I used to say, “Sure, there are a few psychopaths, but most people aren’t inherently bad.”
Turns out, there’s a term for this: Hanlon’s Razor.
It takes my belief one step further. Most people aren’t malicious — they’re just… incompetent.
“People make mistakes. They forget things. They speak without thinking. They prioritize short-term wins over long-term wins. They act on incomplete information. They fall prey to bias and prejudice. These actions might appear like deliberate attacks from the outside, but the reality is far more mundane.” Farnam Street Blog
What’s useful about this is that it helps me stay calm (instead of taking it personally when a driver cuts you in traffic).
“When we assume stupidity rather than malice, we respond differently. Instead of getting defensive or lashing out, we approach the situation with empathy and clarity.” Farnam Street Blog