The Human Rationalization Engine

It is undeniable that the human species is one of the most biologically successful organisms to have ever existed.

We have come from small caves to conquering the entire world.

There is no corner of this big round planet that we humans have not laid our chubby little fingers on.

About 10,000 years ago we were victims of our environment and today the environment is a victim of us.

So how did we get here?

There are a few leading theories of how we conquered the world.

However.

They all contain one commonality.

If it wasn’t for the big thing between our ears we would have never achieved all that we have done.

So you are probably thinking ”thank you Captain Obvious.”

First off, you’re welcome.

Second off, that is not the end of the story.

You see, our brain is an amazing machine. It is the most complex structure that humans have ever observed. It is capable of managing hundreds of intricate social networks, complex computing, memorizing and categorizing information, and so much more.

However, the brain’s greatest strength also creates one of its greatest weaknesses.

You see our brain is so capable that it is able to trick itself.

Enter, the most dangerous word in the English language.

Rationalization

.

It is a word we have heard again and again. How can it be so dangerous?

Let’s start with what it means.

In layman's terms, rationalization is a way to justify something to yourself without having strong logic to prove that it actually makes sense.

Humans are really good at this.

Some of the human’s greatest travesties have been due to rationalization (genocide, war, etc).

So why should you care?

One of my favorite quotes is by Richard Feynman, where he said “you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.”

This quote so eloquently sums up the danger of rationalization.

Fooling yourself and then convincing yourself that you are not being fooled.

Believing the lies that you are feeding yourself.

It is a vicious cycle and the scary part is most don’t realize they are in it.

There is no way to escape the human rationalization engine.

It is a part of us. The key is to be aware.

Notice when you convince yourself that the decision you are making is right.

Rigorously, evaluate your logic.

Understand that most people you will encounter will be unaware they are in the cycle.

Once you are aware of the power the brain’s rationalization engine has you will have a newfound appreciation for that thing between your ears.

The most intelligent beings ever observed being tricked by themselves.

You can’t make this stuff up.