An Insight a Day

Intellectual vs Instinctual

Intellectually, we know what’s good for us. But instinctually, we don’t always do what’s good for ourselves.

We know that exercise is good for us and is a key part to staying healthy, but we avoid exercise because our instincts tell us to minimize unnecessary physical exertion to save energy.

We know that it’s better for the world and the community if we donate some of our money or resources to help those in need, but we don’t do it because we instinctively prioritize our own survival and comfort over the lives of random strangers.

Too often, we already know what the correct answer is. We know intellectually what we should do and what’s good for us, but we fail to do it because we instinctively prioritize something else, usually our own comfort and convenience.