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    546: Scott Adams | Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter

    en-usAugust 12, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Sharing your home on Airbnb brings in extra income and broadens horizonsTurning your home into an Airbnb allows you to earn income, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and create unique experiences for guests.

      Turning your home into an Airbnb not only brings in extra income but also allows you to share a piece of your world with others. Jen and Jordan, the hosts of the Jordan Harbinger Show, have personally experienced the benefits of this by designing their home with a spare bedroom for guests and adding personal touches to make their stays special. This not only creates a welcoming environment for guests but also broadens the hosts' own horizons by connecting them with people from around the world. The hosts also emphasized that our homes are worth more than just dust, and becoming an Airbnb host can lead to new adventures and experiences. Additionally, they discussed the importance of understanding different perspectives, even if they differ from our own, and learning from studies and experts in various fields. In the upcoming episode, they will be talking with Scott Adams about persuasion tactics used by Donald Trump during the 2016 election, emphasizing the practical skills that can be learned regardless of political affiliations.

    • The Power of Persuasion in Politics and RelationshipsUnderstanding persuasive techniques can lead to personal cost but is essential for navigating politics and relationships. 'Win Bigly' offers insights into these techniques.

      The art of persuasion, as discussed with Scott Adams, can be observed in various aspects of life, including politics and interpersonal relationships. Adams shared how his predictions about Trump's presidency led to significant backlash, resulting in a significant loss of friends and professional opportunities. Despite the personal cost, Adams remains fascinated by the persuasive techniques used by Trump and encourages individuals to learn about persuasion, regardless of their political stance. The book "Win Bigly" offers insights into these techniques, making it an intriguing read for those interested in understanding the power of persuasion. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of being open-minded and adaptable in various situations and the potential consequences of taking unpopular stances.

    • Understanding Persuasion: Learning from Successes and FailuresEffective persuasion skills are crucial in influencing others, but it's essential to recognize both positive and negative consequences. Learning from successful and unsuccessful persuasion can broaden our understanding and help us navigate diverse perspectives.

      Effective persuasion skills, regardless of the source, can be valuable in understanding how people influence others. The speaker acknowledges the potential danger and negative consequences that can come with certain forms of persuasion, but argues that it's important to study these cases to learn from them. The speaker also shares their personal experience of being in a group that supports a figure they're writing about, despite not agreeing with their politics, and reflects on the importance of being open to diverse perspectives. A notable example of successful persuasion mentioned is Colin Kaepernick's protest, which raised awareness on a significant social issue without breaking any laws. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of persuasion and the value of learning from various sources, even those that may not align with our personal beliefs.

    • Taking a stand for beliefs, even with consequencesRisks and standing up for beliefs, even if unpopular, can lead to change and open new perspectives.

      The athlete in question took a stand for what he believed in, even if it came with significant consequences. He put his "skin in the game," raising awareness for an issue that mattered to him, despite the backlash and potential long-term repercussions. This action not only demonstrated his persuasive abilities but also elevated his status as an influencer. It's a reminder that taking risks and standing up for beliefs, even if unpopular, can lead to change and open new perspectives. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the idea that people often come to different conclusions based on the same information, and these decisions are often influenced by political affiliations.

    • Types of Persuaders: Commercial, Cognitive Scientists, and Master PersuadersMaster persuaders possess extraordinary charisma, immunity to shame, and high risk appetite, enabling them to say things that aren't true yet still gain attention for their cause.

      There are various types of persuaders, each with unique abilities. The speaker identifies himself as a commercial persuader, who uses persuasion for his job. Above him are cognitive scientists, who study persuasion academically, and master persuaders, who possess extraordinary charisma and risk appetite. Master persuaders can sometimes say things that are not true but get attention for their cause, which ordinary people may not be able to do due to fear of social consequences. Immunity to shame and a high risk appetite are key traits of master persuaders. To learn immunity to shame, it's essential to embrace risks, learn from failures, and not let others' opinions deter you from your beliefs or goals.

    • Embracing embarrassment for personal growthEmbracing embarrassment can lead to personal growth by helping us act naturally and letting go of worry. Worry is often the root cause of problems, so eliminating it can resolve issues. Expecting polarizing opinions and passionate readers for upcoming work can lead to success.

