Human Conditioning

Competition as a Threat to Civilization

In any exploration of the most pressing threats to humanity and civilization, we must look beyond external challenges - such as the climate crisis, pandemics, technological hazards and the frightening prospect of a nuclear war. While all these factors are undeniably significant, they pale in comparison to another menace planted within our own psychology and social conditioning. Behaviours such as aggression, antagonism, greed and jealousy are not merely (some would say unavoidable) ingrained human traits; they're powerful forces that trap individuals and societies in endless cycles of violence, ultimately challenging the very core of what it means to be human.

To understand the profoundly insidious nature of these threats, we can draw upon historical narratives that illustrate their consequences. From the devastating wars that shaped our world to the civil rights movements that sought justice and equality, the interplay of aggression and competition, often fuelled by mistrust, has repeatedly led to conflict. The World Wars serve as blatant reminders of how unchecked aggression can escalate into widespread violence, resulting in devastation and loss of life. Conversely, the struggles for civil rights and social justice highlight the profound divisions that can arise within societies, demonstrating the importance of unity in overcoming these divides.

Aggression is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour, often manifesting as hostility toward others. We see it in sport, in politics, and increasingly in everyday interactions. Some psychologists claim aggression is an intrinsic part of human nature. Rooted in evolutionary mechanisms, aggression once served to protect resources and ensure survival. However, in contemporary society, it can escalate, even in the absence of immediate threats, leading to destructive consequences. The rise of social media has amplified aggressive tendencies, as anonymity emboldens individuals to express hostility without the pressure of facing real-world repercussions. This digital hostility contributes to a culture of separation, where people retreat into their safe cocoons and echo chambers, reinforcing biases but alienating those with differing perspectives.

Competition, another intrinsic aspect of human nature, is a double-edged sword. While it can be used prudently to advance development and innovation, it also fosters an environment of conflict and resentment when left unbridled. The relentless pursuit of success creates a zero-sum mentality, where individuals believe that another's gain is their loss, especially when it comes to money, gambling and careers. This mindset is pervasive: it extends way beyond the individual to organizations, nations, and societies, often straining international relations and leading to disputes over resources and ownership, and the exercise of raw power.

Unfortunately, the economic systems we have crafted, particularly neoliberal capitalism, often aggravate our competitive nature. As inequality rises, the competition for limited resources intensifies, fueling envy, division, and strife. The repercussions can be profound, as societies become fragmented and trust erodes, undermining the foundations of cooperation needed even to begin to address complex challenges.

Social discord is often construed as a natural consequence of the aggression arising from either envy or direct competition. If individuals begin to see themselves as fundamentally different from one another, justifications for hostility emerge that may seem normal. Meanwhile, exceptionalism breeds resentment, colonialism generates inequity, and socio-economic stratification leads to homelessness and widespread poverty. All three generate forms of class warfare and stoke divisions. Social, economic, and ideological rifts are often intensified by identity politics, which create ingrained barriers to tolerance and empathy. To cap it all, when narratives propagated by the press emphasize differences over commonalities, particularly when that is done mischievously, the social infrastructure can splinter still further, leading to a polarized society where constructive dialogue is replaced by hostility as a matter of course.

To counter this, we must try to foster a culture of empathy and understanding. That sounds both glib and naive. But it's only by facilitating open dialogue, appreciative inquiry, and active listening, and trying to put ourselves in another's shoes by subjecting our own biases to scrutiny, that we might be able to bridge the divides that separate us. Educational systems obviously play a crucial role in this endeavour - promoting social-emotional learning and dispute mediation skills that empower kids to work through their issues collaboratively is the low-hanging fruit. It's much more difficult with intransigent adults. Community-building initiatives that encourage cross-cultural interactions can also break down barriers, promoting understanding and unity but imagination is needed in order for these to feel compellingly 'cool'.

I apologise if this is getting to sound like a list of the seven deadly sins. But envy is next up for analysis in this context. A highly potent and destructive emotion, envy often thrives in competitive environments. It arises when individuals compare themselves to others, and can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy. This emotion manifests both individually and amongst groups, prompting rancour and other toxic behaviours that harm relationships and reinforce divisions. On a larger scale, envy can fuel the impulse to undermine others' success, or even seek revenge, resulting in scapegoating and civil unrest.

