The Hanlon’s Razor
“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”
A lot of people are a little bit stupid. The guy who cuts in front of you in a traffic jam. The woman who takes the last apples as you’re approaching them. In most cases, there is another explanation. We take things personally. But is it just stupidity?
Hanlon’s Razor is the principle described in the quote at the top of the post. When we find ourselves in any situation where a person acts negatively towards us, the principle suggests that this is more likely down to ignorance or misunderstanding, rather than them intentionally aiming to hurt us.
There is often more than the explanation painted on the surface. If we don’t jump to conclusions and we dig deeper, we often find the situation isn’t as complex as we first imagine. Sometimes the most straightforward answer is the best explanation. This is Occam’s Razor. This details the close link between the two razors, that the simple explanation can be the best.
If we assume that people aren’t doing things maliciously towards us, there are many advantages to this thoughtful approach.
1) Empathy – We approach situations with more understanding. From this, we can have better interactions and build stronger relationships with those around us.
2) Less Unnecessary Conflict – When we use Hanlon’s Razor, we are less likely to escalate situations beyond the scope of what is necessary. We’d rather understand that blindly accuse.
3) Critical Thinking – Using Hanlon’s Razor can train us to think critically even outside of situations interacting with other people. We can analyse situations deeper, question our initial assumptions, and discover new conclusions and opinions.
4) Preserves Relationships, Including With Yourself – With other people, Hanlon’s Razor can promote open communication, which in turn contributes to an environment of greater trust and respect. However, Hanlon’s Razor can also improve your relationship with yourself. If you’re less likely to escalate situations where it isn’t required, you’ll be calmer. You think before responding, and you’ll be less stressed.
5) Fairness – Everyone can make mistakes. Hanlon’s Razor can allow us to be more forgiving and less likely to assume the worst of others.
6) Growth – Any mistake can be an opportunity for learning and growth. We can help others grow using Hanlon’s Razor through clear communication and understanding. But we can also grow and develop our own skills in dealing with tension and disruptions within our relationships.
But, Hanlon’s Razor if used too much can put us at a disadvantage in life.
1) We Miss Actual Malice – If we use Hanlon’s Razor, we are more likely to overlook harmful intentions. The balance between assuming someone made a mistake and them trying to harm you needs to be carefully balanced.
2) Casting Aside Patterns of Hurtful Behaviour – One way to ensure we balance when someone is making a mistake and when they are causing malice is through patterns of behaviour. Through Hanlon’s Razor, we are more likely to ignore these patterns. But if we see repeated behaviour we need to recognise its potential damage and act accordingly.
3) Aids Irresponsibility – If any irresponsibility that causes you pain is attributed to ignorance, you are likely to suffer further over time. This can create unhealthy relationships and those who show irresponsibility need to be held accountable.
4) Considers Individuals, Not The Full System – We are sometimes victims of the system in which we live. For example, Hanlon’s Razor could contribute to overlooking discrimination and hence unequal opportunities. These situations should not be ascribed as ignorance.
Hanlon’s Razor can allow us to live calmer, less confrontational lives. This can allow us to apply our thinking to what’s really important and maintain our relationships. However, it should be used with care. Too much use of Hanlon’s Razor can allow us to be taken advantage of, and lead to us being mistreated for much longer than necessary. Balance the empathetic approach of Hanlon’s Razor with a logical approach to behaviour patterns. Sometimes, if certain people find themselves in a situation to grab power or influence, they will. Don’t let this be at your disadvantage.
I’m totally blown away by your excellent article. Hanlon’s razor is a tool anyone can use to live a very happy life and I thank you. Seems I’m using it in many ways but this will help me improve. I hope I can get my wife to absorb it for starters.