Put a stop to competition, and you merely check the progress of individuals and of classes.  You preserve a dead uniform level.  You stereotype society, and its several orders and conditions.  The motive for emulation is taken away, and Caste, with all its mischiefs, is perpetuated.  Stop competition, and you stop the struggle of individualism.  You also stop the advancement of individualism, and through that of society at large.

Under competition, the lazy man is put under the necessity of exerting himself; and if he will not exert himself, he must fall behind.  If he do not work, neither shall he eat.  My lazy friend, you must not look to me to do my share of the world’s work, and yours too!  You must do your own fair share of work, save your own money, and not look to me and to others to keep you out of the poor-house.  There is enough for all; but do your own share of work you must.

Success grows out of struggles to overcome difficulties.  If there were no difficulties, there would be no success.  If there were nothing to struggle or compete for, there would be nothing achieved.  It is well, therefore, that men should be under the necessity of exerting themselves.  In this necessity for exertion, we find the chief source of human advancement—­the advancement of individuals as of nations.  It has led to most of the splendid mechanical inventions and improvements of the age.  It has stimulated the shipbuilder, the merchant, the manufacturer, the machinist, the tradesman, the skilled workman.  In all departments of productive industry, it has been the moving power.  Is has developed the resources of this and of other countries,—­the resources of the soil, and the character and qualities of the men who dwell upon it.  It seems to be absolutely necessary for the purpose of stimulating the growth and culture of every individual.  It is deeply rooted in man, leading him ever to seek after, and endeavour to realize, something better and higher than he has yet attained.

Of course, man is much more than a competing being.  That is only one of his characteristics, and not the highest or noblest.  He has sensibilities, sympathies, and aspirations, which should induce him to unite and cooperate with others in works for the common good.  With unfettered individualism, there may, and there ought to be, beneficent cooperation for the general happiness.  Men may unite to labour, to produce, and to share with each other the fruits of their corporate industry.  But under any circumstances, there will be the instinct of competition, the opportunities for competition, and, though mixed with necessary evil, there will be the ultimate advantages of competition.