Scientific Definition
Holding a different — and correct — set of tools than everyone else.
Plain-English Definition
Holding a different — and correct — set of tools than everyone else.
Feynman Explanation
Consensus pays scale. Divergence pays alpha.
Core Principle
Holding a different — and correct — set of tools than everyone else.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Holding a different — and correct — set of tools than everyone else.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Sustainable edge requires being right and non-consensus.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
Consensus pays scale. Divergence pays alpha.
Examples
- Buying when everyone is selling; specializing where everyone generalizes.
- Sustainable edge requires being right and non-consensus.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Catalog where your view differs from the room — then test whether you're right or just contrarian.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- Catalog where your view differs from the room — then test whether you're right or just contrarian.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
Basics first (health/finances), then depth (mastery/impact), then altruism (widening circle).
A problem whose solution requires people to change their values, beliefs, or habits — not just apply expertise.
Someone who incites others to take illegal or rash action, often to expose or discredit them.
Sun Tzu's ancient treatise on strategy, deception, and positioning.
Conflict between belligerents with very different resources and tactics.
Start from the desired future and work backward to the steps that make it inevitable.
Winning the disputed population, not just defeating the visible opponent.
Countering hostile narratives with truthful, well-timed alternatives.
Sort situations into Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, or Confused — each needs a different response.
Eroding the will to act, even when capacity remains.
Munger's principle: the surest way to get something is to deserve it.
An act committed to look like it was done by someone else.