Dealing With Your Egocentrism
Human beings are inherently egocentric, favoring themselves subconsciously. To counteract, ask what a rational person would do in a similar situation.
THE IDEA
Human beings are inherently egocentric: we tend to favor ourselves subconsciously. To notice this in daily life, ask yourself under what circumstances you favor your own interests. When you notice egocentric behavior, consider what a rational person would say or do in a similar situation and compare it with your own response.
When to use it
Personal decision-making, especially when allocating credit or blame.
Group work, to ensure fair distribution of tasks and recognition.
Negotiations, to avoid overvaluing your own contributions.
Conflict resolution, to see the situation from another’s perspective.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Group Project Workload
When dividing tasks in a group project, you might assume you are doing more work than others. To counter egocentrism, consider if a neutral observer would agree with your assessment.
Driving Disagreement
If another driver cuts you off, you may instantly assume they are rude. An egocentric bias might cause you to overlook your own moments of inattention. Ask what a rational, unbiased person would conclude.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What are the circumstances under which you would favor yourself?
What would a rational person do in my current situation?
How might my egocentrism be affecting my judgment right now?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)