A Thought Experiment

by Bud on January 30, 2012

If you’ve been keeping up with my tweets lately, you may have noticed I’ve been tweeting some rather bizarre insights. 

For example, if you’re a stripper and want to make a more money, you’re best to double up your shifts right before ovulation and not use birth control. 

The reason for these bizarre tweets is because I’ve recently been diving into the excellent book Incognito The Secret Lives of The Brain by David Eagleman.  

I’ve found the exploration of the brain nothing short of fascinating. The book covers attraction, decision making, health, and the complexities of the human brain. I definitely recommend you give it a  read.

In one of the chapters David presents a simple thought experiment that has been generating discussion for years. And as such, I’m interested to hear your thoughts. The thought experiment is as follows:

You’re walking home from work one day when you happen to see a train speeding down the track. In the distance you see five people stuck right on the trains current path.

To your right is a lever that will switch the train to another track, but as the result of the level being pulled the man on the other track dies.

Do you pull the lever to save five lives and end another?

According to numerous studies, most people would indeed pull the lever.

Now, imagine a similar scenario to scenario 1. The only difference being you’re on a bridge watching the train approach the five people below.

This time, however, there is a very large man, a man that if you were to push off the bridge would create enough friction to stop the train. Again, one life to save five. [Assume you wouldn't be charged with murder]

Here’s where it gets interesting: 

The second scenario produces vastly different results. The amount of people who would push the heavy man off the edge drops drastically, despite it being nearly the exactly same scenario as before.

Now imagine a third scenario: This time to save the five people you pull a lever that drops the heavy man below. No pushing required. 

The results?

The percentage of people who would pull the lever increases significantly.

Fascinating.

What would you do? Why?

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What Will You Sacrifice?

by Bud on January 22, 2012

If I were to ask you to write down a list of all your wants and desires, I’d wager it would be pretty easy to fill.

You want a six pack. You want more meaningful relationships. You want your coworkers to respect you.

You want good grades, a new car, a bigger house.

You want a book deal. You want to travel the world. You want to make a difference.

But if I were ask you for a list of what you’d be willing to sacrifice to obtain those wants and desires my guess is it wouldn’t be nearly as easy to supply.

And there is a reason for that.

First be clear on what you’re willing to sacrifice. And then stick to your word.

A mark of true success. 

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Why I Write

by Bud on January 20, 2012

I write because I was born to.
I write because it guides me. 
I write because I’m an artist that paints with words.
I write because I’m scared.
I write because I’m searching.
I write to get lost.
I write to be lost.
I write because I’m selfish.
I write for my family.
I write for those who ache.
I write for those who dream.
I write for legacy.
I write for you.

Why do you write?

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How To Give Advice

by Bud on January 4, 2012

Growing up, I always used to be the kid that others came to for advice. I’m not sure why I wore the advice giving hat, but it was a position I rather enjoyed.

At first, I sucked at giving advice. I rehashed the same cliche solutions to life’s complex problems. But as I grew older, I continued to refine my approach to a point where I felt comfortable with sharing my view.

I certainly don’t have every inch of my life painting sketched out, but I do know how valuable another perspective can be.

If you’re ever in the rewarding position of people looking to hear what you have to say, it’s important that you make the most of your point of view. Here’s how.

Only If They Ask

The best advice is given only when asked for. Not everyone wants to hear what you have to say, and imposing your view forcefully quite often backfires.

I’ve given my fair share of unsolicited advice, and it wasn’t always well received. Sure sometimes, it worked out but that was likely an exception.

When advice is requested, as opposed to forced, it stands a significantly better chance of being acted upon, which is what you want right?

I’ve discovered when talking with my brother when he comes to me first, he’s much more likely to listen to what I have to say.

It’s obviously sometimes difficult to bite your tongue, especially if you particularly care for your friend or family member in need. But if your opinion is needed it should be requested.

Give advice only when it’s asked for. Simple as that.

Empower The Receiver

When voicing you’re opinion, choose to empower the person receiving your message. They aren’t dumb, or incapable, just stuck. It’s sometimes easy to lose sight of that.

Ask questions, and let them answer truthfully. Offer different perspectives and outcomes, and let them think those through. Refuse to talk down to them no matter how simple the alleged solution may be. What’s common to you, may not be common to the rest of the world.

Ultimately it’s their life not yours. Your opinion may matter, but only to a certain degree.

Speak your mind, and let them have the final say. No ” you have to do this..” needed.

A Simple Test

Next time you’re giving advice require it pass a simple test: Would I follow the advice I’m about to give?

If the answer is no, you’re not giving advice. Instead you’re wasting everyones time.

The trick to giving good advice is knowing when you’re full of shit. 

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