On Winning and Influencing

“What if you could have everything that you want? No restrictions.

Wouldn’t you be happier?

What if you could discover a formula or script that could enable this?

All you need to do is betray yourself and follow me.”

This language is the hallmark of countless bureaucrats, “influencers,” and other forms of talking heads; the entire advertising industry largely exists on this rhetoric.

“Listen to me and you’ll gain the world - I can give you everything that you desire. I can make you whole.”

I was recently listening to an old Alan Watts lecture, in which he addresses the contents of “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” in a sort of roundabout way.

The core premise of that book, and others like it, relies on manipulation and artifice. It’s a guidebook on how to act like an outgoing, interesting, and soulful person – while really operating from a position of disingenuousness, lack, and self-concern.

The irony of the whole concept is that when a person has to feign depth of character, they’re generally profoundly uninteresting to begin with. The discerning eye recognizes an automaton of sorts, mechanistically regurgitating talking points and attempting to goad you towards their predetermined goals.

That’s why many of the foremost media personalities, despite the polished outfits, and the forced smiles, and the one-liners, reek of something artificial and sterile. It’s a lack of genuine compassion, a lack of true vitality – a lack of Spirit.

The lights are on but nobody’s home.

Time and time again, we seek outward catharsis while dwelling in inward poverty.

Nothing outside of yourself can free you, in a final sense.

Examine your own grounds, thoroughly and unflinchingly; find the Real.

Change the inner; the outer will follow suit.

You don’t need to behave like a used car salesman.

The concept itself, upon further review, is worthy of a laugh.

It’s a bit like an alien creature receiving a brief before entering human society.

“Alright - act like you care, mimic the other humans, and ask them about their lives – can you grok that?”

Be genuine and raw. Find what inspires you and follow it to the ends of the earth.