This quote suggests that as societies become more equal, competition for supremacy or dominance intensifies. This is because when everyone is on an equal footing, the fight to stand out or rise above others becomes tougher.
In a society where there are clear hierarchies and class distinctions, the struggle for dominance may not be as fierce. The roles are defined, and people in lower classes may accept their position without attempting to challenge those at the top. However, in a society where equality is promoted and everyone supposedly has an equal opportunity to succeed, individuals might feel more compelled to compete against each other for resources, recognition or power.
Applying this idea to today’s world can be seen in various aspects of life such as politics, business and education. For example, political races often become fiercer in democratic societies where every candidate theoretically has an equal chance of winning. In business too, startups and established companies alike compete intensely in markets with low barriers to entry since they all have an “equal” opportunity.
On a personal development level this could mean that as we grow and develop our skills becoming more ‘equal’ with our peers we might find ourselves fighting harder for promotions or recognition within our field of work.
However it’s also important not just see this competition negatively but also consider its potential positives: it can foster innovation by pushing individuals/companies/nations etc., towards excellence; encourage personal growth by challenging us to continuously improve; promote diversity by allowing different ideas/people/strategies etc., to vie for predominance rather than having one dominant norm imposed from above.
The key perhaps lies in managing this struggle constructively – recognizing the value of cooperation alongside competition; ensuring fair play; respecting diversity while striving for excellence; understanding that true success isn’t about dominating others but about contributing positively towards society at large.
