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"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by ignorance." - Hanlon's Razor

I find this philosophy both liberating and optimistic. It encourages a shift in perspective that promotes peace of mind by assuming the best in people rather than the worst.

Explanation

Often, when things go wrong or when someone’s actions negatively impact us, we jump to conclusions about their intentions. While it's easy to assume the worst when someone’s actions negatively impact us, Hanlon’s Razor reminds us that these actions are often unintentional.

For example, think of

• 😏 A colleague missing a deadline.
• 😒 Our loved ones doing something that makes us feel overlooked or unimportant.
• 🙁 Friend not responding to messages promptly.
• ☹️ Partner forgetting an important date
• 😠 A friend who cancels the plan at the last minute.

It is natural to feel frustrated, 😤

Especially when these situations disrupt your plans or expectations. Personally, I value punctuality and organization—whether for professional commitments or social events. However unforeseen circumstances or different priorities can often lead to delays or misunderstandings.

Instead of assuming that these actions are intentional or meant to annoy, adopting a mindset of understanding can make a big difference. More often than not, these incidents happen unintentionally and are simply a reflection of someone's nature or habits.

Why Should I Do This?

There are two key benefits to adopting this philosophy:

1. A Fresh Perspective on the World

Our natural instincts often lead us to focus on the negative—it's a survival mechanism that has evolved over time. This tendency is especially strong in fields like software development, where anticipating worst-case scenarios is essential for building robust systems. However, this mindset can spill over into our personal lives, making us overly critical of others.

By applying Hanlon’s Razor, we can shift our focus. Instead of jumping to negative conclusions, we can consider that others may not have acted with malice. This change in perspective reduces the likelihood of misjudging people, leading to more positive interactions and relationships.

2. Peace of Mind and Less Overthinking

Overthinking and harboring resentment can weigh heavily on us. Assuming that someone acted unintentionally allows us to let go of negative thoughts, leading to a more peaceful state of mind. It also helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps relationships intact.

The Possibility of Innocence

There’s a good chance that the person in question really did act out of carelessness rather than malice. Wrongly accusing someone of ill intent can damage relationships and cause unnecessary stress. Judging others harshly can make life miserable for everyone involved.

Reference

I discovered this concept in a book titled How Come No One Told Me That. It’s like Aesop's Fables for adults with a collection of short stories, insights, and lessons. I found it at a local library exhibition two years ago, and I'm glad I did.

A movie reference, while writing this blog

While writing this blog, I watched a Tamil film called Meiyalagan (2024), which I can finally add a Tamil film to my "Feel-Good Movies" list. It was a blissful experience, as it felt like watching a novel come to life on screen.

Everyone who has seen this film loves the character of Karthi (The one in the green shirt); they aspire to be like him and wish for a friend with similar qualities. He radiates a positive aura and possesses a captivating charisma. One of the key reasons why he is such a gem of a character is that he embodies the philosophy of Hanlon's Razor.

I won't add more context, as it would spoil the film. (And I don't have much time to explain it all, TBH. 😉) Let me know your thoughts once you watch the movie.

Thanks for Reading! 😃