Seth Godin makes some very cogent points today about the value of irrational decisions. It’s well worth a few minutes of your time.
Rational or irrational?
Seth Godin makes some very cogent points today about the value of irrational decisions. It’s well worth a few minutes of your time.
Bob (and Seth if you’re out there),
My high-school civics teacher thought that rationalizing was a disease, because you can rationalize anything. And it’s true that you can find a reason to justify any decision you make. These can be excuses to maintain the status quo.
My favorite examples of gut vs. research are New Coke, and Seinfeld. According to focus groups, New Coke should have worked. On the other hand, Seinfeld never would have made it into iconic TV status had they listened to the focus groups.
Hail, Hail, Irrational Decisions!
Dan,
Very well said. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
Be well,
Bob
Hi, Bob.
No disagreement with Seth’s main point. However, today being Good Friday is a reminder that what Christians mean by “faith” is not “irrational acceptance.” It is trust based on past performance. This kind of faith relies on evidence. Some may find the evidence compelling, others may not – choice is involved – but I fear that faith is too often confused with superstition.
There is such a thing as “rational faith.” This is probably not the forum to expound on that, but I just wanted to push back a little against the popular notion that faith and science, or faith and evidence, or faith and rationality, are opposites.
Happy Easter, everyone.
Dan,
I agree completely. And you’re right, I don’t get into discussions about my faith or faith in general on my blog. It’s about voiceover not Christianity or faith; but I certainly welcome your comments in this context.
A very Happy Easter to you, too.
Be well,
Bob