2008-04-08 Ruthlessness gene discovered

Specs

Date:	2008-04-08
Link:	http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080404/full/news.2008.738.html
Author:	Michael Hopkin (writingscat)
Source:	Nature magazine (articlescat)
Topics:	human nature ruthlessness empathy compassion AVPR1a premium access
Categories:	human nature ruthlessness empathy compassion AVPR1a premium access

'Ruthlessness gene' discovered

longer text

Selfish dictators may owe their behaviour partly to their genes, according to a study that claims to have found a genetic link to ruthlessness. The study might help to explain the money-grabbing tendencies of those with a Machiavellian streak – from national dictators down to 'little Hitlers' found in workplaces the world over.

Researchers at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem found a link between a gene called AVPR1a and ruthless behaviour in an economic exercise called the 'Dictator Game'. The exercise allows players to behave selflessly, or like money-grabbing dictators such as former Zaire President Mobutu, who plundered the mineral wealth of his country to become one of the world's richest men while its citizens suffered in poverty.

Is there any correlation between this gene and authoritarian leaders? (Perhaps they are Bob Altemeyer's "double high"s?)

shorter text

“Selfish dictators may owe their behaviour partly to their genes, according to a study that claims to have found a genetic link to ruthlessness.”