Aggression Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
“The problem isn't testosterone and aggression; it's how often we reward aggression. And we do: We give medals to masters of the "right" kinds of aggression. We preferentially mate with them. We select them as our leaders.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, 2017
Aggression is rewarded socially, reinforcing it through honors and mate selection, shaping leaders.
In simple terms: Society rewards aggression, influencing leadership choices.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate reward systems.
Themes
psychology
leadership
social norms
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- organizational policy
- media representation
Key Concepts
evolutionary biology
cultural reinforcement
gender dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives could promote cooperative leadership?
- How does media glorify aggressive behavior?
A Different Perspective
Rewards may unintentionally promote harmful aggression.
![“John Archer in a definitive 2006 review, “There is a weak and inconsistent association between testosterone levels and aggression in [human] adults, and … administration of testosterone to volunteers typically does not increase their aggression.” The brain doesn’t pay attention to fluctuations of…” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_pay-attention_john-archer-in-a-definitive-2006-review_2406353.jpg)
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
