Comments on: Malice vs. Incompetence

By: Weekly Mashup | My Life ROI, Getting the Best Return On Life

Weekly Mashup | My Life ROI, Getting the Best Return On Life — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:59:53 +0000

[...] Pillars wrote a good piece on “malice vs incompetence” that I found very interesting. He mentions a very good quote of wisdom: “Never blame [...]

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:25:21 +0000

Potato: I think I like your version of the quote better. It’s always amusing when “bon mots” contradict each other. My favourite pair are: “He who hesitates is lost” and “Look before you leap”.

By: Potato

Potato — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:24:39 +0000

I have it printed out here as “Never attribute to malice that which can adequately be explained by stupidity.” It’s one of my favourite quotes, but it’s tempered by “just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.”

By: Mr. Cheap

Mr. Cheap — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:49:50 +0000

Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve actually had experiences where people are complete A-holes to me. I’m able to easily shrug it off when I realize they aren’t attacking me personally (for example sometimes its cultural norms and they don’t realize they’re being so rude in a western context). The ones who are out to be rude to me deliberately make my blood boil (like a true Klingon warrior, I never suffer having my honour impugned).

By: Four Pillars

Four Pillars — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:42:58 +0000

Some interesting thoughts – I don’t completely agree with you though. If someone is a complete A-hole – whether it’s your boss or co-worker then I’m not so sure the intent really matters. It’s almost like you are saying – it’s not their fault they are a jerk and they don’t do it intentionally which means they aren’t really “out to get you”.

I would argue that the end result is the same.