It’s common practice for pundits, media, podcasters, reporters and the general public to firmly declare what someone else’s motives are. While this is particularly strong when it comes to the actions of politicians and public figures, it doesn’t stop with them. We all do this – with nearly everyone. Even me.
When I do it, I am convinced I’m right too. In reality, I haven’t got a clue.
I think in general that people make decisions and take actions based on their own self interest. I believe that incentives like money, power, love and security are common motivators.
But that doesn’t mean I am right.
Occasionally, I’ll hear a person talk about why they did something and I’ll be totally surprised. In situations where I had attributed their actions to malicious intent, greed or self-interest, I’ll instead hear them say:
- I was drunk (or high) when I did that. I don’t even remember it.
- I was bored and it was something to do.
- I thought if I “played it this way” the other person would do what I wanted.
- My rule in this situation is XYZ (their rule being something totally arbitrary and unknown by other people).
- I don’t know why I did it.
- It was fun.
Sometimes their reasons are baffling. Other times they make me laugh out loud at out how far off-base my assessment of their motivations was.
I guess that shouldn’t come as a surprise to me. There are still times when I need to reflect on my own motivations for my own actions. Assessing anyone else’s motivations is pure speculation on my part.
It’s the same when it’s done by politicians, media, pundits, experts and you too.
So now, I try to catch myself before body proclaiming someone else’s motivations and instead say, “I have absolutely no clue why they did that.”
If you think about it, you might find yourself saying this more often too.
