“This question alone is a very ‘American’ question and game to play. Yes, China, Russia, India… all these countries are also playing a similar game, but it is one we have started. Though a young country, we set the precedent for most of the rest of the world. The more we play a game of ‘America first’ and ‘we’re the best’, the more other countries play similar games. Imagine if we asked a different question instead. Something like, ‘Is the USA the country doing the most for the planet?’ This question inspires altruistic, connective, futuristic, and contemplative thought. This question re-directs the game and rating system towards our highest potential, sparking growth and maturity as a nation and as a species. Until then, we will continue playing a game of scarcity and hyper-competitiveness, decimating the earth, our relationships, our own internal wellbeing, and that of future generations.

I have long felt that the best thing that could happen to the US is that another country would take over as ‘greatest’. While this would be a right hook to the jaw of the American ego, it would end up forcing us to reflect, contemplate, and ultimately re-define many of our out-dated models. We would be like a CEO who goes through a mid-life crisis, ultimately emerging a new person, quitting his job, and starting an NGO instead. Our attachment to being the greatest country is one of the strongest hindrances to our actually being great. It is a palpable sense of constriction – the antithesis of freedom.”