Brain Parasite Theory of Entrepreneurship
As always, we should take new theories with a grain of salt. In this case, you might get a little grossed out!
The Toxoplasma gondii parasite is carried by felines (cats) and has been found to infect their human masters too. The parasite can be caught through contact with the animals and their bodily fluids and solids.
The parasite causes brain cysts that last a lifetime and lead to behavioral changes including bipolar disorder, reduced fear, and lower IQ. Some have estimated that over 2 billion humans have been infected, though infection rates differ greatly by country (e.g., ~3% in the U.S. vs. 50-70% in France and Mexico).
The Link to Entrepreneurship
Research by Stefanie Johnson (Leeds School of Business) and colleagues suggests that those infected by the parasite are 1.7 times more likely to choose entrepreneurial career paths.
They tested subjects for infection by taking saliva swabs. They found significant positive associations between infection and entrepreneurial activity/intention, and a significant negative association with fear of failure.
The Mechanism: Testosterone & Risk
Why does a brain parasite make someone want to start a business?
The explanation for this change in behavior is likely due to the association between Toxoplasma gondii and an increase in testosterone levels (Zouei et al., 2018). Research suggests that higher testosterone levels are associated with greater risk-taking behavior and entrepreneurial intent in humans (Bönte et al., 2016).
Recent Replication (Female Founders)
A recent control group study by Lerner et al. (2020) was conducted on 16,068 female founders from 11,433 startups. They found multiple links between Toxoplasma gondii and entrepreneurship, replicating the results of Johnson’s (2018) study.
Crucially, Lerner et al. state that the infection of the parasite precedes entrepreneurial ventures, meaning that individuals are significantly more likely to pursue a new venture following an infection.
Note: This research is pretty new and should be replicated several times before budding entrepreneurs decide to expose themselves to felines voluntarily!
Video Overview: The Science of the "Cat Parasite"
Related Theories
The biological "puppet master" highlights how internal chemistry can drive career choice. These frameworks explore the intersection of physiology and risk:
1. Biological Triggers
- Genetic Theory: How innate biology and heritable traits predispose certain individuals to risk.
- Impulsivity Theory: The biological mechanism that bypasses fear to trigger entrepreneurial entry.
2. Cognitive Shields
- Ambiguity Tolerance: How chemical changes can suppress the natural stress response to uncertainty.
- Hubris Theory: When a lack of fear leads to overconfidence and resource depletion.
Sources
- Houdek, P. (2017). Puppet master: possible influence of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii on managers and employees. Academy of Management Perspectives, 31(1), 63-81.
- Johnson, S. K., et al. (2018). Risky business: linking Toxoplasma gondii infection and entrepreneurship behaviours across individuals and countries. Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
- Lerner, D. A., Alkærsig, L., Fitza, M. A., Lomberg, C., & Johnson, S. K. (2021). Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Parasite Infection is Associated with Entrepreneurial Initiation, Engagement, and Performance. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 45(1), 118–144.
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