The reality of life is that competition is often seen as necessary for personal and societal advancement, but it can also be detrimental to the individual and society. This is why it is important to question why life has to be competitive, and consider the benefits and drawbacks of competition and collaboration.
Competition can drive individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. It can also lead to innovation, as individuals and organizations strive to outdo each other. However, competition can also lead to negative consequences, such as stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. It can also foster a culture of aggression and mistrust, as people may feel that they need to defend their resources and opportunities from others. Furthermore, competition can lead to a focus on individual success at the expense of collective well-being.
Collaboration, on the other hand, is a different approach to achieving goals. It is the act of working together to achieve a common goal, and it can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Collaboration promotes creativity, as people with different perspectives and skills come together to find solutions to problems. It also promotes cooperation and mutual support, which can lead to a more cohesive and harmonious society.
It is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of both competition and collaboration, and find a balance between the two. Collaboration can complement competition by promoting teamwork and collective problem solving, while competition can drive innovation and individual achievement. It is essential to recognize that life is not a zero-sum game, where one person’s success comes at the expense of another’s. Instead, it is a collective effort where everyone’s success is interdependent.
In conclusion, the reality of life demands that we question why life has to be competitive, and consider the benefits and drawbacks of both competition and collaboration. It is important to find a balance between the two, and recognize that both competition and collaboration are necessary for personal and societal advancement. I believe life will be better if we all accept this “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”.
Yusuff Latifat Adeola, Lagos state university.
