Human Behavior Demystified — Podcast Edition
My job is changing. I'll maybe share more about this later, but let me already share that it's going to be more AI focused. As part of this journey, I'm experimenting with a whole bunch of new tools. One recent one is NotebookLM by Google. What you can do is feed it content (PDFs, audio files, youtube videos or web links) and it will automatically prepare a podcast about it. I tried to feed it a few of my older posts to see what would happen and I was extremely impressed. The result is not the dry "AI summary" you may expect. It's actually a very engaging piece of content with two co-host. I think they actually add to simply reading the original post.
This first one is about
Zef Hemel
Enjoy.
The full transcript (converted from mp3 to text using MacWhisper) is included below.
You can subscribe by adding this to your podcast app: https://zef.plus/podcast/rss/
Transcript
All right. So are you ready to dive deep with us today? Because we are going to be tackling human behavior.
Oh, I love this topic.
Yeah. It's something we all deal with every single day, right?
Right.
But it can be a total mystery sometimes why people do the things that they do.
Absolutely.
But we're going to try to decode some of that mystery today.
I'm excited.
Using this really insightful article called Human Behavior Demystified by Zef Hemel.
Have you heard of this one?
I have not, but I'm excited to learn.
Yeah, he lays out this really interesting mental model for not only understanding, but maybe even like predicting why people act the way they do.
Oh, wow. That's a big claim, predicting human behavior.
It is a big claim.
I mean, I'm fascinated by these mental models, though. I don't know about you.
They're like these cheat sheets for understanding the world, right?
Totally. And so Hemel, he gets this formula for human behavior.
And the formula is behavior equals nature plus personal history plus context.
Okay.
So I have to admit, at first glance, it makes it sound like we're all just robots.
Yeah, like completely programmed by our genes in our past.
Yeah.
It's a little unsettling when you think about it that way.
Yeah, it's intriguing, but also a little unsettling.
Yeah.
Like how much control do we really have if all these hidden forces are shaping our behavior?
You might be thinking, wait, does this mean we have no free will at all?
Right.
That's a huge question philosophically, right?
Yeah.
But I think for our purposes today, let's maybe focus on the practical elements.
Okay.
Of understanding these influences on our behavior.
Okay.
So let's break down each part of this formula.
Sure.
Starting with nature.
Okay.
And I'm guessing this is all about our genetics?
Exactly.
Our DNA.
Yeah.
Nature refers to our inherent predispositions, you know, those tendencies that we're kind of born with.
Yeah.
Largely thanks to our DNA.
Okay.
And, you know, what's interesting about this element is that it remains relatively constant throughout our lives.
So while we definitely learn and adapt, those underlying tendencies are always there.
Yeah.
Kind of influencing how we react to the world.
So, like, some of us are naturally more outgoing while others are more introverted.
Exactly.
Some folks are risk takers and others prefer to play it safe.
Exactly.
It's like our baseline.
Yeah.
And Himmel makes this really interesting point that understanding these inherent tendencies can actually be a lot more helpful than trying to fight them.
Oh, interesting.
So, for example, he talks about our natural inclination to conform in groups.
It's a behavior that evolved over time for survival.
Right.
But it can sometimes lead us to make decisions that we wouldn't necessarily make on our own.
Oh, yeah, totally.
Have you ever been in a group where everyone seems to agree on something?
Oh, yeah.
Even if it didn't feel quite right to you.
All the time.
And you just went along with it.
Absolutely.
And you know what makes me think of?
That classic conformity experiment.
Oh, yeah.
Where people would intentionally give the wrong answer just because everyone else was doing it.
Right.
It highlights how powerful that urge to fit in can be, you know?
Yeah.
Even if it means going against our better judgment.
Totally.
So, yeah, nature's all about those ingrained tendencies that we're kind of born with.
Okay, so nature is those ingrained tendencies, but what about personal history?
Ah, yes. Personal history.
This piece of the puzzle.
This one is huge.
Yeah.
Because it encompasses every single event, big or small, that's ever happened to us from the moment we were conceived.
Whoa, hold on. Every event since conception?
Every single one.
That is a lot to unpack.
It is a lot.
Okay, so are we talking about like nature versus nurture here?
Like how much of our behavior is determined by our genes versus our experiences?
You know, it's not really an either or situation.
