Steve Peters

The Chimp Paradox

1. IDEA 1

   Your mind has three parts

   Peters describes the mind as having a Human, which thinks logically, a Chimp, which reacts emotionally, and a Computer, which stores habits and beliefs. Understanding them helps you see why you act against your own wishes.

2. IDEA 2

   The Chimp acts before you think

   The Chimp is fast, emotional and driven by survival instincts. Peters explains that it reacts first and often more strongly than the Human, which is why we sometimes say things we later regret.

3. IDEA 3

   You aren't responsible for the Chimp

   Peters argues that you are not responsible for the nature of your Chimp, but you are responsible for managing it. Blaming yourself for having strong feelings does not help; learning to handle them does.

All 8 ideas from The Chimp Paradox →