--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: every one of us possesses a gene…" description: "\"every one of us possesses a gene predisposing us toward rivalry, competition, and fits of envy with any past, present, or future siblings.\" — Linda Sun..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b2/linda-sunshine-18988_competition_every-one-of-us-possesses-a-gene-predisp_275534.jpg" --- # every one of us possesses a gene predisposing us toward… ![“every one of us possesses a gene predisposing us toward rivalry, competition, and fits of envy with any past, present, or future siblings.” quote by Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b2/linda-sunshine-18988_competition_every-one-of-us-possesses-a-gene-predisp_275534.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b2/linda-sunshine-18988_competition_every-one-of-us-possesses-a-gene-predisp_275534.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7b2/linda-sunshine-18988_competition_every-one-of-us-possesses-a-gene-predisp_275534.jpg) > “every one of us possesses a gene predisposing us toward rivalry, competition, and fits of envy with any past, present, or future siblings.” [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Humans have a genetic tendency toward competition and envy, affecting relationships with siblings across time. **In simple terms:** We’re genetically wired to compete. Key Takeaway Recognize and manage competitive instincts. Themes family dynamics competition envy genetics psychology Mood thoughtful pragmatic Type psychological inspirational When to use this quote - parenting - teamwork - conflict resolution - career advancement Key Concepts evolutionary biology social behavior Questions to Reflect On - How does rivalry affect your relationships? - What strategies reduce envy? A Different Perspective Genetics isn’t destiny; environment matters. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Competition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/competition/) [Envy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/envy/) [Jealousy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jealousy/) [Past](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/past/) [Past present](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/past-present/) [Rivalry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rivalry/) [Sibling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sibling/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [We must love one another, yes, yes, that's all true enough, but nothing says we have to like each other. It may be the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-de-vries/we-must-love-one-another-yes-yes-that-s-all-true-enough-but-nothing/) [Peter De Vries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-de-vries/) > [“All close friendships are marked with competition. Our earliest tests are against our siblings and playmates, and some of that rivalry endures amongst friends…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-bollen/all-close-friendships-are-marked-with-competition-our-earliest-tests/) [Christopher Bollen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-bollen/) > [From their struggles to establish dominance over each other, siblings become tougher and more resilient. From their endless rough-housing with each other, they develop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adele-faber/from-their-struggles-to-establish-dominance-over-each-other-siblings/) [Adele Faber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adele-faber/) > [As parents it is well to be aware of the tendency to equate energetic activity with contest. Our children's worth does not dependon their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/polly-berrien-berends/as-parents-it-is-well-to-be-aware-of-the-tendency-to-equate-energetic/) [Polly Berrien Berends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/polly-berrien-berends/) > [I don't remember any sibling rivalry growing up, because by the time I was really conscious, Tom was going away to college. My relationship…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hyde-pierce/i-don-t-remember-any-sibling-rivalry-growing-up-because-by-the-time-i/) [David Hyde Pierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hyde-pierce/) > [It seems to me that we have to draw the line in sibling rivalry whenever rivalry goes out of bounds into destructive behavior of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/selma-fraiberg/it-seems-to-me-that-we-have-to-draw-the-line-in-sibling-rivalry/) [Selma Fraiberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/selma-fraiberg/) > [We have to divide mother love with our brothers and sisters. Our parents can help us cope with the loss of our dream of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-viorst/we-have-to-divide-mother-love-with-our-brothers-and-sisters-our/) [Judith Viorst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-viorst/) > [The mere existence of an additional child or children in the family could signify Less. Less time alone with parents. Less attention for hurts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adele-faber/the-mere-existence-of-an-additional-child-or-children-in-the-family/) [Adele Faber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adele-faber/) > [Take two kids in competition for their parents' love and attention. Add to that the envy that one child feels for the accomplishments of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adele-faber/take-two-kids-in-competition-for-their-parents-love-and-attention-add/) [Adele Faber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adele-faber/) > [My mom says I'm her sugarplum. My mom says I'm her lamb. My mom says I'm completely perfect Just the way I am. My…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-viorst/my-mom-says-i-m-her-sugarplum-my-mom-says-i-m-her-lamb-my-mom-says-i/) [Judith Viorst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-viorst/) > [You actually do confront your dark side, your impulses, or your feelings of sibling rivalry in Cinderella or whatever. You admit that they exist…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-hardwicke/you-actually-do-confront-your-dark-side-your-impulses-or-your/) [Catherine Hardwicke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-hardwicke/) > [Desire is both imitative (we like what others like) and competitive (we want to take away from others what they have). As children, we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-greene/desire-is-both-imitative-we-like-what-others-like-and-competitive-we/) [Robert Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-greene/) > [Jill : What causes sibling rivalry? Tim : Having more than one kid!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-allen/jill-what-causes-sibling-rivalry-tim-having-more-than-one-kid/) [Tim Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-allen/) > [I had this odd sibling rivalry with America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patti-davis/i-had-this-odd-sibling-rivalry-with-america/) [Patti Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patti-davis/) > [There was always sibling rivalry. Tennis, football, boxing, whatever - you always want to come out on top of big sis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikita-parris/there-was-always-sibling-rivalry-tennis-football-boxing-whatever-you/) [Nikita Parris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikita-parris/) ## More by Linda Sunshine > [Changing schools and friends is hard on children and can often make them desperate and lonely enough to form closer ties with a sibling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/changing-schools-and-friends-is-hard-on-children-and-can-often-make/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [Tip the world over and everything loose falls into L.A.