Knowing better does not automatically lead to better behavior, healthier habits or better choices and decisions. “To know better is to do better” that phrase is often repeated that its significance has become bland. The notion that if individuals possess knowledge of principled, moralistic and virtuous behavior, they would undoubtedly exhibit improved behavior, fails to acknowledge the intricate interplay of internal and external influences that easily manipulate our actions. It also disregards the existence of the subconscious, which clandestinely governs our decisions.
We all believe that maturity comes with age and thus knowledge of what is right or wrong also finds us at this stage.
The assumption that awareness alone will lead to improved behavior oversimplifies the complexities of human nature. Our actions are not solely guided by conscious thought processes, but rather influenced by a myriad of external factors and internal mechanisms that operate behind the scenes.
The Subconscious mind, often operating unnoticed, exerts a significant influence on our behavior. It is the hidden force that guides our intuition to shape our actions, decisions and habits, often without our conscious awareness. This clandestine aspect of our psyche can be influenced by past experiences, traumas, and deeply ingrained beliefs. Which in turn can impact our decision-making processes.
Our actions are often guided by instinctual responses (“gut feeling”) ingrained within us, which can override our conscious understanding of what is right or wrong. These instinctual inclinations, shaped by our experiences and environment, wield a powerful influence on our behavior. The environment in which we find ourselves can place considerable pressure on our decision-making process.
External influences play a pivotal role in shaping our behavior. societal norms, cultural expectations, and peer pressure are just a few examples of external factors that can manipulate our action. These influences can subtly mold our behavior, often leading individuals to conform to societal expectations or adopt certain coping mechanisms of survival.
It is understandable that many individuals gravitate towards survival mode. This state provides a sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the chaos of life. For some, chaos may be a refuge, a place where they can navigate through the uncertainties and challenges they face. So it does not matter how much knowledge an individual possess, survival will always kick in and guided by their intuition, a person will always choose survival because that is most comforting choice. It is crucial to acknowledge that what may appear as chaos to an outsider may be a coping mechanism or a source of solace for those immersed in it.
Our behavior is intricately intertwined with our instincts and influenced by external factors. The notion that knowing better automatically translate into better behavior fails to account for the multifaceted influences that shape our actions. The subconscious mind, our instinctual nature, individual coping mechanism, and external factors all contribute to the intricate tapestry of human behavior. Though knowing better should definitely lead to better behavior but we must also understand our own behavior and what influence our actions. To bridge this gap, it is crucial to consciously align our instinctual responses with our understanding of ethical principles, enabling us to consistently embody the values we hold dear.
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