Cynical Theory: Overriding Concern

Cynical Theory is a set of six axioms that explain human motivation and behavior. Axiom 2 (Overriding Concern) posits that one's selfish interests can be curbed by a stronger desire. On a micro level, you can recognize why some behave compassionately and generously to others, while others recklessly hurt themselves. On a macro level, when you realize how and why people rationalize their desires, you can control and leverage motivation. You will understand why people behave unselfishly for the betterment of others or why they harm themselves.

About Cynical Theory

Cynical Theory is my explanation of the fundamental motivations of people; it provides a basis for understanding human motivation, behavior, and how to interact with others. It is codified in six axioms.

When I use the word "cynical." I associate it with the definition: “based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest.” My use of the word "cynical" is synonymous with "selfish."

I introduced Cynical Theory to help you understand and conquer the Cynical World.

People are selfish

Cynical Theory, Axiom 1 posits that: People Are Selfish.

The argument was: "selfishness" is the foundation of human motivation. Selfishness is the primary motivator of human behavior: everyone is out for themselves.

If you believe you have the power to CHOOSE, you must agree that whatever choice you make, is driven by what you want. If you choose to get what you want, your choice is inherently selfish.

We have free choice; so why wouldn’t you make choices to benefit yourself? Choosing your self-interest is the fundamental concept of Cynical Theory. (That is why I chose the word “cynical” — that’s what it means.)

To be clear, the first axiom, People Are Selfish, refers to the motivation behind a CHOICE someone makes.

Don’t confuse motivation with behavior

You may behave selfishly or unselfishly, but the CHOICE is always made by you (which inherently makes it a SELFISH CHOICE).

Motivation is the impetus or reason WHY you do something; behavior is WHAT actions you take to satisfy your motivation.

When someone acts selfishly, you assume that their motivation must be selfish. It may be harder to see that when someone acts unselfishly, their motivation is still selfish.

The key to understanding my point of view is to separate motivation (what a person thinks) from behavior (what a person does).

But... I was “forced” to...

The simplest analogy is that even when someone is threatened or coerced to do something (behavior), they decide based on their self-interest (motivation).

For example, there may be tasks you don't like to perform at work. Selfish behavior would be to neglect those tasks and leave them for someone else. But you do the task, anyway.

I agree that your behavior was unselfish - you are a team player!!!

But what was your motivation?

You made a CHOICE to perform the tasks. Maybe you don't want to lose your job. Perhaps you are the only one with the skills to do the task. Maybe someone asked nicely. Whatever the reason or justification, you made the choice.

The choice was made to achieve something YOU WANTED (not lose your job, personal achievement, team player, help a colleague, ... whatever).

Your choice is the motivation for your behavior.

Your motivation is always selfish.

Always!!!

Are there exceptions?

If we hold that Axiom 1, People Are Selfish, is true, we have two incongruencies in observable behavior.

First, people may not act selfishly. Second, people may act in a way that is harmful to themselves.

What you are observing is behavior - not motivation.

Sometimes people don't act selfish

As discussed above, we are capable of choosing to behave unselfishly.

Let's analyze a soldier. They want to live but are trained to run headlong into danger, knowing they may lose their life.

It is also true of many careers, like policing or firefighting, where they willingly enter dangerous situations. If you are a parent, you know you will risk your life to save your child.

We can conclude that there is something that overrides one's selfish desire for self-preservation.

What overrides selfish motivation?

An overriding concern is often based on principles. A higher purpose will displace a strongly felt personal motivation.

Soldiers, police, and firefighters place themselves in harm's way based on principles of service, brotherhood, liberty, altruism, or honor.

When a person's behavior is incongruent with an obvious, strong personal motivation, they are driven by a greater DESIRE.

The overriding concern or desire alters what most people consider "normal" behavior.

Unselfish behavior is always due to some overriding concern that displaces the inherent selfish motivation.

Why do people do dumb things?

People do dumb things!

People do things that harm themselves!

Why do people smoke? Science demonstrates that smoking has long-term harmful effects, but people still choose to smoke.

People also succumb to addictions and other bad habits.

Again, an overriding concern drives a person to make a harmful choice. They may be fully aware of the personal consequences of their choice, but they make it anyway!

The overriding concern is influenced by various factors, such as habits, beliefs, wants, needs, laziness, or persuasion. This isn't an exhaustive list; the diversity of people and situations is too large.

The choice of harmful behavior is always due to some overriding concern that drives a detrimental decision.

So what?

Everything is easy if it weren't for people.
- Gary Bozek (1985)

If you're a hermit, none of this matters...

...for the rest of us, we must live, work, lead, follow, and interact with people.

Cynical Theory provides an understanding of human motivation and behavior. The six axioms provide a framework to understand why and what people do.

The better you understand the roots of human motivation and behavior, the better you can interact with others. You can improve your relationships, influence, and impact by anticipating the motivation of others. You can use an overriding concern to motivate people to help you.

You can make serious self-improvements if you analyze the motivations that drive your habits, biases, routines, and impulses. Bad habits are formed by allowing an overriding concern to overwhelm your true self-interest.

You can leverage Cynical Theory to influence your behavior and others.

TL;DR

• People are motivated by selfishness
• All behavior is due to selfish motivation
• Motivation and behavior are different; motivation is WHAT YOU WANT, behavior is WHAT YOU DO
• An overriding concern is a Principle or Higher Purpose that takes precedence over "normal" selfish motivation, which:
  • leads to unselfish behavior
  • leads to personally harmful behavior
• The concept of overriding concerns helps you:
  • understand other people's behavior and influence them
  • understand your behavior and implement changes

Be Cynical,

TCG

This article is part two of a six-part explanation of Cynical Theory (see: The Reference Guide).