Prisoner's Dilemma

In game theory there is situational "puzzle" called the "The Prisoners' Dilemma". It pits two individuals or groups against each other with the outcomes and payoffs relying on several human factors: self-preservation, ego, mutual trust, logic, etc. To maximize one side's success, that individual or group must risk losing the game. This binary outcome or zero sum game is the basis for our competitive culture. Our sports, our debates, our elections, are all grounded in this win/lose paradigm.

However, the "Prisoners' Dilemma" gives individuals and groups more possible outcomes, more ways to win and more ways to lose. It is possible for both sides to "win" or for both sides to "lose". Because of our competitive nature and culture, this "game" usually ends with one side winning and the other losing, or both sides losing, even though both sides could win.

I only bring this up because our country is playing the game right now. The mindset for most people is that winning necessarily means the other side loses and we like it that way. It's definitive and it makes us feel good, unless we lose, then we feel bad and resentful.

So, we have to ask ourselves what would it look like if we all won and what would it feel like? When was the last time we felt that way? Have we ever felt that way? Or, do we just keep a stiff upper lip and say, "We'll get 'em next time." 

You see, if we don't want the other side to win, then we are guaranteeing that we will lose at some point. And we seem to be OK with that. It strikes a visceral note in us and we growl and snarl and blame and seethe. 

It's a simple question to ponder. What kind of country makes a winner out of all of us? What am I afraid will happen if everyone feels like they won? 

We don't have problems in this country; we have predicaments and dilemmas There aren't any right answers; there are just various solutions. If we play so the other side loses, then we all lose, sooner or later. 

And by the way, we can never stop playing the game, but it is possible to change the outcome, for everyone. We'll never know what that feels like until we try it.