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Our genetic program and behavioral patterns have not been changing for the last 100 thousand years (!). Humans share 98.5% of the genetic material with chimpanzees; although evolutionary we are 7 million years apart. Only 1.5% is our own genetic material. Thus, one can say that our behavioral patterns are inheritance from the prehistoric times. The assumption that the human is a rational being that perceives the world with his mind and makes reasonable decisions, could make us proud of ourselves. But it is false.
In tough situations, e.g., during workplace conflicts, human mind is dominated by the brain part that has been present even in dinosaurs. Maybe that’s the reason why children feel so attracted to these creatures. The modern human has existed only 0.0001 of the evolution timeline on Earth; this is why our genetic programs are much older than us.
The so-called limbic system consisting of hypothalamus, amygdale, etc. is responsible for thirst, hunger, sex function and emotions. Moreover, the limbic system evaluates incoming stimuli. This very system determines our actions; it is the “autopilot of our behavior”.
It goes without saying that neocortex stands for rational thinking, but all decisions are made with the limbic system. Every single decision is influenced by the limbic system which is nothing but ancient evolutionary programs. Our rational thinking only helps analyze and comprehend them.
A great deal of what we do is subconscious. Freud was the first to tell us about this. We are all slaves of our habits. So, if we want to change something about our behavior, we need to firstly “switch on” our consciousness and thoroughly analyze the patterns of our thinking and behavior.
Of course it would be impossible to investigate each and every thought or action. Maybe that’s why people tend to judge rather than think. It is much easier to repeat the common believes or think “like others” than to reflect on the meaning of someone’s or even his own actions or reactions. Actually, this “thinking and analyzing process” requires a lot of energy and cannot be permanently used.
"Business Profi Psychologie - Vorsprung im Job" (Hans-Michael Klein / Albrecht Kresse)
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