Anger Can Be Key Driver of Success, Neurologist Claims
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Anger, often seen as a destructive force, can actually propel individuals to greater success, says Dr. Guy Leschziner, a neurologist and professor at King’s College Hospital in London.
Dr. Guy Leschziner, a professor of neurology at King’s College Hospital in London, argues that anger plays a vital role in achieving success, serving as a powerful motivator in both evolutionary and modern contexts.
Angry individuals are often more likely to succeed, according to Dr. Guy Leschziner, a neurologist and professor at King’s College Hospital in London. He stated that emotions such as wrath and rage can act as “important drivers” of success by motivating individuals to eliminate obstacles and achieve their objectives.
In an interview with the Instant Genius podcast, Dr. Leschziner emphasized the role of testosterone, a hormone associated with aggression and anger, in fueling success. “If you win at a sport, for example—even if you win at chess, which is not particularly known to be associated with huge amounts of emotion—testosterone surges,” he explained.
He suggested that testosterone is particularly significant for men, linking it to evolutionary drivers like sexual success. “Being aggressive, being able to defend yourself against other rivals, is going to be crucially important,” he said, noting that these traits have helped humans thrive throughout history.
In the modern world, anger remains a critical motivator. Dr. Leschziner highlighted research showing that individuals made angry before tackling a difficult puzzle are more likely to persist and succeed. “Anger is an important emotion that drives us to clear any threats from our ultimate goal,” he added.
However, he cautioned against anger escalating into aggression, which can lead to harm. “The issue in human societies is when anger turns to aggression because that’s when it causes harm,” he said.
Dr. Leschziner also pointed out that other strong emotions, such as lust or gluttony, can similarly cause problems when unchecked. “All of them serve a very useful purpose; it’s just that when things go awry, they create problems,” he explained.
He concluded by emphasizing the evolutionary benefits of emotions like anger, provided they are kept in moderation. “To defend your resources, to defend yourself in the face of threat—this is actually a very important survival behavior,” he said.
