We might say we want novelty, but…we all want predictability.
In doing some first drives with my son and his new driver’s permit, I remarked that the goal in most situations is to be predictable. I want to be able to predict what lane you’re in. I want to be able to predict what your speed will be, whether you’re turning, where pedestrians might be crossing, and 1,000 other things.
But the same is true when we’re not behind the wheel. My students want predictability from me. When I’ll start and end rehearsals, how I’ll pace, what I’ll expect. And I want predictability from them – when they’ll show up, what attitude they’ll have, how they’ll interact with me and each others.
My children want predictability from me, and so does my spouse. My colleagues want predictability, the people I volunteer with. And I want – need! – predictability from my bank, my government, my electric utility, my car.
Surprise is great, novelty can be magical. But all built on top of the predictability that society needs to function.