Lake Wobegon effect

Biological Parallel

In hierarchical species like baboons, most males behave as if they have a realistic shot at alpha status, despite only one male holding the position at any time. This collective overconfidence is adaptive at the population level: if only the objectively best candidates competed, hierarchies would become rigid and fail to respond when dominants weaken or err. The illusion of potential success keeps hierarchies dynamic and meritocratic—you can't exploit an opportunity you've already decided you can't win.