Law of Human Behavior-Why People Act as They Do

What?

Law of Human Behavior: People tend to act in what they perceive to be their best interests—often automatically or habitually rather than through careful evaluation.

But perceptions can be flawed, biased, or incomplete. As a result, people may not act rationally, objectively, or ethically.

Big Idea: People don’t always act in their own best interest.

45 Examples of the Law of Human Behavior

Each example reflects someone acting based on what they perceive to be in their best interest—even when that perception may be flawed.

🟥 Negative Examples (perceived benefit, actual harm)

1. A politician lies to stay in power.
2. A student cheats to avoid failing.
3. A person has an affair for excitement or emotional connection.
4. A soldier covers up a war crime to protect his unit or career.
5. A drug addict uses narcotics to escape pain.
6. A bully lashes out to feel powerful or avoid being targeted.
7. A boss berates employees to assert dominance.
8. A teen joins a gang for protection or identity.
9. A person steals because they think they need it to survive.
10. A driver speeds excessively to save time.
11. A scammer deceives people for money.
12. A parent hits a child believing it enforces discipline.
13. A social media user spreads misinformation for attention or likes.
14. A manager takes credit for others’ work to appear more competent.
15. A person drinks and drives thinking they’re still in control.

🟩 Positive Examples (perceived benefit, actual benefit)

1. A doctor stays late to help a patient.
2. A student studies hard to improve their skills and grades.
3. A friend listens deeply because they value connection.
4. A parent reads to their child to nurture growth and bonding.
5. A person exercises daily to maintain health.
6. A volunteer helps at a shelter out of compassion.
7. A leader admits a mistake to build trust.
8. A firefighter risks their life to save others.
9. A citizen votes based on careful research.
10. A teacher adapts lessons to meet student needs.
11. A therapist invests in ongoing training to better serve clients.
12. A couple attends counseling to strengthen their relationship.
13. A business pays fair wages to support long-term sustainability.
14. A mentor gives time freely to help others grow.
15. A person donates anonymously to support a cause they believe in.

🟨 Neutral or Mixed Examples (context-dependent outcomes)

1. A person quits their job to travel the world.
2. A student changes majors after rethinking priorities.
3. A person avoids confrontation to maintain peace.
4. A retiree moves to a rural town for quiet.
5. A person binge-watches a show for relaxation.
6. A teen isolates to recharge.
7. A couple chooses not to have children.
8. A person becomes a minimalist to reduce stress.
9. A professional switches careers for passion over income.
10. A student skips class to sleep in.
11. A person changes their diet based on a TikTok trend.
12. A person breaks up to pursue independence.
13. A person buys an expensive item as a reward.
14. A child lies to avoid punishment.
15. A person uses sarcasm to deflect vulnerability.

How to Apply the Law Productively

Self

Use metacognition to examine the difference between perceived and actual benefits.
Slow down your decision-making when needed. Work to align your perceptions with your long-term best interests—so that your actions truly serve you.

Others

Help others do the same. Use tools like active listening, empathy, Socratic questioning, and critical thinking.
Be patient—people often need time, safety, and trust before they can examine or shift their perceptions.