In this article, we investigate competition in education, asking if it is good or bad, and especially if it is old and necessary or new and questionable. Using philological methods, we trace the history of competition and relate it to contemporary educational ideas. In history and modern pedagogical research, competition has a "dark side" as well as energising qualities. We question the inseparability of competition and education, and, weighing up the moral and pedagogical benefits and dangers, we advocate moderation in educational competition.