We only live once when we are in positions. true or false

In today’s competitive world, a growing mindset that we only start to feel alive when we achieve positions above others has deeply influenced modern societies, especially in developed and Gulf countries. This belief places individual success, material gain, and status at the center of life’s purpose. While ambition and progress are often seen as positive traits, this attitude can have subtle but far-reaching consequences on social structures, mental well-being, and long-term sustainability in these regions.

In developed countries such as the United States, the UK, Germany, or Japan, the pressure to succeed often begins in early childhood. Education systems are highly competitive, and career paths are tightly linked to societal status and financial security. This culture of constant comparison can lead to people tying their self-worth to job titles, income levels, and social standing. As a result, personal fulfillment becomes conditional it is postponed until a person has “made it” in the eyes of others.

This leads to several societal side effects. First, mental health concerns are on the rise. Depression, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent, especially among the working population. The pursuit of “success” becomes a never-ending race. Second, work-life balance suffers. In countries like Japan, where the concept of “karoshi” (death by overwork) exists, it’s clear that the desire to rise in rank can literally cost lives. People sacrifice relationships, leisure, and sometimes health, believing they are only truly living when they surpass their peers.

Moreover, consumerism flourishes under this mindset. The need to display success leads to the purchase of luxury goods, expensive homes, and lifestyle upgrades not necessarily for personal satisfaction, but to signal one’s elevated status. This intensifies environmental and economic challenges, including unsustainable consumption and rising debt levels in middle-class households.

In Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, the situation has unique cultural and economic dynamics but reflects similar psychological trends. Rapid modernization and wealth accumulation especially in oil-rich nations—have created a high-status society where material success is deeply admired. Here, the “live once, rise above others” mentality is amplified by visible displays of wealth: luxury cars, branded fashion, opulent homes, and exclusive lifestyles.

Social competition plays out not only among individuals but also among families and tribes. Education and employment are seen not only as personal achievements but as tools to elevate the reputation of the family or group. This pressure can stifle individuality and increase the burden on youth, who must carry the expectations of their entire social unit.

At the same time, expatriate workers in Gulf countries, who make up a significant part of the labor force, often internalize the same belief. For them, rising in position means escaping economic hardship in their home countries. However, the hierarchy in Gulf societies where citizenship status, nationality, and ethnicity often determine access to opportunity makes upward mobility extremely difficult. This can create frustration, social division, and exploitation.

The pursuit of position over others also influences policy decisions in these regions. For instance, some Gulf states engage in global competition through mega-projects, international sports events, and global business investments. These projects are often designed to showcase national prestige more than improve local well-being. The race to be seen as the most modern or powerful country sometimes overshadows social development and human rights.

In both developed and Gulf countries, this mindset contributes to increasing inequality. When success is measured by surpassing others rather than by achieving shared progress, social cohesion weakens. Those who fall behind feel excluded or undervalued. Communities become fragmented, with more emphasis on personal status than collective well-being.

Ultimately, while striving for success is natural, the idea that life only becomes meaningful when one dominates others can distort values and priorities. It encourages competition over compassion, comparison over contentment, and prestige over purpose leading both individuals and societies to a fragile sense of fulfillment.