A Personal Operating Manual for Navigating the Human Mind

1️. I acknowledge that I am a Nincompoop — that my mind operates on flawed patterns of shortcuts, biases, and emotional guesswork.

The same cognitive machinery that governs all human behaviour governs mine. I am not exempt, not exceptional, and not in possession of a perfectly rational mind.

2️. I accept that my brain was designed for survival, not truth — and that feeling certain does not make me correct.

What I perceive as reality is filtered, simplified, and distorted by my own psychology. Certainty is a sensation, not evidence.

3️. I commit to observing my own mental shortcuts and questioning my initial reactions.

Blame, projection, oversimplification, tribalism — these are my default responses. My task is to notice them before they define my behaviour.

4️. I take responsibility for the consequences of my Nincompoop thinking.

When my distorted perceptions create harm, I will acknowledge it without defensiveness or public displays of virtue.

5️. I accept discomfort as part of clarity — resisting the temptation to seek simple answers where complexity exists.

Life rarely offers clean solutions. My mind prefers comfort over truth. I must learn to tolerate complexity without forcing it into false categories.

6️. I commit to ongoing self-reflection, knowing that my Nincompoop tendencies will persist for life.

The work of awareness is not a one-time correction but a permanent maintenance task. My mind’s flawed design will remain, regardless of insight.

7️. I recognise that others are governed by the same flawed machinery as myself, and extend understanding accordingly.

What appears as malice or stupidity in others is often the same Nincompoop mind malfunctioning in different configurations. I grant others the same grace I require.