Better-than-average effect

Biological Parallel

Male peacocks with objectively mediocre tail displays compete as vigorously as those with spectacular plumage, suggesting each male's self-assessment is inflated relative to population norms. This bias persists because the cost of non-participation—zero mating opportunities—exceeds the cost of failed attempts. In competitive reproductive markets, accurately perceiving yourself as average means not competing at all, which is evolutionary suicide. Selection pressure favors optimistic self-evaluation even when objectively unjustified.