Human Nature & the Art of Understanding Others
By Paul Lechner, Esq., CPA — Lechner Law Office, P.C.
Remember the Greek Movie, “Never on Sunday”?
It tells the story of two people: Homer, a philosopher pursuing an intellectual lifestyle, and Ilya, a fun-loving woman pursuing a sensual lifestyle. She takes Sundays off to watch Greek tragedies, imagining happy endings. Homer tries to change her into an intellectual. At first she changes in response to his efforts, but by the end of the movie she reverts to her old ways. Why?
We seek ‘feel-good’ experiences because we are biological. Yet life’s meaning, purpose, and goals do not exist in time and space — they are not physical things that can be directly observed.
It’s Human Nature
It’s human nature to presume other people can learn to enjoy what you enjoy. People miscommunicate when they do not feel strongly about the same values. They misunderstand one another. “Not getting it” can be serious business — every so often it breaks out in a cultural conflict.
Understanding what motivates people — clients, partners, employees — is one of the most valuable skills a business owner or advisor can develop. Before trying to change someone, seek first to understand them. The most effective communication begins with genuine curiosity about the other person’s world.
Application in Business
In professional relationships, the ability to bridge different perspectives — between attorney and client, accountant and business owner, advisor and family — is what produces results. We don’t just draft documents. We listen, understand, and then craft solutions aligned with what each client truly values. See how this approach shapes our estate planning services.
Being proactive is the best way. Some say the future cannot be predicted — I say the way to predict your future is to create it.