Beyond Code: Applying the MINASWAN Principle to Everyday Interactions

Let’s explore a topic that has intrigued me throughout my life: the concept of "being nice." This seemingly simple idea can be quite complex, as everyone seems to have their own interpretation of what it means to be nice. These interpretations are often bounded by personal experiences, and the tolerance we have for others can fluctuate as we journey through life.

It was at my first Ruby Conference, a pivotal moment early in my career, where I encountered a philosophy that profoundly shaped my understanding of community and kindness. The Ruby programming language, much like any other, is not just about the code—it's about the people part of it. And it’s the Ruby community that truly embodies this spirit through a principle known as "MINASWAN" which stands for 👇️  👇️

Matz Is Nice And So We Are Nice 🙂

Oh and that’s me with Matz! 🤩 What a privilege and a dream come true!

This ethos is not just a catchy acronym; it's a way of life that permeates the Ruby community, drawing new members into its fold with its warm, inclusive aura.

Continuing our exploration of the "MINASWAN" principle, let's consider how it extends beyond the tech world and into our daily lives, particularly in how we behave as customers. In today's app-driven society, our daily interactions as consumers—from ordering food and groceries to hailing cabs—have increased significantly. Naturally, delays can occur: a late delivery or a cab that doesn't show up on time can quickly spark irritation. But what if we chose to respond differently in these moments?

Imagine this scenario: your order is late, and while you wait, you prepare to express your dissatisfaction. But before you do, take a moment to detach from your immediate emotions and consider: When was the last time you experienced a similar delay? If it's hard to remember, it's likely been a while. Now, try placing this incident on a relative timeline of your past experiences, whether it's a month, three months, or even a year ago.

Reflect on this: over the last three months, if you made three orders per day, that sums up to 270 orders. If only one of these encounters was less than satisfactory, that's a mere 0.3% of your total interactions. This means that 99.7% of your transactions went smoothly. Ask yourself, is your tolerance for niceness less than 0.3%? Is it fair to let such a small percentage impact your reaction so significantly?

This kind of perspective can help us maintain our composure and choose kindness in situations where our initial impulse might be frustration. Offering a smile and a few kind words instead of expressing anger can make a significant difference to someone's day—especially to the delivery person or driver on the receiving end.

This approach isn't just about being a better customer—it's a broader life philosophy. Embracing this mindset can lead to more meaningful and positive interactions in all aspects of life. If you're aware of similar concepts in human psychology or have come across studies related to this behaviour, I would love to hear about them.

Till then 🖖