In Chapter Nine there is a story about the rivalry between Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. According to Shenk, this rivalry, although brought on many nasty insults and heavy competition between these two geniuses, supposed brought out the greatness and the genius behind their great works whether it is the Mona Lisa or the sculpture of David (pg. 144-146) We already know that the environment effects the way we develop and not solely reliant on genetics as explored by previous chapters. However, in this chapter the question on how we attempt to build a society that fosters genius. Shenk is suggesting that a competitive environment is the best way for everyone to have a chance to develop their own genius.
We learn in biology about interdependence in nature and how competition is important to contributing to the stability and growth of an ecosystem. Therefore, does that mean competition is also essential in fostering growth of a community of people as well? Consider the different factors that come with competition such as motivation levels and personality type. How can we insure that all different types of people can foster in such an environment? Although Shenk cites the Greeks and their public forums as an example of how the community fosters competition for human development, can it work in the modern world with our communities being much larger or are our communities much too diverse? (pg. 148)
Ellen Zhou (ellenzhou2006@gmail.com)
We learned previously about competition in a biological sense, and interspecific competition was defined as a -/- interaction that occurs when individuals of different species compete for resources, thus limiting their growth and survival (Campbell 1199). For competition in an ecosystem, both competing species are negatively affected, and it can even lead to death of one of the species, in a phenomenon known as competitive exclusion (Campbell 1199). Competition involving two species with identical niches (sum of the species use of abiotic and biotic resources) can also lead to resource partitioning, in which one species’ niche is modified so that the two can coexist (Campbell 1199). Although both species are negatively affected, the entire ecosystem is stabilized, because each will settle into their own specific niche, eventually in direct competition with no other species.
ReplyDeleteCompetition in a human community is different and more complex, now it is not simply fighting for food and resources—it is now the fight for the best ideas, skills, etc. However, it is no less important. In fact, it is nearly essential for fostering the growth of a community. I say nearly essential because, like the prompt question brought up, there are a multitude of other variables for the success of the community, such as personal motivation. In Kohn’s “The Case against Competition,” her description of competition was rigid and one-dimensional, claiming that “one person can succeed only if others fail” (http://www.alfiekohn.org/parenting/tcac.htm). It is certainly true that over-excessive competition can be detrimental, but what if a child is particularly self-motivated? Will they take loss as a dead end, from which they cannot escape? Probably not. They may take the loss as an indication that they need to get better at something, and set out upon a course of rigorous self-improvement. Like demonstrated in Shenk’s example of the competition between Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo or the competition encompassing the Jamaican culture, the products of competition are astonishing. Incredibly detailed paintings and sculptures and “superhuman” runners—it is clear that competition pushes people to move far beyond their own boundaries.
Competition can certainly foster growth, even in incredibly diverse communities. This is because there will always be a common baseline for judging a competition, such as the best grades, the highest wages, etc. I think Stevenson happens to serve as an interesting microcosm for this belief. Our school is incredibly diverse, and yet, I have on multiple occasions heard it characterized as “competitive.” Despite the incredible diversity in the school, it has clearly fostered excellence, because Stevenson is filled with intelligence and talent in its students. This does not go to say, however, that everyone can thrive in competitive environments, some people may be simply too indifferent and unmotivated to benefit from competition. Therefore, there is no way of ensuring everyone can benefit, because the gains derived depend too much on the personal desire to reap them.
Diane Kuai (dianekuai@gmail.com)