I struggled with this same question for a long time, and I think you're stuck in a false dilemma. You give as options: the delusion that the world is fair and a

I struggled with this same question for a long time, and I think you're stuck in a false dilemma. You give as options: the delusion that the world is fair and an individualistic zero sum mindset which promises violence and such negative things. There are a lot of assumptions to unpack in that second choice, and I find the link from individualistic to zero-sum mindset and violence to be dubious. But that's ultimately beside the point, because there is a third option (among many others): recognition that much of the world, fair or unfair, is beyond your control and further choosing not to treat that state of affairs as having any bearing on whether you should strive to live well and be fair in your dealings with others. In other words, I've found conscience to be a more consistent and reliable companion than hope[1] over the years. [1]: I think hope is a more accurate, positive word than 'delusion' and would better recognize your mindset as the hope that the world is fair.