The Warrior Gene

[Mikey Appleseed]

Just curious, how many think that theres a connection with hikers and the Warrior Gene? Im sure its not all hikers, but I think alot of us are guided by this Gene. Does anyone think ol Mr. Ward had this extra pep in the step?

[RITBlake]

I think I speak for everyone when I say, What?

[Two Speed]

I know some folks that were guided by Gene once. The way I hear it they've sworn off taking his advice on water sources.

[Feral Bill]

Just curious, how many think that theres a connection with hikers and the Warrior Gene? Im sure its not all hikers, but I think alot of us are guided by this Gene. Does anyone think ol Mr. Ward had this extra pep in the step?

In my considered opinion as a biology teacher "warrior gene"=blathering nonsense. Yes, I had to look it up.

[Mikey Appleseed]

From what I understand, a third of all males on the planet have this gene mutation, but hey, I dont expect someone with it to respond, or maybe there just unaware like most.

[Mikey Appleseed]

Theres actually no doubt the gene excists, people are in doubt about what it does and how it effects us. Maybe a longer search Feral Bill.

[WIAPilot]

No, he is correct. It's the ability to quickly assess a situation and the courage to aggressively confront others to defend country, family, beliefs. I see this in pilots all the time.

I don't think hikers in general have this gene at all. Now AT thru hikers - that's a totally different story.

[T.S.Kobzol]

What is this about? Defending a village from ravaging pillagers?

Defending our country is a very complex task requiring skills from all different facets of 'genes' (if you will)... there is room for geeks to fly the drones, brains to plan appropriate strategy, leaders to make appropriate assessments and yes when the time comes to storm Bin Laden's compound we might bring in the Warriors ;-)

No, he is correct. It's the ability to quickly assess a situation and the courage to aggressively confront others to defend country, family, beliefs. I see this in pilots all the time.

I don't think hikers in general have this gene at all. Now AT thru hikers - that's a totally different story.

[Pedaling Fool]

I'm kind of skeptical about the existence of this gene, I think it's more a factor of upbringing/training and of course Testosterone does have an effect. But I don't see hikers having extra Testosterone or a warrior gene, if one exists. I would think that would apply more to those that like physical confrontation, such as the fighting sports and other contact sports. Where as the non-contact activities, be it hiking, running, cycling... that's more a factor of just liking to push your body or possibly an ego issue, especially for the people that become professionals in their chosen discipline. But not in all cases, there are a lot of factors here.

If you're going to say that hikers have a so-called warrior gene, then what about all the other physical endeavors people like to participate in? Are you saying there's something special about hikers, in contrast to say a runner or a soccer player, or a...?

[Miami Joe]

In Israel, the "Warrior Gene" is called conscription.

[Spokes]

Oh, it exists. Nothing more than an enzyme sequence.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoami...A#Warrior_gene

[Rasty]

Its not necessarily an aggressive trait. More of a genetic trait about decision making. Those with the trait take calculated risks more often the others.

[T.S.Kobzol]

Is this about some kind of infatuation ?

I am failing to see the point in the query.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

[rocketsocks]

I lived in jenes for a long time,and now prefer nylon,I also lived in fear and now prefer the truth.Whether a person has or doesn't have the "Warrior gene"is certainly a interesting topic.Many that do have this I suspect have a better chance at finishing the trail or getting through the difficulties easier than some,and the rest of us that don't will call on our life experiences,to achieve the same.I think it's also important to note that many people achieve great feats out of shear tenacity and pissedoffisness.

[Mikey Appleseed]

Love it Rocketsocks! Now Kobzol, let me respond with a maybe, and more of an obsession. I was curious about it, I tend to obsess over things and really I dont care who knows or what people think about it. Am I different than most hikers? Maybe thats what im searching for, sorry if it bothers some.

[Hooch]

I know some folks that were guided by Gene once. The way I hear it they've sworn off taking his advice on water sources.

Well played, sir. Well played, indeed.

[rocketsocks]

Love it Rocketsocks! Now Kobzol, let me respond with a maybe, and more of an obsession. I was curious about it, I tend to obsess over things and really I dont care who knows or what people think about it. Am I different than most hikers? Maybe thats what im searching for, sorry if it bothers some.

Hey Mikey,I hear ya.But one of the things I have found here at White blaze,and other places is that there are many who feel as I,and that I'm not that unique,in fact I'm quite common,and that was a relief,I'm just as meshed up as the next guy.

[Odd Man Out]

Just curious, how many think that theres a connection with hikers and the Warrior Gene? Im sure its not all hikers, but I think alot of us are guided by this Gene. Does anyone think ol Mr. Ward had this extra pep in the step?

This is a mutation in the upstream regulatory (not coding region) of Monoamine Oxidase A. Read about it here.

http://www.pnas.org/content/106/7/2118.full

I'm curious why you think this has anything to do with hiking? A recent article included a discussion of this gene with regards to the misuse of scientific findings by the media. Here is the abstract (you have to pay to see the whole article - thanks Elsevier).

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...68952511001983

I could read the whole article at work tomorrow, if you are interested (I don't have to pay there).

[Mikey Appleseed]

I just assume if the #s are correct, theres an army of mutated warrior hikers out there, maybe we can join a club, or use one(just joking).

[Feral Bill]

Theres actually no doubt the gene excists, people are in doubt about what it does and how it effects us. Maybe a longer search Feral Bill.

A gene exists which has been named "the warrior gene". I have a few issues. 1. Assuming there is a correlation between this gene and behavior, that does not establish any causal relationship. 2. Most traits are governed by multiple genes. It would be extremely surprising to find complex social behavior controlled by a single gene, rather than the interaction of many genes and cultural factors. 3. The name "warrior gene" is a red flag. It is loaded with a positive slant. It could just as easily been called "the bully gene", or "the donkey pit gene" or, more neutrally, "the aggression gene" or "the competitor gene".
Collectively, I have to conclude that bad science and dubious motives are afoot.
Class dismissed.