Bad decisions

[Zzyzx]

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Most of us can honestly acknowledge having made decisions that turned out rather badly when viewed in retrospect – meaning that outcomes were in whole or in part undesirable by our own analysis.

It appears to me as though those bad decisions were typically one or more of:

1) Hurried (for real or imagined reasons or simple impatience)

2) Based on inaccurate or seriously incomplete information

3) Misunderstanding of the information available.

3) Based heavily upon emotion rather than reasoning and evidence

4) Wishful thinking, unrealistic hopes

5) Forced or heavily influenced by others furthering their own agenda


Additions?

[tam]

6) Thinking of oneself over others (as in not even considering the effects one's decision might have on others)


Peace!

[Zzyzx]

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6) Thinking of oneself over others (as in not even considering the effects one's decision might have on others)

That is a good point Tam. Part of reasoned decision making does (or should) include effects beyond the self (to include the environment and society in addition to other individuals).

However, that same reasoning must include that sometimes our decisions will adversely affect others. If one person buys the last apple available (or gallon of gasoline or whatever) that decision will affect others who may want the same thing but be seconds too late. That idea can be applied to many things in life wherein it is very reasonable to accept that others may be disappointed or disadvantaged by our action.

This is not to justify unfairly taking advantage or hording or totally disregarding the needs of others.

Moderation and fairness might be the keys.

Although I donate a lot of food and other resources to those in need, I do not do so to an extent that it is detrimental to me and mine. We should not starve so that others may eat (except perhaps in extreme circumstances).