Goal
Today, we’re going to explore competition. We’re going to discuss what it is, why it’s essential, and why collectivists do not like it.
What Is Individualism?
Individuals compete to improve themselves and help others.
“Socialism is not a meritocracy. By definition it places increasingly confining restraints on those that succeed the most.” – A.E. Samaan
Individualism is a social theory that values the individual above the needs, wants, and desires of the collective and the state. Politically, it is expressed in libertarianism, minarchism, and anarcho-capitalism. Economically, it is expressed through capitalism.
As a personal philosophy, individualism is about self-improvement through the rigorous pursuit of virtue. The uncompromising pursuit of virtue helps individuals improve their lives by overcoming their vices, doing good, and accomplishing their goals.
There are many pillars of individualism. However, we are focusing on competition. Furthermore, we’re looking at why collectivists oppose competition.
Individualism Promotes Competition
When we compete, we improve to win.
“Competition is, in general, a contest or rivalry between two or more entities, organisms, animals, individuals, economic groups or social groups, etc., for territory, a niche, for scarce resources, goods, for mates, for prestige, recognition, for awards, for group or social status, or for leadership and profit” (from Wikipedia). Competition brings out the best in us because we improve our actions so we can become better, faster, and stronger than our competitors.
What does this look like? If two restaurants are competing for customers, they have to improve to attract more customers. These companies may lower their prices, enhance their food, tweak the dining experience, and so on. And of course, who benefits from such an arrangement of lower prices, better food, and excellent service? The customers.
Another example: multiple men are vying for the love of one woman. They want to marry her. Many suitors compete for her love and affection by increasing their monetary earnings, improving their habits, and overcoming their vices. In the end, she chooses one, and the bride-to-be enjoys her perfect man.
Competition Benefits the Competitors
You should always compete against yourself.
“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” – Ayn Rand
However, in the above examples, both the business owners and the potential suitors benefit from having to compete. Instead of becoming slow, sluggish, and unresponsive, the business owners have to innovate, listen to feedback, and deliver a better dining experience. The reward for such actions is more customers, prestige, and recognition.
For the suitors, only one of them may win this woman’s heart. But what do they gain? They improve their characters, enhance their bodies, and earn more money. Even if they lose the girl, they still have qualities and abilities to help them win over the next woman. Additionally, they can live an enjoyable single life as they search for a relationship.
Having to compete improves one’s behavior and actions. Whether in work or love, having to make it to the top forces us to shave bad habits, grow our virtues, and develop the skills necessary to excel. When we don’t have to compete, and everything is simply handed to us, we become sluggish, ungrateful, petty, and arrogant.
Why Do Collectivists Hate Competition?
Those who oppose individualism do not like the hard work inherent in competition.
To start, collectivists love competition when others are competing for them. Weak individuals love competing businesses because the collectivists have to pay less for better service. Additionally, a vapid, self-absorbed woman will love that multiple men are fighting for her, primarily because it feeds her inflated ego.
However, disingenuous and lazy people hate when they have to compete. Weak individuals don’t want to vie for the attention of others or have to develop better habits to secure a promotion. Ultimately, collectivists hate expelling the energy involved in competing, which causes them to despise the concept and call it evil, cruel, and exploitative.
Competition Enables Everyone To Be Their Best Selves
You must compete to improve.
“Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to criticize others.” – Roy T. Bennett
As individualists, we have to understand competition brings out our best selves. The more you have to fight to overcome bad habits and instill good ones, the more meaningful your life will become. Remember, competition does not lead to despair – it leads to purpose, mastery, and pride.
Therefore, do not fear competition. Welcome it and do everything you can to push harder and succeed.
Next week, we will discuss free will and choice. All collectivists from nationalists to socialists hate choice. Therefore, we will have a lot to tackle and explore.
Actionables
- How often do you compete with yourself? Are you winning?
- Do you like competing with others? Why or why not?
- What’s a competition you lost? Why did you lose? How did it feel to lose?
Please remember that it’s important to do the actionables. You’re not on this earth to simply read but to do. To become an individual, you must act more than you consume.
*Image credit to Unsplash.
