meritocratic logic underlying the practice of sporting encounters in the exchange of words between interlocutors, such as, for example, the conversation in Lucian's Toxaris. Thus, based on the oppositional dichotomy between the Greeks and the Scythians, a sort of oratorical contest is waged. However, towards the conclusion of the dialogue, both contenders willingly declare themselves equal winners, with a view to mutual satisfaction. In this way, no one is defeated, and the win-lose logic of athletic activity is clearly rejected in favour of a positive-sum game (win-win), thus ensuring a commitment to the creation of a future of shared happiness and well-being.