      Embracing embarrassment and letting go of worry can lead to personal growth. The speaker shared his experience with the Dale Carnegie course, which intentionally embarrasses students to help them learn to act naturally and let go of their concerns. He emphasized that it's the worrying that causes the problem, and once we eliminate it, the issue often resolves itself. The speaker also mentioned that he expects his upcoming book to be polarizing but potentially successful due to exciting a small group of passionate readers. Lastly, he shared how he and his wife have turned their home into an Airbnb to bring in extra income and share their world with others. Overall, the speaker's insights highlight the importance of embracing discomfort, letting go of worry, and finding opportunities for connection and growth.

    • People's decisions are not solely based on factsDespite the common belief, facts rarely change people's minds, especially in politics. Emotions significantly influence decision-making.

      People's decisions are not always based on facts, as Scott Adams emphasizes in his book. Despite the common belief that people make decisions based on facts, a study suggests that as long as 98% of people remain unchanged by facts, especially when it comes to politics. Emotion plays a significant role in decision-making, making it more challenging to change people's minds. This is why it's intriguing when individuals manage to leave their comfort zones and adopt new perspectives, as these stories often challenge our understanding of human behavior. In the context of media and public figures, it's essential to separate facts from personal biases and emotions when evaluating their actions or statements. While it may be uncommon for journalists to read a book in its entirety before interviewing its author, doing so can provide valuable insights and context, ultimately leading to more informed and nuanced discussions.

    • The power of perception and its impact on realityOur perceptions can be influenced by beliefs and experiences, sometimes leading to different interpretations of reality, even with clear evidence. Being aware of biases is crucial.

      Our perceptions and interpretations of reality can be influenced by our prior beliefs and experiences, sometimes leading us to see things differently from others, even when presented with clear evidence. This was illustrated in a discussion about a conspiracy theory involving a security guard and a shooter, where some people were convinced that they had been replaced by a body double despite clear photographic evidence to the contrary. This phenomenon is not limited to conspiracy theories and can also affect how people perceive potentially dangerous situations, such as police shootings. A brain scientist mentioned on the show suggested that advanced brain imaging in the future may help us understand why people make grave mistakes based on negative stereotypes and why they can't see what's obvious to others. Another example given was the famous "gorilla in the room" experiment, where people missed seeing a gorilla in plain sight because they were focused on counting passes. These examples demonstrate the power of perception and the importance of being aware of our biases.

    • The power of emotions and irrationality in shaping perceptions and decisionsPeople are irrational about 90% of the time, and emotions and stressors can significantly influence our memories and perceptions, leading to irrational decision making.

      Our memories and perceptions can be influenced by emotions and stressors, leading us to make decisions based on irrational thinking rather than facts. This was evident in the speaker's experience being robbed twice, where he was unable to recognize the robbers based on their appearance, despite seeing them in person. The FBI even confirmed that such instances are common. This concept is important because it challenges the common belief that humans are rational beings most of the time. Instead, as the speaker, a trained hypnotist, points out, people are irrational about 90% of the time. This irrationality can be observed in various aspects of life, including how we process information and make decisions. For instance, in politics, persuasive figures like Donald Trump use relatable examples and emotions to influence people's beliefs and actions. This phenomenon, known as the "hypnotist point of view," can help us understand the power of emotions and irrationality in shaping our perceptions and decisions.

    • Playing with cognitive dissonance for memorable communicationIntentionally introducing small errors or unexpected elements can make communication more memorable and engaging, but should be used judiciously to avoid losing credibility

      Intentionally introducing small errors or unexpected elements in our communication can make it more memorable and engaging. This concept, known as cognitive dissonance, is used effectively by some public figures, such as President Trump, to capture and hold people's attention. By violating expectations and making us think past the initial message, these individuals can create a strong persuasive effect. However, it's important to note that this technique should be used judiciously, as overstepping the boundaries of credibility can lead to losing trust and damaging one's reputation. To apply this concept in our daily lives, we can experiment with using hyperbole, asking thought-provoking questions, or introducing unexpected twists in our conversations or presentations, while ensuring that the core message remains clear and accurate.

