It is my contention that the idea of competition has deviated from its original meaning.
Had our concept of the word been in line with its original meaning, there would be far less of a negative connotation associated with the word. As it stands right now, the word refers to rivalry and contests between people, functions which help some people to rise, while others fall.
To some, this is not a healthy thing. It is not the model by which a teacher builds people, creates connections, and heals communities. In this mindset, competition is damaging because it is a means to separate people, whether actively or passively.
This couldn't be farther from its true meaning.
The word compete comes from the Latin competere, which can be divided into two parts: com- (with), and -petere (to strive).
To compete, in the classical sense, is literally "to strive with" someone else, a process by which everyone involved is expected to give their absolute best. In that kind of a relationship, there is no surrendering to mediocrity, no voluntarily deciding to be any less than your best self (and you can always be better!), no walking away from opportunities for growth, and no abandonment of the support team that is "competing" with you....in the sense that they are right there with you, striving to be at their best.
That's the kind of competition that we do.
That's the only competition that really matters.
Let the games continue. :)
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