In one study, six-month-old babies watched a researcher choose between coffee mugs many times, repeatedly selecting the blue one. When the researchers finally chose a non-blue mug the babies were visibly surprised.
However, in a different condition the researcher did the reverse: choosing non-blue mugs every time. In this case the babies were not surprised at all to see him finally select the blue mug on the last round.
We notice what people do. We don’t generally notice the name of the street someone doesn’t live on. Or what charities someone doesn’t donate to.
This bias creates a phenomenon known as the Doctrine of Doing and Allowing whereby humans generally view doing a mean thing oneself as much worse than merely allowing the thing to happen (done by someone else).
Without this doctrine the natural conclusion would be that we should donate all of our money to stop violence. Failing to do everything you can to stop murder would be just as morally reprehensible as committing murder with your own hands.
Martin Luther King called for us to reject this doctrine and to take responsibility for all suffering whether we caused it or not.
What is something you allow to happen?
Andy's Quote of the Day 