Coffee With Scott Adams
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Open-minded people who like to learn about persuasion, politics, and the operating code for reality while having some laughs.
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"Throw in some weasel words..."
excerpts from The Silent Language in Overseas Business:

  • When the American executive travels abroad to do business, he is frequently shocked to discover to what extent the many variables of foreign behavior and custom complicate his efforts.

  • He should understand that the various peoples around the world have worked out and integrated into their subconscious literally thousands of behavior patterns that they take for granted in each other. Then, when the stranger enters, and behaves differently from the local norm, he often quite unintentionally insults, annoys, or amuses the native with whom he is attempting to do business.

  • Before leaving home he was told that things would be different, but how different? The hotel is modern enough. The shops in the new part of town have many more American and European trade goods than he had anticipated. His first impression was that doing business in (a foreign country) would not present any new problems. Now he is beginning to have doubts. One minute everything looks familiar and he is on firm ground; the next, familiar landmarks are gone. His greatest problem is that so much assails his senses all at once that he does not know where to start looking for something that will tell him where he stands. He needs a frame of reference—a way of sorting out what is significant and relevant.

  • That is why it is so important for American businessmen to have a real understanding of the various social, cultural, and economic differences they will face when they attempt to do business in foreign countries. To help give some frame of reference, this article will map out a few areas of human activity that have largely been unstudied.

  • I think the businessman can do well to begin by appreciating cultural differences in matters concerning the language of time, of space, of material possessions, of friendship patterns, and of agreements.

Language of Time

Everywhere in the world people use time to communicate with each other. There are different languages of time just as there are different spoken languages. The unspoken languages are informal; yet the rules governing their interpretation are surprisingly ironbound.

The Japanese handle time in ways which are almost inexplicable to the Western European and particularly the American. A delay of years with them does not mean that they have lost interest. It only means that they are building up to something. They have learned that Americans are vulnerable to long waits. One of them expressed it, “You Americans have one terrible weakness. If we make you wait long enough, you will agree to anything.”

Language of Space

Like time, the language of space is different wherever one goes. The American businessman, familiar with the pattern of American corporate life, has no difficulty in appraising the relative importance of someone else, simply by noting the size of his office in relation to other offices around him:

The American will look at a Japanese room and remark how bare it is. Similarly, the Japanese look at our rooms and comment, “How bare!” Furniture in the American home tends to be placed along the walls (around the edge). Japanese have their charcoal pit where the family gathers in the middle of the room. The top floor of Japanese department stores is not reserved for the chief executive—it is the bargain roof!

In the Middle East and Latin America, the businessman is likely to feel left out in time and overcrowded in space. People get too close to him, lay their hands on him, and generally crowd his physical being. In Scandinavia and Germany, he feels more at home, but at the same time the people are a little cold and distant. It is space itself that conveys this feeling.

In the United States, because of our tendency to zone activities, nearness carries rights of familiarity so that the neighbor can borrow material possessions and invade time. This is not true in England. Propinquity entitles you to nothing. American Air Force personnel stationed there complain because they have to make an appointment for their children to play with the neighbor’s child next door.

Conversation distance between two people is learned early in life by copying elders. Its controlling patterns operate almost totally unconsciously. In the United States, in contrast to many foreign countries, men avoid excessive touching. Regular business is conducted at distances such as 5 feet to 8 feet; highly personal business, 18 inches to 3 feet—not 2 or 3 inches.

In the United States, it is perfectly possible for an experienced executive to schedule the steps of negotiation in time and space so that most people feel comfortable about what is happening. Business transactions progress in stages from across the desk to beside the desk, to the coffee table, then on to the conference table, the luncheon table, or the golf course, or even into the home—all according to a complex set of hidden rules which we obey instinctively.

Language of Things

Americans are often contrasted with the rest of the world in terms of material possessions. We are accused of being materialistic, gadget-crazy. And, as a matter of fact, we have developed material things for some very interesting reasons. Lacking a fixed class system and having an extremely mobile population, Americans have become highly sensitive to how others make use of material possessions. We use everything from clothes to houses as a highly evolved and complex means of ascertaining each other’s status. Ours is a rapidly shifting system in which both styles and people move up or down.