Yet envy can also be reframed as a catalyst for personal and societal growth. In situations where I have felt jealousy, and coming from a poor family yet surrounded by wealth, there have been many occasions when I railed at the inequity, I've used that awareness to count my blessings rather than to harbour resentment. It doesn't always work of course. But encouraging people to focus on their own aims and achievements, as well as celebrating the successes of others, can literally transform envy into inspiration. On a societal level, addressing systemic inequalities can mitigate the resentfulness that arises from perceived injustice.

Understanding the chemistry between feelings of aggression, competition and envy exposes a dangerous feedback loop. Each threat reinforces the others, creating a cycle that perpetuates societal dysfunction. In highly competitive environments, aggressive behaviours may become normalized.This can lead to deeper divisions and heightened feelings of jealousy and unfairness. These links underscore the need to address such threats at source, rather than waiting for them to fester and then treating them as isolated incidents downstream. Unfortunately the latter has become a habit in a world geared to solving problems rather than designing them in ways that prevent them becoming irritants.

Technology is not passive and plays a dual role in human conditioning. It can amplify both competition and cooperation, depending on the situation. For example, social media often incites divisive rhetoric, allowing for the rapid spread of misinformation and the reinforcement of echo chambers. However, it also offers platforms for collective action at all levels - from community grassroots to high-level decision-making. We know that promoting digital literacy and critical thinking enables people to distinguish truthful information from misinformation, fostering healthier online interactions. Additionally, harnessing technology explicitly for collaboration - like crowdsourcing solutions to social issues or online platforms for dialogue - bridges divides and promotes a sense of community and wellbeing at scale.

Different cultures offer valuable insights into managing feelings of aggression and jealousy. Collectivist societies often prioritize community welfare over individual success, often presenting unique models of cooperation and interdependence. Asian families typically serve as a primary welfare safety net, providing emotional and social support when needed. By prioritizing harmony and reciprocity, these societies create networks that automatically enhance individual well-being. Statistics have shown us that when individuals feel secure within their families, the likelihood of aggressive or envious behaviours diminishes, as there is less perceived competition for resources. Learning from these perspectives can inspire a shift in Western thinking that still tends to laud individual achievement at the expense of community cohesion.

Addressing these many-sided psychological threats will require a collective commitment to 2nd-order change. Individuals, communities, and institutions really have no option but to inquire together if we're serious about installing empathy, understanding, and collaboration at the core of our civilisational model instead of the toxic emotions that current sit there. This journey needs to begin with self-awareness and personal responsibility. As individuals we must confront our own biases and behaviours. Over and above that, policy-makers have a vital role in creating environments that promote cooperation over competition. Legislation that supports social welfare alongside community development can lay the groundwork for a much more unified society. Furthermore, public figures across various sectors must be modelling inclusive behaviour, demonstrating the value of collaboration in addressing complex global challenges. Of course that's overly optimistic and unrealistic at the moment with society so fractured by dissent and hatred.

As we confront the pressing (albeit tacit) threats posed by negatively-charged emotions like aggression, resentment and envy, we must find a way to embrace a vision of humanity that's rooted in more upbeat traits like cooperation and empathy. Given our ingrained penchant for competition, from the sports field to the parliaments, and the belief that this is an inherently human trait, that will not be easy. By learning from history and the experience of collectivism, leveraging psychological insights, and fostering inclusive practices, we might be able to mitigate the worst of these threats and build a more resilient civilization.

If peace is a requisite for survival then it becomes an imperative. The journey toward a harmonious future requires collective effort and a commitment to nurturing the values that unite us, allowing us to transcend our differences and work together for the common good. The fact that we're all in the same boat when it comes to global emergencies should be sufficient to get us on this track. But that doesn't account for the arrogance and power of an incumbent elite that profits from war and will do anything to maintain the status quo.

In this endeavour, we hold the power to secure a sustainable and flourishing civilization, one that honours the interconnectedness of all life and embraces the richness of our shared experience on this planet. The only thing which opposes us is human nature (or so they say) along with the obsecene profits that can be made from competition in all of its various forms. And that, I strongly suspect, is the real game we play.