Thank you for your thoughtful question. It touches on some profound issues about human nature, motivation, and dignity. Let me share my perspective.
As I age, I find that intellectual pleasure is one of the last remaining pleasures I can consistently enjoy. The dopamine rush of engaging in a lively intellectual debate and the satisfaction of having one’s thoughts validated are, for me, invigorating. Far from being undignified, this pleasure can be ethical and constructive if the debate is conducted respectfully and in the spirit of seeking truth rather than personal attack.
Competition itself is not inherently undignified. Think of the scientific method: progress often depends on rigorously challenging and sometimes overturning alternative theories to identify the best explanation available at the moment. This intellectual “sparring” refines ideas and drives us closer to the truth. In this sense, debate is not just a personal pursuit but a collective good.
Moreover, debates hold an esteemed place in both Tibetan Buddhism and the broader Indian intellectual tradition. Tibetan monks famously engage in rigorous debates to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy, often in highly animated and dramatic ways. Historically, Indian scholars engaged in philosophical disputation as a way to explore the nature of reality, ethics, and metaphysics. These debates, much like those in science, were tools to separate truth from falsehood and refine understanding.
I won’t deny that the pleasure derived from winning a debate is linked to ego. But I would argue that this is a positive use of ego energy. Ego, when harnessed ethically, can drive human progress. Intellectuals, artists, and writers—all of whom have contributed immensely to society—are often motivated by their egos. The key is to channel this energy into pursuits that benefit others and avoid unethical behavior. As a Chinese saying puts it, “Water that is too clear has no fish.” A little ego can stir the waters and foster creativity, innovation, and progress.
Ultimately, what matters is how we approach competition. If it’s done with integrity, mutual respect, and the aim of seeking truth or creating something valuable, it becomes a noble endeavor. In this light, the joy of intellectual debate is not just about “beating” someone but about sharpening ideas and contributing to a larger conversation.
