The Snake Chasing Effect

The Snake Chasing Effect is a metaphorical term that describes a self-perpetuating or self-defeating cycle, where an individual continuously reacts to behavior emanating usually from outside, often worsening the original problem.  Though not a formally recognized psychological term, the phrase is used in behavioral science, business and mental health contexts to describe patterns of reactive behavior that loop back onto themselves.

The parable of the snake chasing effect goes something like – once upon a time, a person was walking through the woods when he stumbled across a snake in the center of his path.  The snake lashes out and bites him without warning, then turns and slithers away down the path.  Obviously, the man feels the sharp pain of the bite and the venom coursing through his leg. Fortunately, he is close to the village, so if he had just walked back and got the wound treated, he would have been fine.  But he felt the anger and resentment built inside him resultantly he questioned to himself “Why did the snake do that to me?  That is not right.  I am going to get revenge.”  He started chasing the snake down the path, but as he pursued the snake, the venom took hold and he collapsed and died.

The story offers a powerful lesson, which you might call the ‘Snake Chasing Effect’.  In life, you are going to get bitten by a snake every now and then. In society, we have so many dangerous, insipid people who are no less than a venomous snake.  Someone betrays you.  A so-called friend lets you down. A coworker takes credit for your work.  You do not get rewarded for your work.  The initial wound hurts – but it is survivable. If you take care of yourself, walk back to the village and treat the wound, you will be fine.  Walking back to the village means just adopting the attitude of forgive and forget and leave the rest to one’s karma.  But how often do you do the exact opposite?  The internal voice starts a not so familiar outburst - How could they do this to me?  I am going to take revenge and get back at them.  Thus, you start chasing the snake down the path, seeking your revenge.  You obsess over the betrayal, the unfairness and the injustice.

The real damage is not from the bite itself, but from your reaction to it. The real damage comes when you chase the snake.  Nelson Mandela said it beautifully, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemy.” The Snake Chasing Effect is a reminder that the wisest response to harm is not retaliation or obsession, but restoration. Do not give the snake more power over you than it has. Focus on healing, not hurting. Tend to your wound, mend your garden and stay blessed forever.

The Snake Chasing Effect serves as a vivid reminder of how easily we can become trapped in our own responses, mistaking reaction for resolution. Whether in our minds, relationships or institutions, recognizing and stepping out of these loops is essential for real progress.  By breaking the cycle, we allow ourselves to move forward, rather than just spinning in circles.

Subbiah Sridhar