The need to: Understand

Explanations > Needs > Understanding

Understanding enables control | Understanding gives social position | So what?

One of our deep needs is simply to be able understand what is going on around us.

Understanding enables control

If we understand the world around us, then we have a far greater chance of controlling it. Even if we cannot control it, we can make informed choices about what we might do next. The brain helps us do this, by giving us a little squirt of dopamine whenever we learn something, creating that satisfying ‘aha!’ or ‘eureka!’ experience.

When we lack understanding, we feel the extreme discomfort of confusion, which motivates us to gain understanding. This, perhaps, is one of the main driving forces that has led to the enormous developments of mankind.

Understanding gives social position

Understanding also gives social position. If I can understand, then I can use this to control my social environment. I can also explain things, thus giving me a position of expertise and authority.

So what?

So create a lack of understanding, for example by showing people to be wrong when they thought they were right. Then offer understanding as a trade or a reward for what you are seeking.

See also

Control, Explain, Power, Confusion principle, Authority principle