Why Do We Like to Predict the Outcome of Events?
Most conversations get exciting when people start taking stands — when they start predicting outcomes of events.
The more important the event — the more the predictions!
Have you ever wondered why people like to predict outcomes?
I believe people like to predict outcomes of events for three reasons,
- Power
- Control
- Self Interest
Power
There is a sense of power realized when you know the future. People tend to respect people who know what is going to happen tomorrow.
Control
The sense of control over an issue is important to people. Control results in security and manageable situations.
Self Interest
Self Interest is a very important factor in promoting the above behavior. In general, people tend to predict outcomes of events that are advantageous to them in some way.
If someone predicts the stock market is going up — you know he or she is holding a portfolio of stocks and is waiting to make money.
Democrats want democrats to win the election.
Home teams want their team to win.
Las Vegas and the bookies don’t care who wins. They capitalize on people’s greed by providing a betting instrument on each event.
Mustafa N. Savliwala
