Why We Love Competition

Why do we love to compete? From Olympic games to trivia nights, competition is everywhere—but what drives us to strive, push, and sometimes obsess over being the best? In this episode, we explore the origins of competition, its role in evolution and society, and why it’s both thrilling and necessary. Whether it's sports, art, or even board games, we unpack how competition connects us, challenges us, and shapes the world we live in.RecommendationsAbraham: Bonk (by Mary Roach; https://maryroach.net/bonk.html) Shane: The Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs (https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Last-Equation-of-Isaac-Severy/Nova-Jacobs/9781501175138)Holidays 1/22/25:Celebration of Life DayCome in from the Cold DayDance of the Seven Veils DayLibrary Shelfie DayNational Answer Your Cat’s Question DayNational Blonde Brownie DayNational Hot Sauce DayNational Polka Dot DayRoe vs. Wade DayCancertalk WeekEnergy Saving WeekHealthy Weight WeekHunt for Happiness WeekInternational Hoof Care WeekLinks and References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763423002014#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20social%20play%20in,Kramer%20and%20Burghardt%2C%201998). https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2345#:~:text=(c)%20Playful%20elements,of%20the%20interaction%20(P5). https://gizmodo.com/do-animals-have-a-sense-of-competition-1823122780#:~:text=Jennifer%20Nadeau&text=My%20expertise%20is%20with%20horses,in%20their%20own%20unique%20way.&text=If%20playback%20doesn't%20begin%20shortly%2C%20try%20restarting%20your%20device. https://youtu.be/OvUlOzqQtzc?si=Yfi9DpW3Rzb2wQle https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/galapagos-tortoise#:~:text=If%20a%20fight%20breaks%20out,and%20the%20battle%20is%20over. Franken, R. E., & Brown, D. J. (1995). Why do people like competition? The motivation for winning, putting forth effort, improving one's performance, performing well, being instrumental, and expressing forceful/aggressive behavior. Personality and Individual Differences, 19(2), 175-182. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8869(95)00035-5https://online.eou.edu/resources/article/psychology-of-competitiveness/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Adulting/comments/1dn1jnx/why_are_some_people_so_competitive_about_life/?rdt=65364