Why It's Good to Think You Are the Greatest : Discovery News

From the quality of one's ability to drive to being able to predict the stock market, humans tend to be overconfident creatures. A new study helps explain why.


Despite the risks of car accidents, market bubbles and violence that come along with hubris, overconfidence is often a good strategy for individuals, especially in situations that are full of uncertainty, according to the new study.


The basic message is it's worth it to fight back or take risks, even if you think your opponent might be stronger than you, because you never know. You might just not have the full story. And it's not about pretending or bluffing. Truly believing you are stronger or smarter than you are can make all the difference.

The findings offer insight into a variety of situations throughout history, from financial crises to wars. In offering a new way to understand human behavior, the results may also help prevent similar disasters from happening in the future.

"Our model shows that all you really need is false beliefs about yourself," said James Fowler, a social scientist at the University of California, Davis. "When you're bluffing, you make statements like, 'I'm going to kick your butt.' We're not talking about this kind of trash talk here. This is internal."

"Muhammad Ali always talked about being the 'greatest fighter in the world,'" he added. "I'm sure his internal belief that he was that person contributed to him becoming that person." 


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