Home / Quotes / Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky

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.”

Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky

Author

Robert M. Sapolsky

Robert M. Sapolsky is a renowned neuroendocrinologist known for his research on stress, neurobiology, and evolutionary psychology. His work has revealed how stress affects the brain and body, and how these effects relate to human behavior and health. more

You May Also Like

“We are just another primate but a very confused, malleable one.”

Confused Primates

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“For example, most mammals are either monogamous or polygamous. But as every poet or divorce attorney will tell you, humans are confused - After all, we have monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, celibacy, and so on. In terms of the most unique thing we do socially, my vote goes to something we invented alongside cities - we have lots of anonymous interactions and interactions with strangers. That has shaped us enormously.”

Humans Term Cities Example Poet Unique Vote Stranger Divorce Confused Interaction Attorney Polygamy Celibacy Mammals Monogamy Unique Things

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“Only humans invent moralizing gods who monitor our behavior.”

Humans Behavior Moralizing

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“The frontal cortex is an incredibly interesting part of the brain - ours is proportionately bigger and/or more complex than in any other species.”

Interesting Brain Bigger Species Complexes

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“The frontal cortex doesn't even fully develop until age 25, which is wild!”

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“What does the frontal cortex do? Gratification postponement, executive function, long-term planning, and impulse control. Basically, it makes you do the harder thing.”

Long Doe Term Function Harder Planning Impulse Long Term Executives Gratification Postponement Impulse Control

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“If anyone is crazy enough to want to kill a president of the United States, he can do it. All he must be prepared to do is give his life for the president's.”

Ifs Want Life Giving States Enough America President Can Do United United States Sacrifice Crazy Prepared Be Prepared Cuban Missile Crisis

Author:John F. Kennedy

“It's great to have a buff frontal cortex to do that harder thing - for example, help a person in need rather buy some useless, shiny gee-gaw.”

Needs Persons Helping Example Harder Useless

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“But often, it's easier to resist temptation with distraction, or to be so inculcated in doing the right thing that it's automatic, outside the frontal cortex's portfolio - Then it isn't the harder thing, it's the only thing you can do.”

Can Do Easier Harder Temptation Right Thing Distraction Doing The Right Thing Portfolios

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky

“Genes are important for understanding our behavior. Incredibly important - after all, they code for every protein pertinent to brain function, endocrinology, etc.”

Important Understanding Brain Behavior Function Code Etc Genes Protein Pertinent Brain Function

Author:Robert M. Sapolsky