Author and lecturer Alfie Kohn contends that "competition by its very nature is always unhealthy.” Read the following excerpt from Kohn's essay "Why Competition?"
The cost of any kind of competition in human terms is incalculable. When my success depends on
other people's failure, the prospects for a real human community are considerably diminished
Moreover, when my success depends on my being better than, I am caught on a treadmill, destined
never to enjoy real satisfaction. Someone is always one step higher, and even the summit is a
precarious position in light of the hordes waiting to occupy it in my stead. I am thus perpetually
insecure and, as psychologist Rollo May points out, perpetually anxious.
Write an essay that argues your position on Kohn's claim about the nature of competition. (Do you
want to defend/challenge/or qualify his claim?)
In your response you should do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
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