The reason the human brain often does something even though it is prohibited

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The reason the human brain often does something even though it is prohibited", The main reason why I chose this topic is because many people don't look for a strong reason why they are prohibited to do something, In psychology, this phenomenon is known as Psychological Reactance. Our subconscious isn’t simply trying to be ‘naughty’; it is reacting to the threat of losing our freedom, If we observe more deeply, the reason someone continues to do something even though it is prohibited is because they have not found a turning point to stop their actions, The human brain tends to avoid uncertainty and discomfort from anything in the world., whereas in reality, humans must avoid zones of certainty that provide a feeling of comfort for a long time, the main reason is because feeling comfortable for too long can weaken the mental function of the human brain's work 

Here are a few reasons why prohibitions actually create a stronger pull:

1. The Theory of Psychological Reactance

When someone forbids us from doing something, our brain interprets this as a restriction on our self-autonomy. Instinctively, humans have a fundamental need to feel in control of their own lives.

 The response: To restore that sense of control, the subconscious mind drives us to do the forbidden thing to prove that “I am still free to make my own choices.”

2. The "Ironic Process" Effect (The Paradox of Mental Suppression)

The subconscious mind works in a unique way. When you try not to think about something, the brain must constantly monitor that thought to ensure you are not thinking about it.

 Example: If I say "Don’t think about a pink elephant," the first thing that pops into your head is that elephant.

 The effect: The prohibition makes the forbidden object *top-of-mind* (the centre of attention), so our mental energy is actually focused there.

3. The Theory of Scarcity

Evolutionarily speaking, things that are limited or hard to obtain are considered more valuable. A prohibition creates the impression that something is “exclusive” or “hidden”.

 The subconscious assumes: “If it’s forbidden, there must be something incredibly pleasurable, important, or beneficial behind it that others don’t want to know about.”

4. The Drive to Explore

Biologically, humans are explorers. Prohibition creates an information gap. Curiosity arises from uncertainty: “Why is it forbidden? What happens if I do it anyway?” The desire to close this information gap is often stronger than the fear of the prohibition’s consequences.

How to Address It

In the context of self-regulation or therapy, understanding these mechanisms is very helpful:

 Use Positive Language: Instead of saying "Don’t get angry," it is more effective to use the instruction "Stay calm." This does not trigger reactance.

 Grant Autonomy: If we understand the reason behind a restriction, reactance usually diminishes because we feel we are making a logical decision, rather than simply being forced.

This is often a challenge in itself, particularly when we try to discipline ourselves but instead feel ‘restricted’ by the rules we’ve set. 

The location of the differences in human strength that are often used

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "the location of the differences in human strength that are often used", the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone realizes about their strength, when people fails to do something, they often ask to themselves "where is my strength?", that question is both deeply philosophical and practical. Human strength is often misunderstood as merely physical or a matter of status, yet its roots run far deeper and are multi-layered, if we study why many people don't realize their power because they trade their time for pleasurable things, When people are too happy with pleasant things, they become careless with their deepest powers, so they don't use the powers that they should use, We must remember this: pleasant things can weaken human consciousness until they forget how to use their natural powers, If this happens over and over again, humans will not be able to compete with the demands of life. That is why, superpower countries often use entertainment programs to lower people's awareness in facing life problems that they are not aware of, Nowadays, entertainment programs are often used as a tool to regress human consciousness and to weaken the great power of human beings.

Here are some areas where true human strength lies:

1. Resilience (Mental Fortitude)

Human strength does not lie in the ability never to fall, but in the ability to get back up every time one falls. The capacity to adapt amidst suffering and to find meaning behind adversity is the primary driving force of our species.

2. Self-Awareness

Humans are the only creatures capable of observing their own thoughts. Our strength lies in the gap between stimulus and response. It is within that gap that we possess the freedom to choose how we will act, rather than merely reacting on instinct.

3. Collaboration and Empathy

Individually, humans may be weak compared to predators in the wild. However, our greatest strength lies in large-scale cooperation. The ability to empathise, understand others’ perspectives, and work towards a shared goal is why we have been able to build civilisations.

4. Imagination and Hope

We possess a unique ability to imagine something that does not yet exist (the future) and to believe in it. Hope is not merely a sense of optimism, but a driving force that enables humans to survive even in the most extreme conditions.

5. Vulnerability

Often seen as a weakness, yet according to experts such as Brené Brown, vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and connection. Acknowledging that we are not perfect actually gives us the strength to learn and grow.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from a steadfast will." — Mahatma Gandhi

Conclusion: every human being has a power which is used as a service, if humans do not use it as a service, then that power will fade as time goes by, Human power cannot be eliminated, it only changes form into another form of energy, the more it is used, the more it multiplies, That's why humans need clear goals so they can maximize their potential.

The side effect of caring for others exceeds caring for oneself

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The side effect of caring for others exceeds caring for oneself". The main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone prioritize to themselves first, this statement "caring for others first" is particularly intriguing because it overturns the conventional wisdom regarding self-sacrifice. Typically, putting oneself second for the sake of others is regarded as the pinnacle of virtue or altruism. However, viewed through the lens of psychology and practical philosophy, the argument that this constitutes "cruel selfishness" has a fairly solid foundation, There is a risk that arises if we do not prioritize self-care, namely that we lose self-confidence, It is important to remember: self-confidence arises because a person focuses on developing himself rather than caring about other people, I do not forbid caring about other people's suffering, but if we ourselves are not strong enough to maintain our own abilities, then it is as if we are showing a suicidal attitude because we are unable maintain our daily need.

Here are several perspectives for analysing this statement:

1. Self-Neglect

Literally, neglecting oneself is a destructive act. When someone disregards their physical, mental, or emotional health, they are inflicting harm upon themselves.

 The logic: How can someone offer healthy “love” to others if they are unable to offer the same to themselves? Without self-care, the help provided is often of poor quality or given with the last dregs of energy.

2. The Hidden "Selfish" Side

Why is it called selfish? In many cases, excessive self-sacrifice (martyrdom) has an unconscious motive:

 * The Need to Be Needed: A person may feel valuable only if they make sacrifices. This can be a way to control the narrative or make others feel emotionally indebted.

 * Self-Avoidance: An excessive focus on others’ problems is often a defence mechanism to avoid facing one’s own chaos or responsibilities.

3. Negative Consequences for Those Being Helped

Rather than helping, excessive concern often creates an unhealthy relationship (Codependency):

 * Weakening Others: By doing everything for others, we indirectly rob them of the opportunity to learn independence and take responsibility for their own lives.

 * The Burden of Guilt: Those receiving help may feel burdened if they see the helper suffering or neglecting themselves for their sake. This creates a relationship dynamic filled with pressure, rather than pure compassion.

4. The Perspective of Balance (Stoicism & Psychology)

In Stoic philosophy, there is a concept that we must maintain our ‘instrument’ (ourselves) so that it functions properly for the common good.

 If you are an instrument, you must be in prime condition to produce beautiful sounds for the world. If the instrument is damaged due to lack of care, it is no longer of use to anyone.

Conclusion

This statement can be considered true if we view it from the perspective of moral responsibility towards oneself. Neglecting oneself for the sake of others is not sustainable altruism, but rather a form of shirking responsibility that can actually damage the harmony of long-term relationships.

The most effective kindness usually stems from sufficient self-fulfilment, so that the help given to others flows from a ‘surplus’ of energy, rather than from a painful, forced ‘draining’.