Competition is one of those basic desires that early philosophers dove into, it's natural and instinctive. Competition in moderation is a good motivator and stress relief,especially when in the right mind about it. The philosopers actually went into how balance with hunger, desire for impiety, and logic and it's importance in leading a virtous life. There was actually a philosoper tht contradicted that viewpoint and believed even endulging in hunger or desire to do bad at all would be to live an invirtuous life.