“to gain must come at the expense of another”

Zero-sum thinking, the notion that “to gain must come at the expense of another,” can be found at the root of many social issues that tear societies apart. It is a mindset that pits individuals and groups against one another, promotes competition over cooperation, and often leads to harmful outcomes for all involved.

At its core, zero-sum thinking assumes that resources are finite and that any gain for one person or group necessarily means a loss for others. This mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophecy in which individuals or groups act aggressively to defend their share of resources, even if it means causing harm to others.

In many cases, zero-sum thinking is perpetuated by those in positions of power who seek to maintain their dominance by dividing and conquering the people they govern. This can be seen in the way politicians and leaders often use divisive language to rally their base, pitting groups against each other and stoking fears of loss and decline.

But the reality is that most resources are not zero-sum. In fact, many resources can be expanded or improved through cooperation and collaboration. Take, for example, renewable energy sources. By working together to invest in and develop sustainable energy technologies, we can create a cleaner, more prosperous future for everyone.

So how can we combat zero-sum thinking and promote cooperation over competition? The answer lies in fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual interest among different groups. When people feel a sense of belonging and recognize that their success is tied to the success of others, they are more likely to work together towards a common goal. Synergy, anyone?

This can be achieved through community-building initiatives that bring together people from diverse backgrounds to work towards a common cause. It can also be accomplished by promoting empathy and understanding between groups, encouraging people to recognize the humanity in others and to see beyond surface-level differences.

Ultimately, combating zero-sum thinking requires a shift in mindset from one of competition to one of cooperation. By recognizing that most resources are not finite, and that our success is tied to the success of others, we can create a more equitable and harmonious society for all.