Is it possible for us to constantly seek mutual benefit in our human interactions? Is it possible to stop basing our self-worth on comparisons and competition? Is it possible to stop thinking of our success in terms of someone else failing, by any means necessary?

It would be possible if we were educated and socialised to be considerate, confident and courageous. Then we would not spend a lot of time and energy trying to classify people in order to establish a hierarchy in our minds and ensure that we are not at the bottom of the pyramid. 

We would, instead, willingly welcome new people and seek to share ideas among ourselves, appreciating each person’s contribution.  Gone would be the days of clique mentalities, turf battles, and racism.

A new student at school would not feel unwelcome, unappreciated, or compelled to adjust their behaviour in order to fit in with their peers. Teachers would not, inadvertently, nurture unhealthy competition in their classrooms and time would be spent wisely developing the inquiring minds of our youth. 

Parents would avoid encouraging sibling rivalry and see all their children as precious gifts from the Creator. Family conflicts would be a thing of the past and fratricide for the purpose of securing exclusive property rights would be no more. Instead, families would be characterized by mutual love, binding unity, unshakeable loyalty, and real prosperity. 

Bureaucracies would cease to be domains of the most cunning and those with the best connections. They would be transformed into advocacies for the political, economic, social, and cultural rights of the people. 

Leaders would lead by good example and not seek to reap the reward while their subordinates toil in an environment of intrigue and suspicion. Pertinent information would be shared promptly with those concerned and thus consistently check attempts at sabotaging so-called enemies. Due diligence would be the responsibility of all, especially the ministers given that they are first among equals and are paid accordingly.

Private corporations, especially the multinational ones, would reject their fascist belief of having infallible CEOs who are paid astronomical salaries and bonuses for being the best exploiters of their workers. They would replace it with a commitment to fair wages and profit-sharing for all employees. 

No banks or financial institutions would be too big to fail. Insolvent entities would be allowed to go out of business and those with deposits there would be bailed out by their governments. Incompetent and greedy directors would not see the light of corner offices due to a failure to realize the benefits of seeking mutual benefit in their transactions.

As we collaborate more in our interactions we would notice that there is more than enough for everyone’s need. Extreme poverty and hunger would be eradicated, all children would have access to primary, secondary and tertiary education, there would be quality health care for all, and a sustainable partnership between people, public and private institutions would be secured.

Those that insist on maintaining a regressive attitude would eventually head back into the caves from whence they came. Isn’t it in our interest to think win-win?