Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
‘Life is all about competition. To get ahead in almost every aspect of life we inevitably trample on others to get what we want.’ Discuss this view and give your own opinion.
Model Essay
The notion that “Life is all about competition” and that success inevitably involves trampling on others to achieve one’s goals is a perspective rooted in a survival-of-the-fittest mentality. This view posits that life is a zero-sum game, where one’s gain is another’s loss. While competition undoubtedly plays a significant role in various aspects of life, from education and career to sports and social status, it is overly simplistic and pessimistic to assert that success always comes at the expense of others. In reality, life also offers numerous opportunities for collaboration, mutual growth, and ethical advancement.
Competition can indeed drive people to excel. In the educational system, students compete for grades, scholarships, and admissions to prestigious institutions. In the workplace, employees vie for promotions, raises, and recognition. This drive can foster innovation, efficiency, and personal development. For instance, the tech industry is a prime example where competition has led to rapid advancements and groundbreaking inventions, improving the quality of life for millions.
However, the assertion that success necessitates trampling on others overlooks the potential for ethical competition and collaborative success. Ethical competition involves striving for excellence while adhering to principles of fairness, integrity, and respect. For example, in sports, true champions are those who win by playing within the rules and displaying sportsmanship, not by resorting to cheating or undermining opponents.
Moreover, many successful individuals and organizations have thrived through collaboration rather than competition. In the scientific community, groundbreaking discoveries are often the result of collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders. The Human Genome Project, a monumental scientific endeavor, was completed through the cooperation of researchers worldwide, demonstrating that collaboration can achieve what individual competition cannot.
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In the business world, companies increasingly recognize the value of partnerships and teamwork. For example, strategic alliances and joint ventures allow businesses to pool resources, share expertise, and enter new markets together, benefiting all parties involved. This cooperative approach can lead to sustainable success and innovation.
On a personal level, relationships and community support play crucial roles in achieving success. Networking, mentorship, and mutual support can open doors and provide guidance that pure competition might not. People who build strong, positive relationships often find that they achieve more through collective effort than through solitary competition.
Furthermore, the idea of trampling on others to get ahead raises ethical concerns. A cutthroat approach can lead to toxic environments, damaged relationships, and long-term consequences for mental and emotional well-being. Success achieved at the cost of integrity and empathy is often hollow and unsustainable. History is replete with examples of leaders and organizations that rose quickly through ruthless tactics only to fall just as swiftly due to the unsustainable nature of their success.
In my view, while competition is a natural and often beneficial aspect of life, it is not the sole path to success. Ethical competition and collaboration offer more sustainable and fulfilling routes. Striving for personal excellence, fostering positive relationships, and adhering to ethical principles can lead to a more balanced and rewarding life. Rather than seeing life as a battleground where we must trample on others, we should recognize the potential for mutual growth and success through collaboration and ethical conduct. This balanced approach not only enhances individual achievement but also contributes to the greater good of society.
Word Count: 542