Egocentric Bias · Entry 35
Naïve Cynicism – when you think others are more selfish than you
Do you believe that people act selfishly while your own actions are purely rational and fair? That’s Naïve Cynicism – the tendency to assume others are biased and self-serving, while seeing yourself as objective and sincere.
Where it can show up
- Work – you assume colleagues are looking out for themselves, but your decisions are purely for the greater good.
- Politics – you believe political opponents manipulate, while your beliefs are based on facts.
- Personal life – you think others make friends for personal gain, but your relationships are entirely genuine.
A practical countermeasure
- Acknowledge that everyone has biases – including you – believing you’re purely objective is already a bias.
- Don’t assume hidden motives everywhere – sometimes, people genuinely mean well.
- Be honest with yourself – you may also make choices influenced by self-interest.
