ASSUMING POSITIVE INTENT AND keeping a marriage diary are…
““ASSUMING POSITIVE INTENT AND keeping a marriage diary are two examples of what psychologists call “considering the opposite.” I think my spouse is selfish—but perhaps I should keep track of situations where he’s looking out for me. I think my colleague is being rude and abrupt—but what if he’s not being abrupt and is just trying to respect my time? (Oops, and what if he thinks I’m disrespecting his time when I try to chat?) This simple technique of considering the opposite has been shown, across multiple studies, to reduce many otherwise thorny cognitive biases.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Considering opposite viewpoints helps counteract bias by actively seeking evidence that contradicts initial judgments.
In simple terms: Look for evidence that opposes your first impression.
Key Takeaway
Seek contrary evidence before concluding.
Themes
cognitive bias
empathy
communication
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- workplace interactions
- conflict resolution
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
critical thinking
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions could you test by imagining the opposite?
- How might this change your relationships?
A Different Perspective
May ignore valid intuition if over‑applied.