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/tip-the-world-over-and-everything-loose-falls-into-l-a/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [If sisters were free to express how they really feel, parents would hear this: "Give me all the attention and all the toys and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/if-sisters-were-free-to-express-how-they-really-feel-parents-would/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [A basic rule of baking is that, in general, it's almost impossible to make an inedible batch of brownies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/a-basic-rule-of-baking-is-that-in-general-it-s-almost-impossible-to/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [Looking young and attractive with makeup is the next best thing to actually being young and attractive. After all, a woman only has a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/looking-young-and-attractive-with-makeup-is-the-next-best-thing-to/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [As we move closer and closer to a nonsexist world, women will have an equal opportunity as men to be rejected, embarrassed, and humiliated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/as-we-move-closer-and-closer-to-a-nonsexist-world-women-will-have-an/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [Major fluctuations in weight gain and loss are detrimental to your health and embarrassing to explain to your friends and family.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/major-fluctuations-in-weight-gain-and-loss-are-detrimental-to-your/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [My sister taught me everything I really need to know, and she was only in sixth grade at the time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/my-sister-taught-me-everything-i-really-need-to-know-and-she-was-only/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [Almost everything can be construed as sexual harassment depending upon the way it is said. One general rule of thumb is to think of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/almost-everything-can-be-construed-as-sexual-harassment-depending/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [I will not go out with a man who wears more jewelry than me, and I'll never, ever go to bed with a guy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/i-will-not-go-out-with-a-man-who-wears-more-jewelry-than-me-and-i-ll/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/if-you-don-t-understand-how-a-woman-could-both-love-her-sister-dearly/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [Our mother's first gift to us comes at the moment we are born, because Mom, as she will subsequently remind us over and over,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/our-mother-s-first-gift-to-us-comes-at-the-moment-we-are-born-because/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [Sex is probably the most fun you can have in life without gaining weight or having a hangover the next day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/sex-is-probably-the-most-fun-you-can-have-in-life-without-gaining/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [desserts are the most crucial part of any meal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/desserts-are-the-most-crucial-part-of-any-meal/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) > [After living with Richard, I discovered that men are only good at cleaning stuff they can hose down.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sunshine/after-living-with-richard-i-discovered-that-men-are-only-good-at/) [Linda Sunshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) [Explore all 33 Linda Sunshine quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sunshine/) ## More Competition quotes > [The Copa del Rey is a different competition. It is football in its purest form and is different from the continuity of the league.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-laudrup/the-copa-del-rey-is-a-different-competition-it-is-football-in-its/) [Michael Laudrup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-laudrup/) > [I can skate beautifully. While performing on ice I always try to please the audience and to win as well. Being artistic is very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evgeni-plushenko/i-can-skate-beautifully-while-performing-on-ice-i-always-try-to/) [Evgeni Plushenko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evgeni-plushenko/) > [I don't believe in competitions between artists. This is insane. Who has the authority to say someone is better?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-arkin/i-don-t-believe-in-competitions-between-artists-this-is-insane-who/) [Alan Arkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-arkin/) > [People think that the Club World Cup is an easy competition, but it's not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keylor-navas/people-think-that-the-club-world-cup-is-an-easy-competition-but-it-s/) [Keylor Navas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keylor-navas/) > [If you ask another competitor, they may tell you they felt very competitive towards me. But I can tell you that my biggest competition…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-kwan/if-you-ask-another-competitor-they-may-tell-you-they-felt-very/) [Michelle Kwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-kwan/) > [“At times, competition can be a good thing. But a person's value isn't something that can be ranked, is it?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hotaru-odagiri/at-times-competition-can-be-a-good-thing-but-a-person-s-value-isn-t/) [Hotaru Odagiri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hotaru-odagiri/) > [Our competition has always been anything that is wasting your time when you're bored at work. In a broad sense. We want people to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexis-ohanian/our-competition-has-always-been-anything-that-is-wasting-your-time/) [Alexis Ohanian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexis-ohanian/) > [I've always considered making it legal for Americans to import their prescription drugs a free-trade issue. Imports create competition and keep domestic industry more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-grassley/i-ve-always-considered-making-it-legal-for-americans-to-import-their/) [Chuck Grassley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-grassley/) > [Honestly, we’ll compete with everybody. I love competition. As long as people invent their own stuff, I love competition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-cook/honestly-we-ll-compete-with-everybody-i-love-competition-as-long-as/) [Tim Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-cook/) > [The "health, education, and welfare" section of government is another boondoggle. First we manufacture indigent and superfluous people by legal monopolies in land, money…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurance-labadie/the-health-education-and-welfare-section-of-government-is-another/) [Laurance Labadie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurance-labadie/) > [I try to keep up with everything - all wrestling across the board. I want to know what the competition is doing, what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-hardy/i-try-to-keep-up-with-everything-all-wrestling-across-the-board-i/) [Matt Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-hardy/) > [Sometimes in England, people look down at the Europa League, but being from the continent, I've always realised what an important competition it is.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mignolet/sometimes-in-england-people-look-down-at-the-europa-league-but-being/) [Simon Mignolet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mignolet/) > [“There is a scene in one of the Rocky movies where after the match Apollo Creed and Rocky are waiting for the scoring of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-a-passaro/there-is-a-scene-in-one-of-the-rocky-movies-where-after-the-match/) [John A. Passaro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-a-passaro/) > [I've always written. When I was in school, the only teacher who ever liked me was my creative writing teacher. I used to enter…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justin-townes-earle/i-ve-always-written-when-i-was-in-school-the-only-teacher-who-ever/) [Justin Townes Earle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justin-townes-earle/) > [Competition between men is a fuel that's useful to us. 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