Di Tran, a promising author, shares profound wisdom in his soon-to-be-released book, “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH”. His quote, “Everything we do, is triggered by our emotion, guided by our intelligence, based on our core value, and confident based on faith”, is a profound exploration of the driving forces behind human decision-making. This article delves into each of these factors, providing research-based evidence supporting Tran’s profound observation.
1. Triggered by Emotion
Emotion, as Tran suggests, acts as a primary trigger for our actions. It’s an integral part of our decision-making process. This assertion is supported by several studies. A 2014 research paper by Lerner, Li, Valdesolo, and Kassam shows that emotions significantly influence decision-making, shaping our judgments and choices (1). The authors argue that individual emotions, both positive and negative, influence different types of decisions, a theory known as the Appraisal Tendency Framework.
2. Guided by Intelligence
Human intelligence guides our emotions, helping us process and respond appropriately. Intelligence isn’t just about knowledge; it also includes our ability to understand, apply, and manage emotions – a concept known as emotional intelligence. Salovey and Mayer (1990), pioneers in the field, defined emotional intelligence as “the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions” (2). As such, intelligence plays a crucial role in how we perceive, process, and act upon our emotions.
3. Based on Core Values
Core values form the foundation of our actions, guiding our behaviors, and influencing our decisions. Schwartz’s theory of basic values (1992) highlights ten broad values that humans tend to hold. These include self-direction, stimulation, hedonism, achievement, power, security, conformity, tradition, benevolence, and universalism (3). These values, although individually prioritized differently, steer our actions and decisions. For example, a person who prioritizes benevolence may act in ways that benefit others, even if it means personal sacrifice.
4. Confidence Based on Faith
Finally, Tran emphasizes the role of faith in providing confidence in our actions. Faith can be spiritual, religious, or simply a belief in something greater than oneself. It can foster resilience, provide a sense of purpose, and contribute to personal growth. Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between faith and mental health. Koenig (2009), for instance, suggested that religious faith can help people cope with stress, providing a stable platform for confident decision-making and action (4).
In conclusion, Di Tran’s insightful quote encapsulates the complex, multifaceted nature of human decision-making. The interplay between emotion, intelligence, values, and faith creates a dynamic, robust framework that governs our actions and reactions. It’s a profound reminder of the intricate factors that make us uniquely human, offering opportunities for self-reflection and understanding.
References:
- Lerner, J. S., Li, Y., Valdesolo, P., & Kassam, K. S. (2014). Emotion and Decision Making. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 799-823.
- Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, cognition and personality, 9(3), 185-211.
- Schwartz, S. H. (1992). Universals in the content and structure of values: Theoretical advances and empirical