This kind of strikes at a notion that has been bothering me, which was the realization that Americans tend to couch their ambitions in terms of securing an adva

This kind of strikes at a notion that has been bothering me, which was the realization that Americans tend to couch their ambitions in terms of securing an advantage rather than simple personal success. We want to "get ahead." There seems to be little room to achieve without dominating. So everything becomes a competition where energy is shoveled inefficiently into the top end - which necessitates a significant investment in the bottom end so that they don't get left behind completely. Where does that leave the middle, where most of us are? Having to choose to push for the former or settle for the latter, usually. Society just has to have room for a low-maintenance middle that gives the lows something to strive for without breaking them, and the tops something to fall back on without needing a parachute.