One mode is concerned with maximizing gain, the other with minimizing loss. Both your actions, and those of your colleagues, are perfectly rational and reasonable, when viewed through the corresponding filter. Unfortunately, we don't get to *choose* which mode we operate out of at any given moment.
At least, not directly anyway. So it's no use arguing with them; they will never be convinced without some mental refactoring.
Of course, there is probably *some* context in which *you* will be the conservative one, and think *they* are idiots for engaging in gain-maximizing behaviors. For example, if they play the lottery, and you don't. :)
Thanks for your comments. I intuitively sensed you...
Steve · 2008-02-29T19:33:00
Thanks for your comments. I intuitively sensed you are correct in saying there's no point arguing with them, so I didn't mention it directly and posted this snarky blog entry instead.
Since my expectation of gain on the lottery is negative I don't play it. I prefer to gain pleasure from expenditure with low expectations of return by contributing to charities. I see this behavior as rational, but I am sure others perceive it as (further) proof that I have no sense of fun.
This is a nice example of the two brain modes at w...
PJE · 2008-02-29T19:26:00
This is a nice example of the two brain modes at work. :)One mode is concerned with maximizing gain, the other with minimizing loss. Both your actions, and those of your colleagues, are perfectly rational and reasonable, when viewed through the corresponding filter. Unfortunately, we don't get to *choose* which mode we operate out of at any given moment.
At least, not directly anyway. So it's no use arguing with them; they will never be convinced without some mental refactoring.
Of course, there is probably *some* context in which *you* will be the conservative one, and think *they* are idiots for engaging in gain-maximizing behaviors. For example, if they play the lottery, and you don't. :)
Thanks for your comments. I intuitively sensed you...
Steve · 2008-02-29T19:33:00
Thanks for your comments. I intuitively sensed you are correct in saying there's no point arguing with them, so I didn't mention it directly and posted this snarky blog entry instead.Since my expectation of gain on the lottery is negative I don't play it. I prefer to gain pleasure from expenditure with low expectations of return by contributing to charities. I see this behavior as rational, but I am sure others perceive it as (further) proof that I have no sense of fun.
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