Hanlon’s Guardrail

We all know Hanlon’s Razor.

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity or incompetence.

Regularly practicing it in a disciplined manner is sound behavior.

It keeps fundamental attribution error (we judge ourselves by our intent and others by their actions) in check. It encourages us to be curious instead of judging. This shift moves the focus to the outcome rather than the individual. And it nips significant emotional turmoil and ‘stories in our head’ in the bud.

Attribution however, goes hand in hand with Accountability.

We also need a Guardrail for the Razor. Else unexamined & unfettered empathy can cut deep on the road to hell paved with good intentions.

Here’s the Guardrail.

Never excuse harm caused by incompetence or good intent when the outcome mirrors malice.

The Razor governs understanding & interpretation of the past. The Guardrail governs what to do next and mitigate future damage.

It is an acknowledgment that motive doesn’t erase the outcome. It is a way to set standards and insist on them as a condition for further engagement.

The Guardrail manifests in various forms.

It is a polite yet firm ‘No.’ A strictly enforced ‘No assholes’ policy. Being compassionate, but ensuring that an incompetent individual doesn’t get to keep a job they can’t do well. It means walking away from something or someone for good.

Both practicing the Razor and enforcing the Guardrail are acts of self-love. They are the two sides of the ripple of good one creates in the Universe. First by seeing the good in everyone, and then by preventing further harm, not matter what the origin.