    • Our brains rationalize past opinions to align with beliefsOur brains naturally adjust past beliefs to fit new evidence, conserving resources and making experiences easier to program, even in a simulated universe.

      Our brains have a natural inclination to rationalize past opinions and behaviors to align with our existing beliefs. This process can lead to hallucinations or distorted perceptions when faced with contradictory evidence. If we're living in a simulated universe, as some theories suggest, our programmer might be trying to reconcile discrepancies without creating a permanent objective history. It's easier for one of us to change our beliefs than to rewrite our entire history. This concept can be applied to our everyday lives, where it's easier to rationalize than to admit we're wrong and change our beliefs. The idea of a simulated universe adds an intriguing layer to this concept, suggesting that our programmer is trying to conserve resources and make our experiences as easy to program as possible. This theory also highlights the importance of being open-minded and willing to challenge our beliefs when faced with contradictory evidence.

    • Understanding Cognitive Dissonance and Its Impact on Our BeliefsBeing aware of cognitive biases and open to diverse perspectives can help mitigate cognitive dissonance and lead to more accurate beliefs and informed decisions.

      Our perception of the world around us can be influenced by cognitive biases, such as cognitive dissonance. This bias can lead us to hold onto beliefs that may not align with reality. Using the analogy of playing different games of Mario Brothers, Scott Adams explains that people can hold contradictory beliefs without them needing to reconcile. However, when something violates one of these beliefs, cognitive dissonance can occur. To mitigate this, it's essential to be aware of our biases and try to identify potential triggers. By recognizing and challenging our own cognitive biases, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the world and make informed decisions. Additionally, being open-minded and exposing ourselves to diverse perspectives can help us avoid living in echo chambers and reduce the likelihood of cognitive dissonance. Finally, if you're feeling stuck in your career, consider exploring Capella University's FlexPath learning format to gain relevant skills and earn a degree from an accredited university.

    • Avoid making assumptions during political discussionsRecognize cognitive dissonance signs, avoid assumptions, and strive for open-mindedness, empathy, and respectful dialogue during political discussions.

      During political discussions, it's essential to avoid making assumptions about people based on their political beliefs and to recognize the signs of cognitive dissonance. People on both sides of the political spectrum can fall into the trap of assuming the worst about each other, labeling each other as racist, stupid, or extreme. However, it's crucial to remember that most people hold complex beliefs and are not monolithic representations of their political party. One tell of cognitive dissonance is when someone misinterprets what you said as an absurd absolute. For instance, if you express a viewpoint, someone might respond with an extreme and absurd counterargument, indicating that they've erased your original argument from their mind and replaced it with a distorted version. Another tell is when multiple people offer different explanations for the same phenomenon, which may indicate that nobody truly understands the reason and is unwilling to accept it. It's important to recognize these patterns of thought and resist the urge to make assumptions or engage in toxic discourse. Instead, we should strive for open-mindedness, empathy, and respectful dialogue, acknowledging that there may be valid perspectives on both sides of an issue.

    • Understanding the limits of persuasionPersuasion can be useful, but remember multiple factors influence success, and be cautious of overconfidence. Try different approaches, make informed decisions, and acknowledge the role of luck.

      While persuasion can be a useful predictor in various situations, it's essential to remember that it doesn't guarantee an objective reality or definitive answers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering multiple variables and being cautious of overconfidence, as success can often be influenced by factors beyond our control, such as luck. The speaker encourages trying out different approaches and making informed decisions based on personal experiences rather than blindly following advice from others. Additionally, the speaker suggests that acknowledging the role of luck and maintaining a positive attitude can positively impact our perception and outcomes.

    • Our mindset and focus shape our perception of realityExpecting luck or focusing on something makes us more likely to notice related opportunities, but analogies can be misleading and strategic ambiguity is a powerful tool for persuasion by allowing people to interpret messages based on their own beliefs

      Our mindset and focus can significantly impact our perception of reality. Expecting luck or setting our focus on something can make us more likely to notice opportunities or occurrences related to that focus. However, analogies, while useful for explaining new concepts, can be misleading and lead to misunderstandings when used in arguments due to their inherent imperfections. Strategic ambiguity, on the other hand, can be an effective tool for persuasion by allowing people to interpret ambiguous statements based on their own beliefs and frames. The power of strategic ambiguity lies in the fact that people's minds fill in the blanks based on their existing beliefs and opinions, making it a useful tool for communicators to deliver messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

    • Highlighting differences for persuasive effectUsing contrast to make positives stand out and capture attention, but use thoughtfully and not just for exaggeration.

