How to Cooperate With People
Friday, January 23, 2026
The world is largely about reducing suffering, and one of the most effective ways to do that is by cooperating with others, even though cooperation is emotionally difficult. Most of our suffering comes not from things but from people, because we are attached to them and fear their reactions, judgment, rejection, or loss. What we often call anger or frustration is usually rooted in fear—not of circumstances, but of how others will feel or respond. Recognizing this allows us to shift our focus from ourselves to others: once we understand what we are feeling and why, we can begin to consider what the other person is feeling and why it matters to them. From that understanding, cooperation becomes natural—being on time, communicating early, or simply asking—because the motivation shifts from self-protection to care, and in doing so we reduce suffering for everyone involved.