It's more like nature and denurture working together.
Okay.
And Himmel really emphasizes that significant life events, both positive and D negative, have a profound impact on shaping our beliefs.
Yeah.
Our values and our behaviors.
That makes sense.
You know, think about it this way.
Imagine someone who grew up with a really critical parent.
Okay.
That experience might make them more hesitant to share their ideas at work.
Yeah. Even if their ideas are brilliant for fear of negative feedback. Oh, totally. Our past experiences definitely leave their mark on us. Absolutely. Even if we don't always realize it. For sure. But with so many events, you know, shaping us, how can we possibly figure out which ones had like the biggest impact?
That's where things get really interesting.
Okay.
Hemel talks about the power of reflection and understanding our own personal narratives.
Okay.
He actually has this practice of asking new colleagues.
Oh, wow.
To tell him their life stories.
Really?
Not in a nosy way.
Yeah.
But as a way to understand their perspectives and priorities.
I love that.
Right.
It's like acknowledging that everyone comes to the table with this unique set of experiences that have shaped who they are.
Absolutely.
And it also reminds us that judging someone's behavior without understanding their history can be really misleading.
We might see someone as rude or aloof when in reality they're just guarded because of past hurt.
That's a good point.
So, yeah, personal history, it's a big one.
It is a big one.
Okay, so we've got nature, those inherent tendencies.
We've got personal history, all those experiences that have shaped us.
And then there's this last piece, context.
Right.
And that one seems pretty straightforward.
Well, it might seem simple on the surface.
Okay.
But context can be incredibly powerful.
Okay.
It's about recognizing that our current environment or the situation we're in has a huge influence on how we act.
Often more than we realize.
So it's not just about like the big obvious stuff like where we work or who we're with, but also the little details.
Yes.
All the little things add up.
Okay.
It really is fascinating.
Yeah.
Hemel uses this rapid-fire list of questions to kind of illustrate this point about how context impacts us.
Okay.
Especially in the workplace.
Yeah, I'm ready to give him the questions.
All right.
So he asks things like, what are the overall goals of this workplace?
Okay.
How much autonomy do people have?
What kind of incentives are in place?
Okay.
How do people communicate with each other?
Yeah.
And he even points out that seemingly mundane factors like the office layout or even the quality of the coffee can influence morale and productivity.
That's wild.
It is wild.
So even small things can like subtly shift our mood and our behavior.
Absolutely.
Without us even realizing it.
And that's why it's so important to be mindful of the context that we create, both for ourselves and for others.
You know, we can actually design environments that encourage the behaviors we want to see.
Yeah.
But we also need to be aware of how those subtle contextual cues might be influencing us.
This is making me think about those times when I felt like super productive and motivated.
Versus times when I felt totally stuck and uninspired.
Maybe it's not just about like my willpower or my mood.
Yeah.
Maybe the context is playing a bigger role than I thought.
I think that's a great insight.
And, you know, we often blame ourselves.
Yeah.
For feeling unproductive or unmotivated.
But maybe it's about recognizing that the environment just isn't set up.
Right.
To support the behaviors we're trying to achieve.
Okay.
So we've got nature, those inherent tendencies.
We've got personal history, all those experiences that have shaped us.
And we've got context, the environment that's constantly influencing us.
That's a lot to consider.
It is.
How do we put all of this together to actually make sense of human behavior?
Well, that's where the real fun begins.
Okay.
Hemel's model gives us this framework for understanding the complex interplay of these three forces.
Yeah.
You know, it's not about having all the answers.
Okay.
But it's about asking better questions and looking at behavior with a more, I guess, curious and compassionate lens.
Yeah.
But before we jump into all that, I'm curious what stands out to you so far.
What are your initial thoughts about this nature history context model?
Honestly, I'm already starting to see the people around me in a new light.
Oh, really? How so?
Like that coworker who always seems grumpy.
Oh, yeah. I know the type.
Yeah. Maybe it's not that they're just a negative person.
Right.
Maybe they're dealing with something in their personal history.
Or feeling stifled by the current work environment.
I see what you're saying.
Yeah.
That's a great example of how this model can shift our perspective from judgment to curiosity.
Instead of labeling someone as difficult or unpleasant, we can start to ask ourselves what might be contributing to this behavior.
