Why do people want to compete or excel?

Question

I think the reason must be very basic because this desire, in one degree or another, is present in everyone

Answer 1

It gives them confidence and makes them feel strong, happy, and proud of their accomplishments. It makes them feel self worth. They respect the person that they are. They want to do greater things. They are the true winners in this life.

Answer 2

well first you must define the reason or the start of the desire to compete. I live in China and it's like a giant circle of competing- they compete for schools, at home, forwork, for food...ect. But most of them don't know why they do it...they only know that is the thing to do. Now in China we all know that the start of the desire to 'win' came from the fact that if you were not on top you starved. Now if you were good at competing then you not only ate well but you could also build up your position and even the position of your friends and family. And so after they got older they taught this to their children...and so on. Kind of like when there are two chicks in a nest and the stronger one pushes the other to it's death to ensure it's own survival.

Even modern desires are not our own, most of them came from what our parents instilled in our way of thinking. It's not just in China that these things develop but it is an established way of thinking for over 2,000 years. But it's now carried out mainly in higher class families in the west now...or those who want to be in control. (Since power and control are not common things and can be considered rare) Just look at the families of politicians.

Answer 3

The healthy minded ones wish to make sure that they are not the weakest link in the chain !

Answer 4

i think it has a lot to do with evolution. i'm a christian, but i believe the "survival of the fittest" keeps us going.

Answer 5

think survival of the fittest...

Answer 6

live