The rules of friendship are tacit, unconscious; they are not rational. In business, though, you have to think rationally.

Steven Pinker’s quote highlights the contrasting nature of friendship and business in terms of their underlying principles. He suggests that the rules of friendship are often implicit and not consciously thought about. They are governed by mutual understanding, emotional connection, and shared experiences, rather than by logical or structured reasoning. In contrast, business requires rational thinking, where decisions are made based on clear logic, goals, and calculations to ensure success and efficiency.

Pinker’s point about friendship emphasizes that relationships in a personal context don’t follow a strict set of rules or guidelines. Friendship is something that evolves naturally, with both individuals understanding each other’s needs, preferences, and emotional cues without necessarily discussing them openly. It’s more about intuition and connection than planning or analysis.

On the other hand, Pinker argues that in the realm of business, emotions and unconscious understandings aren’t enough. Decisions need to be based on rational thinking and strategic planning to ensure the survival and success of an organization or project. In business, one must think critically and consider data, profitability, and long-term sustainability, whereas friendship relies on more organic and emotional connections.

Originating from Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist and linguist known for his works on language and human behavior, this quote reflects his analytical perspective on human nature. Pinker often explores the relationship between human cognition, behavior, and societal structures. Here, he contrasts the emotional, intuitive dynamics of friendship with the calculated, goal-oriented nature of business, illustrating how these two aspects of life operate on different planes.