The idea that if you do not
work your ass off, then someone else will beat you to it and potentially take advantage of you. It is the concept of fighting to be the best and come out on top or else you'll just be another unimportant
number.
A fight or
flight mechanism where only the strong win and survive.
Friend: "How'd you get that promotion and come out on top?'"
Me: "I worked harder than everyone else, didn't take
shit from anyone, never quit, and beat everybody else to it."
Friend: "Hell yeah bro! Eat or be eaten!"