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Law of Irrationality
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Law of Irrationality
Definition
Human beings are not naturally rational; rationality is a hard‑won skill that must be cultivated against innate emotional and evolutionary biases.
Practical Examples
- Identify Biases: When a colleague’s critique triggers anger, note the reactive state before responding.
- Increase Reaction Time: Pause, walk away, or draft a response you don’t send, allowing the neocortex to re‑engage.
Origins
Articulated by Robert Greene in The Concise Laws of Human Nature (2024), drawing on dual‑process theory from cognitive psychology.
Key Thinkers
- Robert Greene
- Daniel Kahneman (System 1 / System 2) – linked via Law of Irrationality
Related Concepts
- Law of Narcissism – another bias‑driven law.
- Three‑Step Path to Rationality – the mental model to enact this law.
Applications
- Decision‑making in business meetings.
- Negotiation tactics where emotional flare can be exploited or defused.
Connected Sources
The Concise Laws of Human Nature
Get the Book
The Concise Laws Of Human Nature Robert Greene
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