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tags: #psychology #motivation #evolutionary-psychology

The desire for superiority is a deeply ingrained human motivation. We seek to be better than others for several powerful psychological reasons:

1. Admiration Feels Good: Being admired by others provides a powerful sense of validation and social worth.
2. Winning is Pleasurable: The act of winning a competition, whether formal or informal, triggers a dopamine response that feels rewarding.
3. It Signals Mastery: Outperforming others can be a tangible sign that we are progressing towards mastery in a skill, which aligns with our need for competence as described in Self-Determination Theory.
4. It Provides a Sense of Autonomy: Being in a superior position often comes with greater control and freedom of choice, fulfilling another core psychological need.

While these drivers are powerful, they are a double-edged sword. When the focus shifts from genuine mastery to simply being better than others, it can lead to the Harmful Effects of Superiority Seeking.

Reference

Coursera, "A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment"