Back to Wheel of Books
Cover of Science of Survival: Prediction of Human Behavior

Science of Survival: Prediction of Human Behavior

by L. Ron Hubbard

Nonfiction PhilosophySpiritualityReligion

Book Description

Unlock the secrets of the human psyche as you journey into the gripping depths of 'Science of Survival: Prediction of Human Behavior' by L. Ron Hubbard. Analyze the forces that drive human choices with fierce clarity, revealing the patterns behind our most primal instincts and complex relationships. Dive into a world where survival instincts clash with emotional turmoil, and understand the strategies that can predict actions and reshape destinies. This isn't just a study; it's a powerful exploration of what it means to exist in a turbulent world. Can you foresee the choices that define our lives and unravel the mystery of survival?

Quick Summary

"Science of Survival: Prediction of Human Behavior" by L. Ron Hubbard offers a systematic approach to understanding and predicting human actions. Building on the foundational concepts of Dianetics, Hubbard introduces the "Tone Scale," a central model mapping emotional states and their impact on a person's behavior and decision-making. Through this lens, the book explores how survival is at the core of human motivation, with individuals' actions driven by their emotional tone. Hubbard contends that by identifying where someone falls on the Tone Scale, one can predict their likely responses in relationships, work, and society. The book provides methods for improving one’s own tone and aligning with those who contribute positively to survival. Ultimately, "Science of Survival" serves as both a diagnostic tool and a guide for personal and relational transformation, promising greater control over fate by decoding the patterns of human behavior.

Summary of Key Ideas

The Tone Scale and Emotional States

Hubbard’s central concept in this book is the Tone Scale, a spectrum of emotional states ranging from the most destructive (such as apathy and anger) to the most constructive (such as enthusiasm and serenity). He argues that a person’s position on the Tone Scale directly influences their behavior, choices, and relationships. By identifying these emotional tones, one can assess the health of both individuals and groups, allowing for informed interactions and better outcomes in daily life.

Survival as the Primary Motivation

Survival is posited as the core driver of all human behavior, and Hubbard breaks this drive down into four distinct dynamics: the self, family and sex, groups, and mankind as a whole. Each dynamic is colored by the individual’s tone, shaping how they pursue survival goals. The book emphasizes that recognizing these motivations reveals insights into why people act as they do, offering a framework for interpreting the complexity of human conduct.

Predicting Human Behavior Through Emotional Analysis

Prediction becomes possible, according to Hubbard, when you understand where someone is operating on the Tone Scale. He provides detailed behavioral profiles for each tone, outlining likely actions and attitudes. This knowledge equips readers to anticipate responses in a range of scenarios, from personal relationships to workplace dynamics, and to avoid harmful interactions with those in lower-toned states while fostering collaboration with those higher on the scale.

Influence of Relationships and Environment on Behavior

Hubbard explores the powerful impact of social environments and relationships. The book asserts that individuals are profoundly influenced by those around them, often unconsciously adopting prevailing emotional tones. By cultivating a supportive and positive environment, people can collectively rise on the Tone Scale, creating healthier families, organizations, and communities. Conversely, toxic relationships can drag individuals downward, threatening both personal and collective survival.

Strategies for Elevating Personal and Collective Survival

Concluding, Hubbard offers strategies for raising one’s own tone and influencing others constructively. Tools for self-assessment and emotional regulation are proposed, with the goal of enhancing personal survival and improving the quality of interactions. Embracing these techniques, Hubbard suggests, can lead to more fulfilling and predictable relationships, greater personal satisfaction, and a higher likelihood of achieving one's survival aims on every dynamic.