: Its brain physically changes, boosting testosterone and dopamine levels, which sharpens focus and increases the likelihood of winning the next fight. Parallel in Humans
The book highlights several real-world examples of this effect: The Winner Effect: The Neuroscience of Success ...
: Its colors deepen and its body grows stronger almost instantly. : Its brain physically changes, boosting testosterone and
: Even artificial victories—like male mice winning fights against smaller, sedated opponents—make them significantly more likely to defeat stronger rivals later due to the neurochemical changes from their initial "wins". In the waters of Lake Tanganyika, a subordinate
In the waters of Lake Tanganyika, a subordinate male cichlid is typically pale, timid, and spends its time hiding to avoid conflict. However, if the dominant male in its territory disappears, this timid fish swims forward and wins a brief fight for dominance.
: Conversely, the story of Fred Goodwin (former CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland) serves as a cautionary tale of "hubris syndrome," where excessive success leads to overconfidence, a loss of empathy, and catastrophic decision-making.