Eric Kim explores why people often overexaggerate differences over similarities, particularly in his writings on technology, culture, and human behavior. He suggests that this tendency is deeply rooted in cognitive biases and social influences.
Key Points from Eric Kim’s Perspective:
- Cognitive Bias:
- Kim argues that humans have a natural tendency to notice differences more than similarities. This is partly because differences are often more immediately noticeable and can signal novelty or change, which grabs our attention.
- Social and Cultural Influences:
- In modern society, marketing and advertising often amplify differences to create a sense of dissatisfaction and drive consumer behavior. This constant exposure can make people more attuned to what separates things or people rather than what they have in common.
- Tribalism and Identity:
- Kim also touches on the idea of tribalism, where people exaggerate differences to reinforce group identity. For example, in the photography community, debates over camera brands often highlight small differences, even though the cameras are functionally very similar.
- Practical Advice:
- Kim encourages a mental shift toward recognizing commonalities. He suggests that by focusing on similarities rather than differences, people can reduce unnecessary dissatisfaction and appreciate what they have, leading to a more content and connected life.
For a deeper dive into his thoughts on this topic, you can read his articles here and here.