I was asked to comment on the topic of competition, especially between husband and wife. Recently someone wrote, "a woman is meant to serve as the auspicious source of energy and inspiration to man is entirely lost in modern times. On the contrary, the modern woman is competing with men . . . The most painful thing for a man’s heart is to look like a fool and a loser in the eyes of a woman." I am arguing that, first of all, if a man doesn't want to "look like a fool and a loser" he shouldn't act as a fool and a loser. I am also elaborating on the fact that we can act differently in different environments - as Srila Prabhupada explained in a letter to four ladies, four book distributors who were wondering how to manage their aggressivity while distributing book and simultaneously were "concerned about being chaste, shy, and submissive amongst your godbrothers." (Letter of 30 July 1975). An intelligent woman will succeed in managing her "energy level" in different environments - the work sphere, the family relations, etc. To conclude with a relevant analogy given by Srila Prabhupada (conversation in Philadelphia, 13 July 1975): "'A lamb at home, a lion in the chase.' When you are chasing, you must be a lion. But when you come home, you do not try to chase the devotees."

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