I’ve been reading another fascinating book this week about how crazy we humans are... called irrationality...the basic premise of the book is that while we tend to believe that human beings are generally sensible and rational, a great deal of the thinking we do is so far from rational it’s bordering on dumb and even dangerous.it answered a few of my questions why we cloud our judgments for example we hear "yans" about people probably people we are yet to meet or people we know but do not talk to... if for instance what we hear is not so good most of us begin to judge that person why?most of the judgements and choices we make are based on snap judgements, lazy thinking and irrational reasoning... bear in mind some of these key points that I’ve summarised for you is from the book. Oh, and they could also be very useful for sharpening your communication and persuasive skills…
Our naturally lazy thinking. One of the main forms of irrationality that human beings are subject to is what is known as the ‘availability error’. When making any kind of decision we tend to be influenced very strongly by pieces of information that are most readily available, vivid and or emotionally powerful in our minds - rather than taking time to weight up a lot of (dry) information on the subject.
How you can use this to your advantage. If you’re meeting somebody new, for example, bear in mind that your mind will probably make an opinion of that person within the first few minutes and will be reluctant to absorb any new information that might falsify that view. If you are trying to suggest a plan to another person, bear in mind that the first one or two things you tell them might almost be the only things they really absorb.
Also, if you’re writing an exam paper or doing a speech, make the first bit the best because that’s where most people will make their judgement.
Irrationality in crowds. Another form of human irrationality is our tendency to conform or go along with the crowd.. even on occasions when we know it is wrong. There is a certain embarrassment, it would seem, in taking a different view from those around you - or in being seen to look or act differently from others. Simply realising how irrational this kind of sheep mentality is can be can be very liberating and may actually help us improve our self-image and feeling of self-actualisation and autonomy.
Emotion is another thing that clouds our ability to think rationally. If we are in a really good mood, for example, we are much more likely to judge everything in a more positive light. If we are in a low mood we are more likely to see things in a poor light. It is a good idea, therefore, not to make important decisions when you are feeling either high or low but rather wait ‘till you are feeling more neutral best believe this i am a victim of acting towards my emotions and it was not pretty its all good.
we “act spontaneously, and although this may be endearing or irritating depending on one’s viewpoint, it can lead to irrational acts that is to say, had they thought before acting, they might have acted in a way more likely to achieve their ends.”sutherland says
well thats it... where i am leading towards is that we have to be a bit open minded and its not everything you see or hear you should believe.... have a mind of your own my dad always told me.
i hope i ddnt just rant about irrelevant shit and you learn something from all that has been written. just thought i should share what i have learnt this week with you lot thanks for reading.."The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."Vince Lombard
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