We’re always competing, even when we least expect it. The will to win is an instinct that’s kept our species alive. In this programme we discover why coming out on top feels so great and why losing feels so bad. Humans are biologically programmed to get a kick out of winning. The Joy of Victory For our ancient ancestors, beating the opposition was important. It meant they were more likely to survive and have children. Those who got a kick out of winning were more successful and passed the desire for victory on to their children. So over generations our bodies have evolved to give us a feeling of euphoria when we win. A Constant Battle As young children we compete for the most useful resource available - our parents’ attention. At the University of Michigan, Brenda Volling asks parents to concentrate their attention on the older of two siblings. Immediately, the younger children try to force their way into the game. If they fail to get noticed they release a powerful and effective weapon: the temper tantrum. This invariably gets them their parent's attention. But when the parent plays only with the younger child things are quite different. The older sibling is far more likely to try to impress by following the rules, patiently waiting their turn, offering to help with the game, or even simply saying "I love you." One study suggests this difference in strategies continues into later life. Frank Sulloway studied historical figures in science. Larger, wider jaws and chins are one sign of a dominant face. He found that first borns were far less likely to be radical thinkers then their younger brothers and sisters. Scientific revolutions such as Darwinism are far more likely to have been started, and supported, by people with at least one elder brother or sister. Sizing up the Opposition We don’t have the energy or resources to compete all the time, so we have evolved hierarchies to avoid this. We are much more likely