Understanding endless competition in our society: Finding balance for our world

POINTBLANK
With Smart Emmanuel

Earlier today, I woke up to a thought-provoking short piece by a friend of mine, Udeh Praise, where he showed concern over our selfish competition even when we’re all victims of a failed society.

I was left with a deep thought, and thinking immediately, I saw his short but deep piece. In today’s world, humanity is in constant conflict. Everywhere we turn, we find feminists at odds with patriarchs and alpha males, whites against blacks, the religious against atheists, southerners against northerners, children against parents, and the proletariat against the bourgeoisie.

The divisions appear endless, deepening with each generation. Yet beneath these rivalries lies a common truth: we are all victims of a failed social structure whose cultural and moral foundations have been eroded. Until we acknowledge this and pursue total cultural rehabilitation, true development will remain elusive.

At the heart of these divisions lies moral and cultural decay. Once upon a time, societies were built on empathy, discipline, respect, and mutual understanding. But modern civilization, while advancing technologically, has regressed morally.

People now prioritize self-interest over collective good. Cultural values that once promoted unity and harmony have been replaced with pride, greed, and an unhealthy quest for dominance.

Feminists and patriarchs, for example, are not inherently enemies, yet when ego and miscommunication override understanding, harmony collapses.

Economic inequality and social injustice have also played a huge role in widening human divisions. The growing gap between the rich and the poor has created frustration and resentment across classes.

The working class feels exploited, while the wealthy elite struggle to maintain control. Such inequality breeds suspicion, hatred, and rebellion. When resources and opportunities are unequally distributed, people begin to see others as obstacles rather than partners in progress.

Ignorance and poor education further compound these problems. Many societal conflicts thrive because people lack understanding of one another’s beliefs, struggles, and histories. Ignorance fuels stereotypes, and stereotypes breed hate.

Our educational systems focus heavily on academics while neglecting moral education, empathy, and cultural awareness. Without enlightenment, we produce literate minds with primitive attitudes.

Political manipulation and divisive media narratives have become powerful tools of control. Politicians and the media often exploit divisions for power and profit.

They pit one group against another, north against south, Christian against Muslim, rich against poor, to gain influence over people’s emotions. This manipulation blinds citizens from identifying their true enemies: corruption, injustice, and underdevelopment.

Historical injustices and unhealed wounds also linger beneath our collective consciousness. Centuries of oppression, colonization, slavery, religious wars, and discrimination have left deep scars on human relationships.

Instead of healing, we continue to reopen these wounds by using history as a weapon rather than a lesson. Until reconciliation replaces resentment, humanity will remain trapped in cycles of conflict.

In addition, there has been a loss of spiritual and human connection. In our rush for modernization, many have abandoned moral and spiritual consciousness.

We have more gadgets but less compassion, more followers online but fewer real friends, more information but less wisdom. Humanity is slowly losing touch with itself, and the result is mistrust, alienation, and chaos.

The way forward begins with cultural reorientation and moral revival. Every society must rediscover and reinforce the values that once held it together. We need a cultural reawakening rooted in empathy, discipline, and community consciousness.

Families, schools, and religious institutions must rebuild the moral fiber of individuals, teaching respect for diversity and the dignity of every human being.

Education must also evolve. It should go beyond producing job seekers to producing thinkers, innovators, and peacemakers. Schools should teach cultural awareness, ethics, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. An enlightened mind doesn’t fear differences; it understands and embraces them.

Economic justice and inclusive growth are also essential. Inequality must be addressed through fair policies that provide opportunities for all. When people are gainfully employed and feel valued, the spirit of competition transforms into collaboration. Social welfare systems, job creation, and youth empowerment programs can reduce tension and foster unity.

Leadership plays a pivotal role. Leaders must rise above selfish politics and serve as true nation-builders. Divisive politics must give way to inclusive governance that values every citizen regardless of tribe, gender, or belief. Leadership should be based on competence and integrity, not sectional interests.

Equally important is the spirit of dialogue, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Healing begins with honest conversation. Communities must create safe platforms for open dialogue about religion, gender, race, and regional differences. We must confront our biases, forgive historical wrongs, and build bridges of understanding. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is wisdom that clears the path for peace.

The media, too, has a sacred responsibility. It wields enormous power in shaping public opinion and must use that power to promote peace, tolerance, and unity. Instead of sensational headlines that divide, the media should highlight stories of cooperation, resilience, and shared humanity.

Ultimately, the greatest remedy to our endless competition is cultural rehabilitation and moral reawakening. We must rebuild society from the inside out, restoring the core values that define our humanity. When a culture is healthy, its people coexist; when it decays, even brothers become enemies. Our goal should not be superiority over one another but harmony among all.

Humanity must rise above petty rivalry and rediscover its shared purpose to build a just, peaceful, and compassionate world. If we can identify the root causes of our divisions, moral decay, ignorance, and inequality, then we have indeed found the remedy: enlightenment, empathy, and unity.

In truth, we are not each other’s enemies. We are fellow travelers lost in a broken system, searching for light. The moment we stop competing for dominance and start cooperating for progress, the world will find its balance again.

Yagazie!