Book 12 Rules for Life : Step-2
Published: 2018 & Pages: 448
14x Step Learning
Step-2
Importance of Posture
We might never have thought how our posture could have affected our standing in the social order; but it does. Have you ever heard of the term “the pecking order”? It comes from a scientist who studied barnyard chickens in the 1920s. He found that the chickens had a clear order, with the healthiest ones at the top and the weakest ones at the bottom. This idea of a pecking order isn’t just for chickens; it happens in the animal kingdom too.
For example, lobsters, whether in the ocean or captivity, fight over the best shelter spots. The winners and losers of these fights have different chemicals in their brains. Winners have more of one hormone; serotonin, while losers have; more of octopamine. This affects their posture and how they behave. Winners look confident and intimidating, while losers appear tense and submissive.
These hierarchies and cycles of winning and losing also happen among humans. People facing challenges like alcoholism or depression are less likely to compete, which can make their problems worse. On the other hand, people on a winning streak often act confidently, which helps them keep winning. Just like lobsters, humans compare themselves to others, and we often judge intelligence based on how someone carries themselves. So, if you want an advantage, remember the first rule: stand tall and act like a winner.
10x Short Questions
1. What does the term "the pecking order" come from?
It comes from studying barnyard chickens in the 1920s.
2. What did the scientist find when he studied the chickens?
He found that there was a clear order among them, with the healthiest chickens at the top and the weakest at the bottom.
3. Is the idea of a pecking order only for chickens?
No, it’s not only for chickens; it happens in the animal kingdom too.
4. What happens with lobsters in terms of competition for shelter spots?
Lobsters, whether in the ocean or captivity, fight over the best shelter spots
5. How do winners and losers of lobster fights differ in terms of brain chemicals?
Winners have more of one hormone, while losers have more of another.
6. What does having more serotonin do to the posture of lobsters?
It makes winners more agile and upright.
7. How do winners' body language affect the tense lobsters?
Winners appear bigger and more intimidating, causing tense lobsters to remain submissive.
8. What happens among humans in terms of hierarchies and winning and losing?
Similar hierarchies and cycles of winning and losing also happen among humans.
9. What effect can challenges like alcoholism or depression have on people's competition?
Challenges like alcoholism or depression can make people less likely to compete.
10. How can standing tall and acting confidently benefit you?
It can give you an advantage, just like acting like a winner among humans and lobsters
10x Short Questions
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