# Looking for an Edge By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-08-05 Observationally, some people are always looking for an edge. Under such an approach, one identifies an advantageous position and stakes it when assessing situations. Had the situation been different and the strategic value of the relative positions different, one would have selected a different position. Such an approach is pragmatic. It is also nihilistic in that selecting any position based on perceived advantage suggests that the alternative positions hold no inherent value or at least that any inherent value is subordinated to the value of the positional advantage. Such is the view under _realpolitik_. A different approach is adopted under idealism. Under such a construction, things like honesty, democracy, rule of law, and civility might be valued more than winning an edge over one’s competition. Looking around, one might wonder which approach dominates one’s society and organization. Do ideals matter? Are they subordinate to advantage? Are they something dupes adhere to as those without scruples succeed? Winning at any cost has its cost. It requires a cynicism that is bitter in victory. Alternatives exist. Improvements can contribute to shared prosperity. Doing so requires at least a pragmatic idealism, and we will need each other to do it. Shared prosperity is solidarity in action. #### Related Items [[Solidarity]] [[Society]] [[Ideals]] [[Pragmatic]] [[Games]] [[Nihilism]]