Asks Quote by Konrad Lorenz
![“The competition between human beings destroys with cold and diabolic brutality... Under the pressure of this competitive fury we have not only forgotten what is useful to humanity as a whole, but even that which is good and advantageous to the individual. [...] One asks, which is more damaging to…” quote by Konrad Lorenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/konrad-lorenz-8538_asks_the-competition-between-human-beings-des_3159602.jpg)
“The competition between human beings destroys with cold and diabolic brutality... Under the pressure of this competitive fury we have not only forgotten what is useful to humanity as a whole, but even that which is good and advantageous to the individual. [...] One asks, which is more damaging to modern humanity: the thirst for money or consuming haste... in either case, fear plays a very important role: the fear of being overtaken by one's competitors, the fear of becoming poor, the fear of making wrong decisions or the fear of not being up to snuff...”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: “The Dangers of Competition,” 1965
Intense rivalry erodes humanity’s collective and personal good, driven by fear of loss and failure.
In simple terms: Cutting competition harms society and individuals.
Key Takeaway
Balance cooperation with healthy competition.
Themes
ethics
human nature
competition
fear
societal health
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- education policy
- public health planning
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
social Darwinism
psychology of fear
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your fear of being outperformed?
- How might cooperation replace harmful rivalry?
A Different Perspective
Competition can also spur innovation and progress.
