Steven Pinker, a renowned experimental psychologist (with credentials) stated that it is not only the scientists, professionals and academics who study the mind. He asserts that instead, we all do. In a lifetime, we amass countless experiences interpreting interactions and intentions in our relationships with others, which feed into our conceptualization of ourselves and others. Depending on who you are, this process may be unconscious or more of an intentional study. I am not saying that we are all great psychologists, but that we are all psychologists.

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In particular, Pinker credits great poets and novelists in their ability to “create representations of our general nature” (Pinker, 2002). Ian McEwan (Parker, 2019) and Virginia Woolf (Johnson, 1994) are well recognized for their astute portrayal of characters and their dispositions. Back in secondary school (or highschool), I remember during the hours of homework on Golding or discussing why George finally shot Lenny, wondering just how this was supposed to prepare me for life. I'm now beginning to see it a little differently.

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Yes, a story may not offer us facts or tangible conclusions. But hopefully it casts light on a nuance or offers some semblance of validation, enough to inspire questions about our own experiences.  A writer's ability to visualize imaginable predicaments in which to elicit our empathy for characters unlike ourselves, while drawing us into unfamiliar territories suggests an impressive understanding of how we connect to one another. 

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Furthermore, a well written story leaves just enough space for a reader to exercise their intuition or imagination while remaining connected to the intended narrative (White, 2007). Interestingly, how we relate to one another also involves a balance between taking in information while allowing for our own interpretation.

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Literature has long been recognized for its influence in the field. Notable pioneers of psychology have referenced literary works in their study. Even coined terms have their literary roots (Emir, 2016). But there are many other examples of analysis of the human psyche embedded in other professions, not necessarily held as hallmarks of psychological expertise. Watch how film and comedy speculate about the problems of a culture, evoke emotion and tactfully offer us a grain of relatable truth. Then there are car salesmen and real estate brokers who navigate the push pull dynamics of incentivizing; seasoned receptionists who manage entitled customers and superiors; teachers (need I explain?), frontline managers (hopefully!), hairdressers, and the list goes on. 

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​The notion that everyone is a psychologist is not new. I wanted to shed light on how other industries offer their own gifts of psychological wisdom. But more importantly, this is a message to those quick to dismiss their own analyses just because they are untrained. The key word here is speculate, and the same goes for the pros, in both our willingness to make inferences but also revise our ideas as we learn. Of course, seek training if you want to be a clinician and take on the responsibility of treating people. However, if you want to understand the human world around you, pick up a novel, watch a drama or simply observe how somebody does their job. See if it makes you a better psychologist.