The Emotional Equation of ‘What’s Going On?’ - Why Marvin Gaye’s Classic is a Masterclass in Empathy, Action & Change
Music, at its best, is an equation—a formula for feeling, a structure for storytelling, and a safe container where emotions can be solved, not just felt. Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On? is a perfect example of Emotional Maths in action, where the sum of its parts creates something greater than a protest song: it’s a formula for change.
The "What" Equation: Solution-Oriented Thinking
Tasha Eurich’s research on self-awareness shows that when we ask "Why?", we often get stuck in a loop of emotional division. It’s like an equation that keeps coming up with the same negative answer:
Why + Problem = Blame
When we ask "Why is the world so bad?", the answers lead to victimhood, guilt, and powerlessness. The culture that forms from too many “why” conversations is one of judgment—where we find reasons for failure instead of momentum for progress.
But Marvin Gaye doesn’t ask why—he asks what’s going on?
What + Awareness = Action
"What" opens the door for exploration. It turns anger into curiosity, frustration into collaboration. The song doesn’t point fingers—it holds space. It lets the listener step inside, look around, and solve for X together.
The Power of Music & Creativity: A Safe Space for Emotional Equations
Music, like doing your Emotional Maths, creates a safe place to work through tough emotions. We feel deeply, but instead of spiraling, the rhythm gives structure, the melody gives direction, and the lyrics offer reflection. What’s Going On? invites people to be present with the pain of the world—but not to be consumed by it. Instead of demanding an answer that shuts down conversation, it opens one up.
This is why creativity and music are so critical to movements for change. They don’t just talk about the problem—they create spaces to move through it together. When we listen to songs like What’s Going On?, we don’t just hear music—we hear each other. And from that, we build a new equation:
Empathy + Collaboration = Change
That’s why Marvin Gaye’s song is a timeless call to action. Not because it tells us who’s at fault, but because it asks us all—together—to solve for what comes next, making it one of the most powerful protest songs ever written.
So how do you apply the science of Tanya Eurich's research + the wisdom of What's Going On? to help solve your problems?
Step One
Read the book to get some insights
Read Tasha Eurich’s book: Insight: The Surprising Truth About How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves, and Why the Answers Matter More Than We Think.
Explore the research on self-awareness that emphasizes the distinction between asking "What?" versus "Why?" when reflecting on situations. She found that "Why" questions often lead to rumination, self-blame, and emotional overwhelm, while "What" questions encourage clarity, action, and problem-solving.
Step Two
Do your Emotional Maths: Apply This Framework to Your Own Challenges:
"What" Frames a Solution-Oriented Inquiry: What do I need to do to create a better outcome?
Encouraging Collective Awareness and Responsibility: What can I do to help not hinder?
Avoiding Paralysis Through Guilt or Pessimism: What if the way I think is the problem?
Empowering the Listener: What if you knew you were not alone, and your human needs are just as important as mine?
Step Three
Listen to the What's Going On Album. It's a classic timeless masterpiece.
By structuring your challenge around the "What," without minimizing the Why just like Marvin Gaye, your message that may come from a place of pain becomes an invitation for social consciousness and action.
Join Emotional Maths
Find out more about the work I do to create safe spaces filled with Radical Candid (see Kim Scott's book) moments with people that care about ensuring the 'What' exists alongside the 'Why' so we can create transformational change inside ourselves, the businesses and ideas we develop; and the places we choose to live and work.
Book a discovery call here