Physics & Human Nature

Physics and human nature have lot many similarities. We are aware of Newton’s laws of motion and its applications. But do we know these laws apply to human nature as accurately as it applies to Physics.

Newton’s Third law of motion:

To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.

According to this law when two or more bodies interact with each other their action and reaction act in pairs that too on different bodies. The common example of rocket propulsion explains it. Gases produced by the combustion of the fuel are ejected out from a rocket, which is the ‘Action’. ‘Reaction’ to this action generates the thrust on the rocket. As a result the rocket moves forward while the gases are ejected out in the opposite direction.

Similarly, we must remember that to our every action there will be a reaction from the other person. Most of the time this reaction is in opposite direction, as everyone tries to believe in his/her viewpoint. While interacting with others everybody tries to hold his/her viewpoint as correct. If something is told he/she instead of accepting/agreeing tries to justify his/her own stance. He/she may be your own team/family members or a customer. Therefore, whenever you do not like a particular action or behavior of somebody instead of reacting must try to introspect. What is our action, which might be responsible for that particular action/behavior of the person we are interacting with?

In ‘Mahabharata’ when in the battle field ‘Arjuna’ asked ‘Lord krishna’, “Keshav, aap itne stithipragya kaise rah lete hein”. Means how can you be so, ‘Undeterred’ in every situation, whether it is a moment of joy or sorrow”. “Krishna’ replied, “Because I always act”. An action is always controlled and appropriate whereas a reaction is uncontrolled as well as most of the times it is in opposite direction, which may not be appropriate as well. Therefore, instead of reacting immediately we should take time, introspect, and then respond according to the situation based on a particular action or behavior of opponent.


Excerpts from the book: ‘Why My Horse Doesn’t Drink – Learn to motivate people around you

Vivek Mehrotra
http://www.vivekmehrotra.com/