Clever, though not terribly-novel, article at Paul's Tips this morning:
Most smart people have a hidden weakness and it's this ”“ they're absolute suckers for anything that sounds clever.
As soon as you start hitting people with technical terms, fancy graphs, famous names and the like, you'll immediately increase your credibility. If they're smart, they're even more likely to find themselves nodding in agreement. Many intelligent people would rather cut off a finger than admit they don't know what you're talking about.
He then gives a few examples. It's worth reading.
I'm primarily interested in it because all the techno-complication--whether it's new agers or computer salesmen--contrasts sharply with simple philosophy. Everyone assumes philosophy isn't understandable and isn't worth understanding, but they assume the techno-garbage should be and can be understood. Just the opposite is the truth. The techno-garbage can't be understood (for reasons set forth in the article; to wit, it's nonsense), and philosophy can be understood.
If you doubt me, try reading philosophy. Good philosophy, the type that teaches you how to live. Email me if you want suggested readings, but a few quick names: Josef Pieper and Henry Veatch. You'll have to read them slowly and carefully because they're methodical, but it's almost common sense after you digest it.
