Aye, this is true. In a zero sum world, there would exist no politics, no rights- just the rule of the gun.
Luckily we do not live in a zero sum world.
No, you are correct, it isn't a zerosum world. But I think it might be a "zerominus" world.
When you buy and sell stocks your broker always makes money. So if you win, you win the amount the other person lost less commission. If you lose you lose the amount plus the commission. Both winners and losers are hit by commission.
Governments work that way too. All these "humanitarian" transfers include the Government rake off. So, if we give anything the receiver gets less than we give by the amount of Governments "overheads".
The best policy isn't to "give" anything at all. The best policy is to BE a shining example of what CAN BE done, and be willing to TEACH otheres how to do it for themselves.
I noted with interest that all these delegates to the South African convention seemed very well fed, indeed. They get the rake off.
Democrats believe in take from Peter and then give to Paul. Republicans believe in the productivity of individuals and protecting them from being ripped off.