Competition Quote by Joshua Loth Liebman
““There has been among us, particularly in America, an adolescent competitiveness—a feeling that life is a race in which the victory of one must mean the defeat of the other. No one can measure how much personal unhappiness and inner cowardice have come from this immaturity of our social outlook, this childlike comparison, this absurd rivalry in every area of life. As our democracy becomes more mature, men have a chance of growing up and of realizing that every person is needed and has some contribution to make.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, United States, mid‑20th century, null
The quote warns that seeing life as a zero‑sum race breeds unhappiness and cowardice; a mature democracy values each person's unique contribution.
In simple terms: Seeing life as a race creates unhappiness; mature societies value everyone.
Key Takeaway
Embrace collaboration over competition.
Themes
competition
self‑esteem
democracy
individuality
maturity
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace teamwork
- community projects
- educational settings
- political discourse
Key Concepts
social psychology
collectivism
human development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does rivalry affect your well‑being?
- What steps can you take to value others' contributions?
A Different Perspective
Competition can spur innovation and personal growth in some contexts.
