Context Makes the Irrational Rational

Bob Moesta has spent decades studying why people make decisions that seem completely irrational. His discovery: they're never actually irrational. We just don't have enough context.

'When you hear somebody's story and it seems irrational... nine times out of 10, it's because you don't have the rest of the story.'

He gives a vivid example: Why would someone cut off their own arm? Sounds insane. But in certain situations - trapped, dying, no other option - suddenly it makes perfect sense.

'The context makes the irrational rational.'

This is essential wisdom for parenting.

Your toddler throws their dinner on the floor. Irrational? Or are they exhausted, overstimulated, and that's the only way they know to communicate 'I can't do this anymore'?

Your four-year-old refuses to wear their favorite shirt. Makes no sense? Or did something happen at school while wearing it that they can't articulate?

Moesta's lesson: 'The moment you hear a story and go, I can't believe that, it's because you don't have the rest of the story.'

Before you react to the behavior, get the full context. The irrational almost always has a rationale.