Monkey see, monkey do

For the next two months I am going to work on a software project in Munich, Germany. Moving to a big city is quite a change for a guy like me. I am a person used to quiet, small and clean places the population of which does not exceed the size of 100.000 people. There are naturally many disadvantages of living in a small town but I personally think that the pros overtake the cons dramatically if you value the quality of your life the most.

I have been researching (reading about) the subject of "Groups" and "Behavior of individuals being a part of Groups" for a few weeks now. The last few days in Munich proved the theory I was familiar with and allowed me to experience some of those "wise statements" I've learned in practice.

The amount of people who unconsciously base their decision making on decision making of the group is extremely large. One of my observations (in the Munich subway) proves that when in a rush, many of our decisions are based on instincts. These instincts fire some behaviors which are proven to be "ok" or sometimes even "safe" or "normal". Consider this: What would you do if a group of people (let’s assume 10 people) surrounding you would suddenly start running in the opposite direction? Would you run with them? Would you at least think about it? Would you be scared? Or maybe you would decide to analyze the situation and make you decision based on "strict facts" concerning you?



I was on my way to get the train to my office. There was no rush. One of the digital displays showed that next train will arrive in approximately 5 minutes. I decided to slowly go to my destination. I've chosen the escalator because I am very, very lazy guy in the morning. There were about 6-7 people on the way in front of me too. Unexpectedly, two of the guys rushed of the escalator as if there was a train coming in a few seconds. There would be nothing special about it if not the fact that the rest of people who were standing in front of me rushed after them. (Interestingly, those behind me didn't.) When I reached the station, I saw the confused faces of those people. They were moving chaotically as if filled with some sort of energy generated by sudden jump of adrenaline level. Why did they react that way? Why did I feel like reacting the way the others did? That's crazy!

Being part of the completely different environment on day-to-day basis allowed me to "save my independence". I know however that if I was to stay in that city for a longer while I would become part of that "system/crowd" and my decisions would no longer be based on rational facts. They would be rather based on instincts taking over the decision making process for the boring part of my life.

Anyway, do not ever forget this:

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look 
around once in a while you'll miss it.
 -- Faris Beulers day off.