People are Rational: Don't expect too much from yourself

You've probably heard this statement - either philosophical or economical - Human beings are rational creatures.

So the next question is, what is my definition of rational? For the purpose of this posting, it means that actions and intentions go towards self-preservation or -improvement. This could either apply to oneself or one's social group. In other words, rational means selfish. Hence, a person who does something with completely no thought for self-preservation (on an individual or social-group basis, e.g. friends) is considered irrational. For example, anonymously donating a large chunk of money without any motive of a reward - however, would feeling good be considered a reward? Maybe.

Being a human, I am selfish too, I guess. Which is why I'm making you read this.

So now that's settled, I'm hoping you see things from my point of view, then everything makes sense, right? We have to see through the lens of "What is in it for me?" If it does not benefit me, I won't bother.

Of course, we all think we are generous, self-giving and full of service to others. But there are always ulterior motives, even if we pretend we don't know - because we are all rational creatures, it is alright and even necessary as a motivation to be good. Here are some examples:

• Picking up litter on the floor. You might come walking back that same way, step on the plastic bag, slip and crack your spine.
• Volunteering in your child's school. You're hoping to capture the attention of the teachers or school leaders, and they will award higher marks to your child during tests and exams.
• Letting someone cut into your lane while you're driving. It could be your boss and you don't want to ruin your chances for a pay increment.
• Putting your neighbour's letters back into their box when it's placed in yours by mistake. You're hoping they will do the same.
• Giving a lost person directions. You're bored and want someone to talk to - or perhaps you need to show off your geographical knowledge of the immediate vicinity?

One way of forcing (encouraging might be a nicer word?) yourself to be generous and less self-centred is to find such shallow and silly reasons to tell yourself. Who knows, it might work! Anyway, it is the resulting action that counts right? Nobody needs to understand why, and even if they do, it doesn't really matter.

On the flip side, if you know people are rational, you can be less hard on them when they don't do what you think they should. I'll talk about that in my next posting. Expect less. Live more.