What's going on beneath the surface?
That's so interesting.
Right.
This is already blowing my mind.
That's pretty powerful stuff.
I can't wait to dig deeper into how we can actually like use this model to understand, predict, and maybe even influence behavior.
Yeah. How do we actually use this?
In a positive way.
Let's get into it.
Yeah.
Yeah. It really is fascinating. The more we understand these underlying influences, you know, the more we realize just how complex human behavior really is.
Right. And it's one thing to just say, oh, this person's behavior, it's probably influenced by their personal history.
But can we actually like use this model to predict how someone might act in a given situation?
Well, it's not exactly a crystal ball.
Okay.
Can't perfectly quantify, you know, each variable.
Yeah.
And come up with this precise prediction like this person will definitely do X in situation Y.
Okay.
But I don't think that means the model isn't valuable.
So it's more about like gaining a deeper understanding of the forces that are at play.
Yeah.
Rather than trying to become some kind of human behavior fortune teller.
Exactly.
It's about shifting our perspective from judgment to curiosity, from condemnation to understanding.
I like that.
And that shift alone, I think, can make a huge difference in how we approach challenging situations.
Totally. But Hemel also talks about how we can use this model to actually encourage positive change.
Absolutely.
It's not just about understanding why people act the way they do, but also how can we influence behavior in a healthy way.
Exactly. And this is where things get really interesting.
Okay.
Hemel argues that while we can't change someone's fundamental nature.
Okay.
Those inherent predispositions.
Right.
We can create contexts where desired behaviors are more likely to emerge.
So it's not about trying to like completely rewire someone's personality, but it's about setting up the right environment.
I can see how that would be especially important in places like schools or workplaces.
Exactly.
For instance, if we know that someone has a tendency to be impulsive.
Okay.
You know, maybe they get easily frustrated or they jump into things without thinking.
Yeah.
We can create structures and systems that provide more support and accountability.
So maybe that looks like having clear guidelines, you know, breaking down big tasks into smaller chunks or having regular check-ins to provide feedback and encouragement.
It's almost like we're building in guardrails.
Yeah.
To help people stay on track.
I like that analogy.
Especially when they're dealing with those situations that might trigger those less desirable tendencies.
Right.
Exactly.
But what about personal history?
Right.
Obviously, we can't go back and change someone's past.
You're right.
We can't rewrite history, but we can ignore its impact.
Right.
And we can create space for people to process those experiences in a healthy way.
Yeah.
Sometimes just understanding why someone behaves a certain way, realizing that it might stem from a past hurt or trauma.
Right.
That can be a huge step towards healing and growth.
That makes a lot of sense. It's about creating a space for empathy and compassion rather than just judging someone for their actions.
Exactly.
Okay, so I'm starting to get how we can influence nature and personal history kind of indirectly.
But what about context? That one seems like the most actionable variable.
Absolutely. Context is the one that we have the most control over.
Yeah.
And Hemel really emphasizes proactively shaping the environment to encourage desired behaviors.
He even uses this somewhat provocative example.
Bear with me here.
Okay.
Intrigued.
Of someone repeatedly coming into your garden.
Okay.
And treating it like their own personal playground.
All right.
Where's he going with this?
He suggests, and he admits this is a bit extreme.
Okay.
That maybe a punch in the mouth might be the language that they understand.
Whoa.
Okay.
That escalated quickly.
Right.
I'm all for setting boundaries, but I don't think violence is the answer.
Of course not.
Okay.
And he quickly clarifies that, you know, while context can be changed dramatically, sometimes less aggressive approaches are more effective.
OK. Yeah.
But the point he's making is that we do have a lot of tools at our disposal when it comes to influencing behavior.
So instead of punching someone in the face, maybe we put up a fence or have a conversation about respecting boundaries.
Exactly. Right.
It's about understanding the power of context.
Yeah.
And then getting creative about how we can use it to influence behavior in a positive way.
This whole model really highlights the power of perspective, right?
It does.
Instead of getting frustrated or angry when someone behaves in a way we don't like, we can take a step back and ask ourselves what might be contributing to this behavior.
I love that.
Yeah.
It's about moving from a place of blame and judgment to a place of understanding and curiosity.
And I think that's one of Hemel's most important points, right?
Absolutely.
