NOS,
Very helpful thread, and thank you for posting it.

I think that this describes me, too. I want to drive myself to go beyond what I I think is possible. But it's never at the expense of another, it's just to improve, to gain new competencies, to have greater reserves to draw upon when needed.

Your friend offered a valuable insight there...

Also, competition is good. In business, when you're fighting for market share, you must take on your competitor head on. Debate is competition, and it sharpens minds. The Stanley Cup was just awarded to the team that competed for every inch of the ice on every shift. The result - their names inscribed on a piece of history. Don't knock competition.

By the way, the Chinese intend to destroy us economically and politically. They'll probably succeed within our lifetimes.

PG