Confidence Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
““Testosterone also increases confidence and optimism, while decreasing fear and anxiety.5 This explains the “winner” effect in lab animals, where winning a fight increases an animal’s willingness to participate in, and its success in, another such interaction. Part of the increased success probably reflects the fact that winning stimulates testosterone secretion, which increases glucose delivery and metabolism in the animal’s muscles and makes his pheromones smell scarier. Moreover, winning increases the number of testosterone receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (the way station through which the amygdala communicates with the rest of the brain), increasing its sensitivity to the hormone. Success in everything from athletics to chess to the stock””
About This Quote
Source Book: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, 2017
Testosterone boosts confidence and optimism, lowers fear, and enhances performance through physiological and neural changes.
In simple terms: Hormone drives confidence and success.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hormonal influences on behavior.
Themes
biology
psychology
motivation
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- sports
- competitive games
- stock trading
- personal challenges
Key Concepts
testosterone
neuroendocrinology
winner effect
Questions to Reflect On
- How does testosterone affect decision‑making?
- Can we harness its benefits without side effects?
A Different Perspective
Hormone effects vary by individual and context.
