Content

Three Types of Liking: People Liking Consumables (Part 3)

You like things? I like things! It’s hard not to, am I right?

Liking others, and being likable, is essential in the art of persuasion. People don’t help or support those they dislike.

Photo "CL Society 218: Crossing arms" by Francisco Osorio, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
Photo “CL Society 218: Crossing arms” by Francisco Osorio, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

But what if the things that someone likes aren’t capable of reciprocating that affection? They’ll forever support that, too.

People will dismiss an opportunity for improvement or learning if it means they might have to question their behavior… or their access to a favorite treat.

I could never eat healthy — I like cookies too much!

I love my morning Frappachino!*

Well, I don’t smoke that much.

This represents the most insidious of all the Liking: Consumables. Food, soda, beer, drugs.

*It’s 2017 — is Frappachino still a thing? Continue reading “Three Types of Liking: People Liking Consumables (Part 3)”

God’s Debris by Scott Adams
Book Summary

True, simplicity is not proof of truth. But since we can
never understand true reality, if two models both explain the
same facts, it is more rational to use the simpler one. It is a
matter of convenience.

"God's Debris" by Scott Adams
“God’s Debris” by Scott Adams

Scott Adams’ book God’s Debris introduces us, the reader and first-person narrator, to the world’s smartest person sitting in a rocking chair, Avatar.

You (the narrator) and Avatar hold a wide-ranging conversation about God, religion, science, and probability.

And it’s persuasive.

Join us for a book summary on PRL!

Continue readingGod’s Debris by Scott Adams Book Summary”

Three Types of Liking:
People Liking People (Part 1)

You like cake? I like ice cream, although I’m flexible.

They’re both desserts. They fall under the same utility in classic Economic Theory, meaning they serve the same purpose: dessert!

Cake or Ice Cream? Photo "Sweet Treats" by Tradlands, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
Cake or Ice Cream? Photo “Sweet Treats” by Tradlands, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

Yet we all know that people have different tastes and preferences. Even economists understand that we like different things, which can make economic models complex!

In his book Influence, Robert Cialdini identified liking as one of his six (now seven) principles of persuasion.

If we want to persuade and influence people, it’s important that we’re liked and that we like others. It’s essential.

No one wants to help the jerk.

But in the age of Social Media, what does it mean to “like?”

Continue reading “Three Types of Liking: People Liking People (Part 1)”