“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemingway
If the bulk of human efforts to compete with one another were redirected into the attempt on the part of each one to be superior to his former self, many of the world’s ills would vanish overnight.
Comparison, envy, disdain would cease to be, while cooperative strategies would flourish. Hostility and negative attitudes would give way to civility and mutual encouragement and respect. In short, the world would be a better place.
Gregory Hake 
Many of my recent reads have promoted the ideal of synergy but characterized it as some what elusive. I think it requires the atmosphere of shared purpose and selflessness to let it happen. A couple of them addressed the blocks of low self esteem and competition but seemed doubtful as to whether many could completely forgo this tendency. I think the answer is in forgoing the tendency to judgement. When this is a foundational habit it seems it would take care of many of our woes that appear to be born of it. The cooperative strategies you mention could be the next innovation or dramatic change for a better world.
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I was sitting in my living room this morning enjoying the glorious display of spring all around me, and I logged onto your blog. What struck me on reading your words is that nature does not compete, it just reveals it’s self, and all that variety produces a tapestry of such magnificence, especially at this time of year. It is good to come to the knowing that there is never under any circumstance a justification for taking an attitude of disdain, envy or comparison. We are all unique and if we would but express our God given uniqueness, the elements of envy would begin to dissolve and the body of humanity could be the exquisite tapestry of creativity and effectiveness that I’m sure it was designed to be.
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That’s a wonderful point. When people work together the whole is always able to accomplish more than one individual.
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That gives competitiveness it’s rightful place. Well said!
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This would also be the key to living an extremely happy, fulfilling life
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