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No Contest, which has been
stirring up controversy since its publication in 1986,
stands as the definitive critique of competition.
Drawing from hundreds of studies, Alfie Kohn eloquently
argues that our struggle to defeat each other -- at
work, at school, at play, and at home -- turns all of us
into losers.
Contrary to the myths with
which we have been raised, Kohn shows that competition
is not an inevitable part of "human nature." It does not
motivate us to do our best (in fact, the reason our
workplaces and schools are in trouble is that they value
competitiveness instead of excellence.) Rather than
building character, competition sabotages self-esteem
and ruins relationships. It even warps recreation by
turning the playing field into a battlefield.
No Contest makes a powerful
case that "healthy competition" is a contradiction in
terms. Because any win/lose arrangement is undesirable,
we will have to restructure our institutions for the
benefit of ourselves, our children, and our society. For
this [1992] revised edition, Kohn adds a comprehensive
account of how students can learn more effectively by
working cooperatively in the classroom instead of
struggling to be Number One. He also offers a pointed
and personal afterword, assessing shifts in American
thinking on competition and describing reactions to his
provocative message. |
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“Alfie
Kohn marshals the evidence that [competition] is not the
mainspring of achievement in industry, the arts,
education, or games.”
-- Dr.
Benjamin Spock
“We
have been in prison from wrong teaching. By perceiving
that cooperation is the answer, not competition, Alfie
Kohn opens a new world of living. I am deeply indebted
to him.”
-- W. Edwards Deming
“Alfie
Kohn's critique of the role of competition in our
society is a really impressive piece of work.
Challenging and thoughtful, it reaches to the heart of
many problems of our social life and the ideology that
constrains and distorts it.”
‑‑ Noam Chomsky
“Well‑researched and sound, No Contest exposes
erroneous assumptions about the inevitability and value
of competition. This book...deserves our attention.”
‑‑ Carl Rogers
“Superbly researched, lucidly written.”
-- Los Angeles Times
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