      Creating contrast can be an effective persuasion technique. By highlighting the differences between something negative and something positive, people are more likely to be persuaded. This concept was discussed in the context of politics, where politicians often use hyperbole to create a stark contrast between two ideas. However, it can also be applied to other areas of life, such as trying to attract a mate or excelling in a particular skill. The power of contrast lies in its ability to make the positive stand out and capture people's attention. It's important to note that this technique should be used thoughtfully and not just for the sake of exaggeration. Additionally, the speaker mentioned the book "Win Bigly" which explores the use of persuasive language and techniques in politics. The book, released in October 2022, promises to provide insights into how to look at behavior differently and potentially change one's perspective on the world.

    • The Power of Persuasive Tactics and Effective CommunicationRecognize and respond to cognitive dissonance and persuasive tactics, value effective communication, and continuously learn and improve to navigate the complexities of life and relationships.

      The use of cognitive dissonance and persuasive tactics, as discussed in Scott Adams' book "Win Bigly," can be effective in influencing people's beliefs and actions. Meghan's personal story of spreading the message of a controversial group and experiencing the intense backlash highlights the potential risks and intensity of such tactics. While not every example may be accurate or intentional, the ability to recognize and respond to cognitive dissonance and persuasive tactics is a valuable skill set in various aspects of life. The 2016 election results serve as an example of the potential impact of persuasive tactics in politics. Moving forward, it's essential to be aware of these tactics and their potential influence on our own beliefs and actions. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of effective communication and connection with others, as well as the value of continuous learning and self-improvement. The episode encourages listeners to apply the concepts discussed to their own lives and relationships, and to be mindful of the persuasive tactics used in various contexts. The podcast also highlights the importance of being adaptable and open-minded in the face of new information and experiences. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into the power of persuasive tactics and the importance of being aware of them in our personal and professional lives. It also emphasizes the value of effective communication, continuous learning, and self-improvement.

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    • When bail reforms free violent offenders and risk others' safety, how can we uphold justice while safeguarding victims?
    • You've about had it with your autistic boss' cringeworthy conspiracy theories. How can you disagree respectfully and maintain professionalism?
    • As a cancer patient struggling with massive student loans and disability assistance denial, what legal help and guidance is available for navigating private loan regulations while fighting for survival?
    • You've invented a non-functional plastic object that brings laughter to all who behold its absurdity. You want to protect the IP so you can profit from this stroke of comedic novelty, but you can't ignore the potential environmental impact of manufacturing such an item en masse. What should you do?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/985

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    984: Susan Casey | Unraveling Mysteries in the Ocean's Darkest Depths

    984: Susan Casey | Unraveling Mysteries in the Ocean's Darkest Depths

    What challenges can the ocean help us meet, and what must we do to safeguard its treasures? The Underworld author Susan Casey dives deep for answers here!

    What We Discuss with Susan Casey:

    • The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and serves as the largest carbon sink on the planet, making its preservation essential for mitigating climate change.
    • The ocean is home to a fascinating array of creatures that have adapted to extreme conditions, such as iron-breathing microbes, glass sponges, and jellyfish that can reverse their life cycle.
    • Pollution, including plastics, chemical weapons, and nuclear waste, has severely impacted the ocean ecosystem, with some deep-sea creatures found to have plastic particles embedded in their organs.
    • There are an estimated three million shipwrecks on the ocean floor, preserving valuable historical artifacts and information — such as the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek analog computer.
    • Exploring the ocean can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, Earth's history, and climate, providing valuable insights for addressing humanity's challenges — provided we safeguard this treasury of knowledge for current and future generations.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/984

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

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    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

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    Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://jordanharbinger.com/256

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

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    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/705

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:

    • Gabe relays the tragic story of a paranoid schizophrenic neighbor that illustrates just how destabilizing unchecked mental illness can be for family members, friends, neighbors, and the patients themselves.
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    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi.

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider leaving your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!