Competition has many faces.

Its ugliest faces is when winning and only winning matters.

There are competition in Nature for Space, Food and Mates -- Darwin called it Evolution.

A major difference is in the 'Selection' or the 'Prize' for winners.

Nature selects winners without bias -- no favouritism -- only those best fit the 'Conditions' win.

Human does not obey any rule in competition -- though we have many volumes of rules (laws) ;-)

Human changes rules to fit their winning methods/strategies -- look at the way politicians make laws fit their business.

Yes, from time to time, there are examples of 'pure competition' that makes competitors strive for betterment of themselves, without regards to the 'Prize'.

This type of competition is what we want to see more often.

How do we encourage this type of competition? By setting types of Prizes? By setting rules for 'Methods'?

By changing 'Perception' of winning? And expectation of 'Rewards'?

To be in Blissful Happiness (as in 'with God' or 'in Nirvana' or 'in Peace') seems the 'Prize Too High' for most people.

To make Money (to indulge in wishes), to win a Mate (to have a wife or husband), to have respect (status, fame and 'charisma') and to be free (from danger, oppression and mundane routines) seem more common.

But these prizes are causing concerns -- that you and we raise.

If we don't compete, we stand stagnant and we become vulnerable to 'Change'.

If we try to win regardless we destroy the essence of competition -- to prepare to live through Changes.

Where is the Middle range?

;-)