What You, Me, and Lobsters Have in Common

Drawing parallels between our human existence and marine creatures like lobsters may seem peculiar at first glance. However, as we delve into the ideas presented by Jordan Peterson in the first chapter of his book "12 Rules for Life — An Antidote to Chaos", we uncover an intriguing connection between ourselves and these seemingly distant crustaceans.

The fascinating study of lobsters unveils important lessons about hierarchy, behavior, and the pursuit of balance in our own lives. In this article, we will dive into Peterson’s ideas, exploring what we have in common with lobsters and examining the significance of social hierarchy, brain chemistry, and equilibrium for success and well-being.

A Brief Overview of Lobsters

Lobsters are marine crustaceans found in different parts of the world, ranging from shallow waters to ocean depths. With segmented bodies protected by a hard exoskeleton, they possess powerful claws used for capturing prey, defending themselves, and fighting for territory. There are numerous species of lobsters, differing in size, color, and habitat. Their well-developed sensory system, including antennae and specialized appendages, enables them to perceive the surrounding environment. Additionally, lobsters have a highly sensitive chemoreception system, allowing them to detect chemicals in the water and locate food.

These creatures have existed for a long time, dating back to the Cambrian period over 500 million years ago (making them older than dinosaurs, which existed around 230 million years ago). Fossils reveal that species similar to present-day lobsters have existed for at least 140 million years, during the Cretaceous period. Over time, they have undergone changes but have retained their fundamental form and characteristics. The study of lobsters contributes to the understanding of marine ecosystems and the functioning of the brain in more complex animals, such as humans.

Okay, and what do you, me, and lobsters have in common?

Approximately 300 million years ago, brains and nervous systems were relatively simple, yet they already possessed the structure and neurochemistry necessary to process information about status and society. Dominance hierarchies are as old as the trees and were not a human invention.

Thanks to their large neurons, the nervous system of lobsters is relatively simple and easily observable, allowing scientists to accurately map the neural circuitry of these crustaceans. This research has helped us understand the structure and functioning of the brain, as well as the behavior of more complex animals, including us humans. Furthermore, by studying lobsters, we can also gain insights into our own social and behavioral structures.

1. Hierarchy and the Struggle for Survival

One of the main ideas presented by Peterson is the similarity in hierarchical structure between humans and lobsters. He argues that, like lobsters, humans are also social creatures living in a hierarchical world. Lobsters establish their social hierarchy through power struggles and territorial conquest, where the winner gains greater access to resources while the loser is relegated to a lower position.

This same principle can be observed in various aspects of human life, from the corporate environment to personal relationships. Like lobsters, we humans are constantly engaged in a struggle for survival and the acquisition of resources. Peterson emphasizes that understanding this hierarchical dynamic can help us gain a better understanding of our place in the world and develop strategies to improve our position and well-being.

2. Brain Chemistry and Behavior

Another crucial point raised by Peterson, which I want to highlight in this article, is the impact of brain chemistry on our behavior. Both lobsters and humans have a similar neurotransmitter system, particularly serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood and confidence. Peterson argues that, as in lobsters, our brain chemistry influences our behavior and hierarchical position.

When a lobster emerges victorious from a fight and assumes a higher position in the hierarchy, its serotonin levels increase, making it more confident and inclined to take risks. On the other hand, a lobster that loses a battle has its serotonin levels reduced, resulting in a more withdrawn posture and defensive behavior.

After a defeat, a lobster shows reluctance to engage in new battles, even against opponents it has previously defeated, regardless of their prior aggressive behavior. This defeat affects its confidence for several days. In more extreme cases, when a dominant lobster is severely defeated, its brain undergoes a complete restructuring. Its original brain cannot cope with the transition from leader to subordinate, resulting in complete dissolution and a new brain emerging.

The reconfiguration of the lobster’s brain is impressive and highlights the close relationship between behavior and brain chemistry. Defeat not only shakes the lobster’s confidence but also triggers profound changes in its neural structure. It is a dramatic adaptation to fit into a new position in the social hierarchy.

This phenomenon invites us to reflect on the similarities between lobsters and humans. Although the changes in the human brain are not as drastic in response to social defeats, we can observe how shattered confidence and the experience of failure can impact our behavior and perspective.

Just as in lobsters, serotonin has a significant impact on our behavior. Brain chemistry plays a fundamental role in emotional regulation and how we relate to the world. Adequate levels of serotonin are associated with greater emotional balance, confidence, and willingness to face challenges.

The Neurochemistry of Defeat and Victory

Brain chemistry plays a crucial role in the behavior of lobsters, and this chemical difference is reflected in their characteristic posture. The confidence and submission of a lobster depend on the interaction of two chemical elements that regulate communication between its neurons: serotonin and octopamine.

A lobster with high levels of serotonin and low levels of octopamine presents itself as a pompous and self-assured crustacean, with little chance of backing down from a challenge. Serotonin influences the regulation of the lobster’s postural flexion. When a defeated lobster is exposed to serotonin, it stretches itself and confronts its former rivals with greater ferocity and for a longer period.

