Scott Alexander

Was I unfair to Adams?

Leo Abstract writes, The problem with your eulogy isn't that it was harsh.

He was harsher to himself frequently.

That is, when he said he realised at age 8, sadly looking at his nerdy little face in the mirror, that he was going to have to get rich.

The problem is, it was just wrong, and seemed badly, or un-researched.

His interest in persuasion was teaching people when others were doing it to them, not teaching them to do it to others.

His interest in Trump was Trump doing it back at the media, not on his poor voters.

End quote.

Scott writes,

Here are some screenshots of the book text.

The first one reads, Here's a checklist you can use to see how well you set the table for your own future persuasion.

Make sure you dress for the part.

If you dress like a knowledgeable professional, people will assume your opinions and advice are credible.

That makes it easier to persuade.

Make sure you improve your physical appearance via diet, exercise, hair care, etc.

Attractive people are more persuasive.

Make sure you broadcast your credentials in a way that appears natural and not braggy.

People admire talent, but they hate bragging.

Brand yourself as a winner.

If people expect you to win, they will be biased toward making it happen.