These are just my opinions....of course.
There are different many different 'Quests for Greatness'
There's always the competitive quest such as Lance Armstrong's personal quest over cancer and comeback toward another Tour De France win. Or any group such as a sports team, etc. over another toward a win. Even a country would want to have a better financial status, military power, political saavy...I think there is an inate drive in most people to enjoy competition in most instances.
When it becomes nasty and hurtful IMO is when people try to hurt another in their own selfish quest to feel better about themselves. We could call these people/groups/countries bullies. Whether emotional or physical, there are many out there waiting for an opportunity to impose their will in the hope of some sick satisfaction from making another feel 'less' in any way. And then there is hypocrisy...where one may make another feel less than, but in turn they themselves are guilty of the very thing used in their attack, but they will not own up to it. I hope I never make anyone feel less than for any reason, it such a terrible hurt.