The Art of Defense & Defeat

Defense; The word is flat out misleading. When that term arises it most commonly is associated with the concept of protection, sheilding, or gaurding. For me, the first thing that comes to my mind in reference to the definition of defense is offense.
Something I have come to notice over time and even more recently is that a part of most peoples defense lies within offense as well. Instead of simply relying on our personal shields we draw out our hypothetical spears as well. Any potential threat that we feel is usually equalized by an attack on the direct cause of the threat. We live in a society where we thrive off of survival of the fittest. Yes, I'll agree sometimes its necessary and often constructive, but I feel as if we have become so insecure with ourselves that we attack others in our defense. Rather than proving ourselves worthy we've become so quick to prove everyone around us unworthy instead. Now does that qualify you as being the "fittest" all your showing is others weaknesses, not your own strengths.
I don't think we realize nearly enough that functioning in this manner can bring down our own credibility. Don't get me wrong, I support healthy competition, if I didn't I wouldn't be an American. To survive in such a capitalistic society we need to have a sense of competition and survival; but one thing I find hasn't been addressed is how we survive and compete. If all we do is jump the fun and point out the weak in others and exploit competition in defense then we leave no room to accentuate our own strengths and no room to improve on the areas in ourselves which have been threatened or challenged.
Real strength comes from real competition. Battle of the best wits and strengths is what makes real competition. If we accept the challenge and face it rather than destroy it, we leave no room for growth and improvement. It takes a true warrior to smile, shake hands and say "Good game" with out opposers. It takes a pawn in a game of chess to stab the opposer in the back, and in reality you'll become so blind from that victory that in the long run another opposer will do the same to you.
To be able to fail, be defeated, accept your defeat and face your flaws makes you a true warrior, a true hero. Upon your defeat you have two options; One- you pinpoint where you started to lose and you fix that point of weakness... or Two- you bask in your failure, never improve and become defeated over and over again. The rest is up to you.
Pointing our others flaws and weaknesses makes you no better than your opponent. Being able to defend yourself by supporting yourself or even accepting your flaws and accepting that change is needed is what will put you on top in the end. Don't let your pride blind you. Emotional blindness is a weakness. Put down your weapongs and shield your heart. A coward needs a spear while a hero will rush into a battle with nothing but his armor. Society is war, prepare the right way.