May 28, 2026

Subjective vs Arbitrary

Subjective and arbitrary are not the same thing.

From Google:

Subjective–based on, influenced by, or originating from a person’s individual feelings, tastes, or personal opinions.

Arbitrary–an action, decision, or rule based on personal whim, random choice, or individual discretion rather than on reason, system, or law.

Both emerge from the individual (i.e., the “subject”), so they have that in common.

BUT!

An arbitrary decision is more likely to be random, baseless, and irrational. They’re indefensible, other than saying, “I just felt like it!”

A subjective decision, on the other hand, IS based on things. They’re just not things that everyone necessarily sees or agrees with. Subjective decisions have a rationale.

Here’s the thing...

When the rationale for someone else’s subjective decision is invisible to you from the outside, it’s easy to mistake it for an arbitrary decision.

This is bad for your business because understanding people’s rationale for making a decision is extremely useful when it comes to marketing, sales, and product development.

Yours,

—J

BackRandomNext