Dr. Paul Conti

Yeah, yeah.

So classically, it's been thought that human beings have just these two drives.

But if there were only assertion and pleasure, it doesn't explain at all how we're still here.

Without a desire to make the world better, without altruism, for example, the species would not have survived.

So we have these two classic drives of assertion and pleasure, and they have optimal ranges.

So it's not that more is always better.

So, for example, too much assertiveness and people become over-controlling.

Too little assertiveness and we just don't make an effort in the world.

We don't put ourselves forth.

So there's an optimal range and that'll differ for people.

Some people are because of a combination of genetics, of nature and of nurture, early childhood and throughout the lifespan.

Some people are just built or have built themselves in a way to have a level of assertion that's higher range.

So it's not an exact point, but maybe it's higher on the range of how assertive that person is going to be.

It'd show up as we're going after our strivings, right?

So for example, if I want to do better at my job,

For example, I could say, okay, you know, I'm going to apply myself more.

I'm going to use more of that assertion drive.

I'm going to work harder.

I'm going to study more.

I'm going to be more collaborative.