this has been a fascinating thread--one that I've been fortunate to
observe and learn from. I thought I would share what I've learned from
each of you, so far.
Competition and cooperation are different aspects of the same phenomenon.
They both can help me to adapt and survive in my environment. The
entities with whom I compete (for food, income, space, resources,
attention, victory) cause me to sharpen relevant skills so that I can
become more competitive and sustain myself. The entities with whom I
cooperate enhance or improve my adaptability and sustainability,
sharpening my cooperative skills, and improving my (our) sustainability.
I'm reminded of Ortega y Gasset's words: "The essence of man is purely and
simply danger. Man always travels among precipices, and, whether he will
or no, his truest obligation is to keep his balance." It seems to me that
choosing to be competitive and cooperative are situational and should
serve to help me keep my balance.
If the essence of life is truly "danger," (as I perceive it to be), then
honing my competitive and cooperative skills and being prepared to use
whichever of these help me maintain my balance is the choice I make. As
with all things, being too competitive or too cooperative is dysfunctional
and will, eventually, cause my fall from the precipices.
walk in peace.
Doc
-- "Do not fight too much with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war." -Napoleon BonaparteThresholds--developing critical skills for living organizations Richard C. "Doc" Holloway Olympia, WA ICQ# 10849650 Please visit our new website, still at <http://www.thresholds.com/> <mailto:learnshops@thresholds.com>
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