Editorial February 1, 1999 Issue

And what have you been thinking about yourself?

Russ Gerber

What we're thinking about others is not the only thing that requires careful attention.

This week's Cover Story punctures a number of stereotypes that people have, and sometimes cling to, of their fellowman. The collection of personal experiences points to the importance, and the benefit, of keeping a close watch on what we're believing about others. Just driving to work the other morning, for instance, I caught myself gripping the steering wheel a little more firmly, anticipating the careless drivers I would encounter because of all the stop-and-go traffic. Yes, the traffic snarls were wild, but the drivers' attitudes didn't appear to be that way at all. Even more surprising than the stress-free drive was the uncovering of the false notion I had accepted—that an especially busy commute brings out the worst in people.

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