“The person who says he knows what he thinks but cannot express it usually does not know what he thinks.” ~ Mortimer Adler
Our presuppositions or “framing stories” are the subconscious beliefs we have about the way the world works. They are our “first principles”.
These principles are hard to identify, because by definition they are so much a part of the way we think that we struggle to see them. But doing the work to uncover them can be incredibly useful when honing in on one’s values.
Some examples might be helpful.
What you believe about work will largely drive the decisions you make about work.
Do you believe work is a burden? You will approach your job and your work with a sense of drudgery.
Do you believe you should work for money? You will likely miss out on opportunities to work to build asset value, because doing so would require delaying gratification.
Do you believe work is about “making a dent in the universe?” You’ll likely be drawn to massive opportunities (a double edged sword.)
I know a older guy who believed you need to get a safe secure job at a big company. He was laid off three times. And yet he still clung to that idea. He’d tell me what I was doing was risky. He’d tell anyone who’d listen why they have to get a safe secure job. Would get into arguments with you about it. His framing made him blind to alternative realities.
We all have opinions about money. And what you believe about money determines how you handle it.
For many people money is scarce. And so they act as if it is scarce. I had a single mom growing up who constantly struggled to make ends meet. As a result, while I pursued startups and venture capital for work, I have always been extremely conservative with how I spend and invest money.
Other people believe money is abundant. They realize money is just an idea. And if they find something people want and give to them, the money will come.
What do you believe about people and their nature?
I know a guy who’s fundamental disposition about people is they are untrustworthy. They’re out to screw you.
The problem with these framing stories is you can always find someone who proves your point. Especially when you’re looking for it.
One skill I’ve learned from my wife has been to go into new situations assuming the other person is fascinating. I didn’t always do this - in my arrogance I looked down on people often. Not proud of it. And I missed out on dozens of life-giving interactions as a result. It took her to help me realize that was a framing story of mine, and then practice to change it.