On the other hand, an opposite neurochemical configuration results in a defeated-looking lobster, misaligned, inhibited, disheartened, and cautious. Serotonin and octopamine also regulate the tail-flipping reflex of the lobster, causing it to rapidly retreat backward, in flight.

These chemicals play an essential role in determining the behavior and posture of lobsters, influencing both aggression and confidence, as well as submission and inhibition. And just like you, my dear developed lobster, it couldn’t be any different.

Top and Bottom — Your Ancestral Calculator

There is an indescribably primordial calculator at the core of our brains, beneath our thoughts and feelings, that monitors exactly where we stand in society. This ancestral part of your brain is specialized in assessing dominance, observing how you are treated by others, and thereby determining your worth and status.

We can imagine it as a scale from one to ten, where “one” represents the highest position and “ten” the lowest position (bottom) in the social hierarchy. The higher you are on the scale, the more resources and opportunities you have. Hardly do you face difficulties, as you are supported by a social network, and therefore, you feel more secure in taking risks. Serotonin flows freely in your brain. On the other hand, if you are in the lowest position in society, your resources are scarce, opportunities are harder to come by, and emergencies occur more easily. You don’t feel secure, friends are rarer, and you must always be ready to survive.

If we perceive that we are treated as less important by our peers, this ancient brain calculator limits the release of serotonin, making us more reactive to negative events. After all, at the bottom of society, emergencies and unexpected situations are more common. This reactivity is a necessary response to deal with crisis situations, but it consumes our physical and energetic resources, and can even suppress our immune system to obtain more energy. Additionally, it makes us impulsive and prone to seeking immediate pleasure, even questionably. In contrast, when we enjoy a higher status, the brain recognizes that we are safe and socially supported, allowing us to face changes with a more positive perspective. We don’t need to impulsively latch onto every opportunity that arises because we can realistically expect that good things will continue to be available.

Indeed, at times, the functioning of this calculator can be affected. Poor sleep and dietary habits can interfere with its performance. Additionally, in some cases, this system can become hyper-reactive due to a complex cycle of positive feedback. To simplify, a person acquires counterproductive habits and attitudes in an attempt to avoid unpleasant symptoms and feelings, as is the case with alcohol and drug addiction, for example.

Raise Your Head and Straighten Your Posture

As the author highlights, it is possible for you to consider yourself a loser. However, this does not have to be a permanent condition. Perhaps you simply have bad habits that can be changed.

If you go through life with the posture of a defeated lobster, people will perceive you as someone of low status. The ancient calculator that we share with crustaceans and that resides at the base of our brain will assign you a low level of dominance. This will result in a lower production of serotonin, making you less happy, more anxious, and prone to sadness. You will also have more difficulty defending yourself and a lower likelihood of living in a good area, having access to the best resources, and finding a healthy and desirable partner.

In this condition, you will have a greater chance of abusing substances like cocaine and alcohol because you will be living in an uncertain and present-oriented world. Additionally, your chances of developing heart diseases, cancer, and dementia will increase. Considering all these aspects, the situation is not favorable.

Studies show that emotion is, in part, expressed through body language and can be amplified or weakened by it. If you adopt a poor posture, you will feel small, defeated, and powerless. People’s reactions to you will amplify these feelings. Just like lobsters, people also evaluate us, in part, based on our posture. If you present yourself as defeated, people will react to you as if you were a loser. However, if you start to correct your posture, they will see and treat you differently.

Of course, if you are already in the “ten” position on the social scale, a simple change in posture will not make you reach higher positions or reduce the challenges in your life. That is obvious. However, lifting your head means voluntarily accepting the burden of existence and “Being.” Your nervous system reacts completely differently when you face life’s challenges voluntarily instead of constantly preparing for possible catastrophes.

“Raising your head, keeping your back straight, and your shoulders back is accepting the terrible responsibility of life with eyes wide open. It means voluntarily deciding to transform the chaos of potential into habitable realities of order.” — Peterson, Jordan B.

Therefore, pay close attention to your posture. Stop hunching and crawling. Express your opinions. Present your desires as if you are entitled to them — at least the same right as others have. Walk with your head held high and look straight ahead. Dare to be courageous. Encourage serotonin to flow fully through neural pathways, satisfying its calming influence.

People — including yourself — will start to notice that you are competent and capable (or, at least, they won’t immediately come to the opposite conclusion). Encouraged by the positive reactions you are receiving, you will become less anxious. As a result, it will be easier for you to pick up on the subtle social cues that people exchange during communication. This will provide you with more opportunities to meet and interact with others, leaving a positive impression on them. By doing so, you will not only increase your chances of good things happening in your life but also make those things seem even better when they occur.

“So, you can accept the terrible burden of the World and find joy.” — Peterson, Jordan B.

As the author invites us, seek inspiration in the victorious lobster, with its 350 million years of practical wisdom. Lift your head, keep your back straight, and shoulders back.

This article was inspired by the book “12 Rules for Life — An Antidote to Chaos”, written by renowned clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, Jordan B. Peterson, from the University of Toronto, Canada.

If you enjoyed the content, please share it with your colleagues and friends who might be interested in the subject as well, and follow me for more.

Thank you very much for being here, and until next time!