This month’s Socrates Café question:

“Is rivalry healthy?”

An apropro question in light of the Eagles vs. Cowboys Monday night game. As always, a rousing conversation ensued.  Feel free to weigh in.

6 Responses to “September ’08 Socrates Café”
  1. Arlene says:

    Some rivalry is healthy because it pushes people to perform better in some way and I think trying to “be better” is a core component of animals. When it becomes excessive, causing harm to someone or something, then it is not. Moderation is key here.

  2. Randy Zeitman says:

    Tt depends on the temperament of the participant. Two children experiencing the same challenging event can have two polar opposite reactions….one could fight and become angry and rebellous and the other could flight and become sheltered and afraid.

  3. bevan says:

    i will def be at the next one. as far as rivalries go…check the teams of excellence list…the list is short..but the rivalries are legendary…i remember a video game rival in college…i got my revenge on him during one of those american gladiator stick jousts…he will remain nameless for now

  4. Phil C says:

    Is lack of rivalry healthy?

    (todd – i didn’t realize you were actually doing these live, i thought it was just to open debate in your comments… i may have to check this out next month)

  5. jordan cooperman says:

    I cook at a wings restaurant, and on game days such as the Eagles vs. Cowboys, rivalry is extremely healthy…for business at least. I make lotsa tips on such days 😉

  6. Kristina says:

    If it weren’t for rivalry, taking one form (the most colorful mallard gets the lady duck!) or another (a lion marks it’s territory, then fights for it) there would be no Darwinist theory, no evolution of the species… etc. etc. If Microsoft and Apple didn’t have their long standing rivalry we wouldn’t have the nifty gadgets that complicate our lives. If it weren’t for rivalry Heather and I wouldn’t have competed for coolest hair style in junior high! And finally, if it weren’t for rivalry, I wouldn’t have landed my husband. (aww)

    I think rivalry is necessary and healthy.