The Critical 7 Rules To Understand People

1. Rule One: Never blame malice for what can easily be explained by conceit.
2. Rule Two: Few Social Behaviors are Explicit
3. Rule Three: Behavior is Largely Dictated by Selfish Altruism
4. Rule Four: People Have Poor Memories
5. Rule Five: Everyone is Emotional
6. Rule Six: People are Lonely
7. Rule Seven: Did I Mention People Are Self-Absorbed?

Spotlight bias

People don’t care about you. This isn’t because people are mean or hurtful, but simply because they are mostly focused on themselves… What does this mean? Embarrassment doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Give the benefit of the doubt

People who appear to be mean or hurtful don’t usually do it intentionally.

Initiate

Relationships are your job to maintain. Don’t wait to be invited to parties or for people to approach you.

Don’t assume malice

So don’t get angry when people aren’t responding to you.

Helping you in a win-win:

• Transactions – If I purchase a car, both myself and the dealer benefit.
• Familial – Blood is thicker than water. We are designed to protect people who share our genes.
• Status – Helping someone is a sign of power. Many species of primates will offer assistance as a sign of dominance.
• Implied Reciprocity – Many relationships are based on the idea that if I help you, one day you will help me as well. Occasionally

Don’t assume malice or disinterest

But the fact is most people don’t have organized GTD systems. People are forgetful by nature, so once again, don’t assume malice or disinterest if something is forgotten.