This model can lead to greater empathy and less condemnation.
I agree because we're all products of our nature, our experiences in our environment, right?
Totally.
Sometimes the behaviors that we judge most harshly are simply a reflection of those complex factors.
Absolutely.
This is reminding me of a time when I completely misjudged someone.
Oh, really?
I had this coworker who always seemed so quiet and reserved.
Okay.
And I just assumed she wasn't interested in being friends.
I just wrote her off as kind of aloof.
Yeah.
But then one day we happened to chat about our childhoods.
And it turned out that she had moved around a lot as a kid.
Oh, wow.
Never staying in one place long enough to make close friends.
It explained so much about why she seemed so guarded at first.
That's a perfect example of how understanding someone's personal history can completely change our perception of them.
Yeah.
We might see someone as cold or unfriendly when in reality they're just protecting themselves from getting hurt.
And I think that's where this whole idea of context comes into.
Maybe if I had made more of an effort to connect with her in a different setting outside of work,
Right.
she would have opened up sooner.
That's a great point.
Context can either hinder or facilitate connection and understanding.
Yeah.
And it's something we often overlook.
So it sounds like we have more power to influence behavior than we might realize.
We do.
But it's not about control.
Right.
It's about understanding empathy and creating environments where positive change can happen.
Beautifully put. It's about working with the complexity of human nature.
Yeah.
Rather than trying to force it into a box.
Man, this has been such a fascinating conversation.
I know, right?
I'm already catching myself looking at people's behaviors differently.
Like trying to consider, you know, the nature history and context that might be at play.
It's amazing how like a simple mental model can shift our whole perspective.
Totally. But I do have one more question that's been kind of nagging at me.
Okay.
Hemel ends his article with this really thought-provoking question.
And the question is, if behavior is a product of nature, personal history, and context, how much control do we really have over our own actions?
Yeah.
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it?
It is.
It really challenges our assumptions about free will and responsibility.
Right.
Like, if all these forces are shaping our behavior, are we really the ones calling the shots?
Yeah.
I mean, on the one hand, it feels like we're making choices all the time.
Right.
But then when you consider all these like hidden influences, it makes you wonder.
Yeah.
How much agency do we really have?
Exactly.
It's a question that philosophers have been grappling with for centuries.
Yeah.
And there's no easy answer.
Right.
But I think Hamel's model, even without, you know, providing that definitive solution, it encourages us to think about this issue in a more nuanced way.
So instead of getting caught up in the debate of free will versus determinism.
Right.
We can focus on what we can control.
Like we might not be able to change our genes or erase our past experiences.
But we can certainly shape the environments that we create and the choices that we make within those environments.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Hemel's model encourages this more constructive approach to behavior change.
Okay.
It's about focusing on what we can influence.
Yeah.
Rather than trying to control the uncontrollable.
This reminds me of that saying, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot, change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Oh, I love that.
Yeah.
It's about finding that sweet spot between acceptance and action.
Right.
Accepting that we don't have complete control over everything.
Right.
But also recognizing the power we do have to shape our own lives.
Yeah.
And the lives of others.
This whole conversation has been like a light bulb moment for me, honestly.
I'm starting to see human behavior, including my own.
Yeah. With so much more understanding and compassion.
I think that's what makes this mental model so valuable.
Yeah. It's not just about analyzing behavior from this like detached academic perspective.
It's about using that knowledge to create more positive and fulfilling interactions in all areas of our lives.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
It's about taking this knowledge and turning it into wisdom.
Yes.
Wisdom that allows us to approach challenging situations with more empathy, patience and a willingness to seek understanding.
Well, I think we've officially cracked the code of human behavior.
Uh-huh.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Okay.
Human behavior is incredibly complex, and it's constantly evolving.
That's true.
But I do think we've gained some valuable insights today.
For sure.
Insights that could help us navigate the world with more awareness, compassion, and maybe even a little more peace of mind.
I completely agree.
So to our listeners out there, I hope this deep dive has given you a new lens through which to view the fascinating and sometimes baffling world of human behavior.
Absolutely.
Remember, we might not have all the answers, but with a little curiosity and a willingness to understand, we can all become better decoders of the human experience.
It's a journey, right?
It is. Thanks for joining us. And until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep those thought-provoking questions coming.
See you next time.
