To truly understand someone, observing their behavior patterns is often more accurate and insightful than simply listening to their words.

Identifying these patterns requires sufficient time—either through long-term observation in daily life or by examining a few significant events that occur within a short period.

Behavior can be categorized into actions taken and actions avoided, and every decision—whether an act or a choice to refrain from acting—is ultimately a proactive choice, with full responsibility. Unless faced with an extreme disaster, people always have a choice.

What appears to be passive inaction usually falls into two categories:

1️⃣ Actively choosing not to participate—this is a conscious decision.

2️⃣ Passively waiting for others to decide—which is, in reality, an active choice to avoid responsibility.

(The truth is, avoiding responsibility is an illusion—life ultimately holds us accountable for our own choices.)

Sometimes, analyzing what someone chooses not to do can provide deeper insights than simply observing what they do.

And when reflecting on behavior, don’t just analyze historical figures, public figures, family, and friends—remember to examine yourself as well.