“One man’s ways may be as good as another’s, but we all like our own best.”
This piece of wisdom, penned by Benjamin Franklin in Poor Richard’s Almanack, cuts to the heart of a fundamental human paradox. Source . The quote presents a delicate balance between objective reason and subjective comfort. On one hand, it acknowledges the possibility of multiple valid solutions to a single problem. On the other hand, it points to a powerful, innate bias we have for our own methods and habits.
This simple sentence reveals a deep truth about our nature. It explains everything from minor domestic squabbles to major workplace conflicts. Understanding this tendency is the first step toward better collaboration, personal growth, and greater empathy. Therefore, let’s explore the psychology behind this preference and how we can navigate it in our modern world.
The Logic of Equality: “One Man’s Ways May Be as Good as Another’s”
The first half of the quote champions a worldview of tolerance and relativism. It suggests that there is rarely a single, universally correct way to accomplish a task. Think about the different routes you could take to work. One might be shorter in distance, while another has less traffic. A third route might be more scenic. Objectively, each path can get you to your destination effectively. None is inherently superior in all contexts; their value depends on your priorities at that moment.
This concept applies to countless areas of life. For example, different people have unique methods for managing their finances, organizing their homes, or even making a cup of coffee. One person may follow a strict budget using spreadsheets, while another prefers a more fluid cash-envelope system. As long as both individuals are financially stable, who is to say one method is definitively better? This part of the quote encourages us to remain open-minded. It pushes us to accept that others’ processes, while different, can be just as effective as our own.
The Pull of Preference: “But We All Like Our Own Best”
While we may logically accept that other ways are valid, the second half of the quote explains our emotional reality. We are creatures of habit who find comfort in the familiar. This isn’t a character flaw; it’s a deeply ingrained aspect of human psychology, reinforced by several cognitive biases.
The Power of Cognitive Biases
First, there’s the mere-exposure effect. Psychologists have shown that we tend to develop a preference for things simply because we are familiar with them. Your morning routine, the software you use at work, or the way you load the dishwasher feels