Anything But Temptation

Back in August I bookmarked a release from Eureka Alert that at one and the same time

• states the obvious and
• makes us stop to realize that we aren't as strong as we think we are.

The release was titled:

Research shows temptation more powerful than individuals realize.

The research underlines why people often fall prey to addictions, obesity or Ponzi schemes. The study was led by Loran Nordgren, senior lecturer of management and organizations at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. Here's money quote #1:

People are not good at anticipating the power of their urges, and those who are the most confident about their self-control are the most likely to give into temptation. The key is simply to avoid any situations where vices and other weaknesses thrive and, most importantly, for individuals to keep a humble view of their willpower.

To most of us who work in the addictions field, this comes as no surprise. Our lives our filled with the clients who walk out of treatment absolutely, positively convinced that they will never drink again. They got it. They understand it. They won't make that mistake again. They have found strength.

But it is not about strength. It is about underestimating how strong temptation is and overestimating the human capacity to overcome it. The truth is found in the old quote from Oscar Wilde:

I can resist anything but temptation.

But if it were only about addictions and drugs or gambling this would not be nearly as important to realize as it is.

Here's money quote #2 which takes it beyond what I do for a living to a much greater world.

A system which assumes people will control themselves is going to fall prey to ... restraint bias; we expose ourselves to more temptation than is wise... And, while our study focused on personal behaviors like smoking and eating, it is easy to apply our findings to a broader context. Understanding the power of temptation, you might also ask about the extent to which we need oversight or regulatory guidelines for business and political leaders.

Think:

• The market will always temper the extremes (will-power!)
• I'm hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
• How much is that Senate seat worth to you?
• It all depends on what your definition of "is" is.
• Send in your $$$ and we will pray for you.

I know, now I'm one of them meddling preachers. I guess this research shouldn't come as a surprise to those in the religion business either.