Principle 1

Some individuals, organisations, and governments attempt to improve their lives or society gradually, incrementally, and continually over time.  For example

• every week, an individual might dedicate one hour to a specific pursuit or skill—such as the goal to improve their capability to use generative AI,
• whenever someone leaves an organisation, managers may discuss whether to adjust the roles and responsibilities of staff in the team or maintain existing positions,
• a government might implement a policy that encourages organisations to gradually diminish air pollution over time.

In contrast, other individuals, organisations, and governments prefer more ambitious transformations, designed to improve their circumstances instantly and completely.  For instance,

• some individuals might engage a plastic surgeon to transform their appearance considerably,
• an organisation might downsize an organisation by 20%, unaware that such initiatives can promote cynicism and distrust that lasts five years or longer,
• a government might introduce a grand, majestic initiative—such as nuclear energy—to address concerns about energy supply.

These colossal transformations may seem uplifting, but tend to be disappointing or detrimental, for several reasons.  First, when people believe they will maintain some activity—such as improve their generative AI skills—over an indeterminate period, they are more likely to thrive.   People who strive to improve their life incrementally and continually tend to be more satisfied with life (Shanahan et al, 2024).  The reason seems to be that

• these individuals are not as likely to feel divorced or detached from the future,
• instead, they are more inclined to feel their activities now are vital to their lives in the future,
• consequently, these individuals tend to behave more responsibly, diligently, and respectfully rather than impulsively or selfishly. 

Second, whenever people experience substantial problems, they would prefer these problems to dissipate rapidly and thus prefer colossal transformations.  Yet, in these states, people are especially susceptible to wishful thinking.  That is, they are more inclined to overestimate the benefits of these sweeping changes and overlook the drawbacks or complications.  In short, a cornerstone of humility is to pursue modest gains incrementally over colossal gains suddenly: a mindset that tends to improve wellbeing and limit disappointment.