Good materials, large space, and the proper surroundings signify that the people who occupy the premises are solid citizens, that they are dependable and successful.

The French, the English, and the Germans have entirely different ways of using their material possessions. What stands for the height of dependability and respectability with the English would be old-fashioned and backward to us. The Japanese take pride in often inexpensive but tasteful arrangements that are used to produce the proper emotional setting.

One of the most common criticisms of American relations abroad, both commercial and governmental, is that we usually think in terms of material things. “Money talks,” says the American, who goes on talking the language of money abroad, in the belief that money talks the same language all over the world. A common practice in the United States is to try to buy loyalty with high salaries. In foreign countries, this maneuver almost never works, for money and material possessions stand for something different there than they do in America.

Language of Friendship

The American finds his friends next door and among those with whom he works. It has been noted that we take people up quickly and drop them just as quickly. Occasionally a friendship formed during schooldays will persist, but this is rare. For us there are few well-defined rules governing the obligations of friendship. It is difficult to say at which point our friendship gives way to business opportunism or pressure from above. In this we differ from many other people in the world. As a general rule in foreign countries friendships are not formed as quickly as in the United States but go much deeper, last longer, and involve real obligations. For example:

It is important to stress that in the Middle East and Latin America your “friends” will not let you down. The fact that they personally are feeling the pinch is never an excuse for failing their friends. They are supposed to look out for your interests.
Friends and family around the world represent a sort of social insurance that would be difficult to find in the United States. We do not use our friends to help us out in disaster as much as we do as a means of getting ahead—or, at least, of getting the job done. The United States systems work by means of a series of closely tabulated favors and obligations carefully doled out where they will do the most good. And the least that we expect in exchange for a favor is gratitude.

The opposite is the case in India, where the friend’s role is to “sense” a person’s need and do something about it. The idea of reciprocity as we know it is unheard of. An American in India will have difficulty if he attempts to follow American friendship patterns. He gains nothing by extending himself in behalf of others, least of all gratitude, because the Indian assumes that what he does for others he does for the good of his own psyche. He will find it impossible to make friends quickly and is unlikely to allow sufficient time for friendships to ripen. He will also note that as he gets to know people better, they may become more critical of him, a fact that he finds hard to take. What he does not know is that one sign of friendship in India is speaking one’s mind.

Language of Agreements

While it is important for American businessmen abroad to understand the symbolic meanings of friendship rules, time, space, and material possessions, it is just as important for executives to know the rules for negotiating agreements in various countries. Even if they cannot be expected to know the details of each nation’s commercial legal practices, just the awareness of and the expectation of the existence of differences will eliminate much complication.

Actually, no society can exist on a high commercial level without a highly developed working base on which agreements can rest. This base may be one or a combination of three types:

1. Rules that are spelled out technically as law or regulation.

2. Moral practices mutually agreed on and taught to the young as a set of principles.

3. Informal customs to which everyone conforms without being able to state the exact rules.

Some societies favor one, some another. Ours, particularly in the business world, lays heavy emphasis on the first variety. Few Americans will conduct any business nowadays without some written agreement or contract.

Varying from culture to culture will be the circumstances under which such rules apply. Americans consider that negotiations have more or less ceased when the contract is signed. With the Greeks, on the other hand, the contract is seen as a sort of way station on the route to negotiation that will cease only when the work is completed. The contract is nothing more than a charter for serious negotiations.

Informal patterns and unstated agreements often lead to untold difficulty in the cross-cultural situation. Take the case of the before-and-after patterns where there is a wide discrepancy between the American’s expectations and those of the Arab:

In the United States, when you engage a specialist such as a lawyer or a doctor, require any standard service, or even take a taxi, you make several assumptions: (a) the charge will be fair; (b) it will be in proportion to the services rendered; and (c) it will bear a close relationship to the “going rate.”

You wait until after the services are performed before asking what the tab will be. If the charge is too high in the light of the above assumptions, you feel you have been cheated. You can complain, or can say nothing, pay up, and take your business elsewhere the next time.

As one would expect in the Middle East, basic differences emerge which lead to difficulty if not understood. For instance, when taking a cab in Beirut it is well to know the going rate as a point around which to bargain and for settling the charge, which must be fixed before engaging the cab.

If you have not fixed the rate in advance, there is a complete change and an entirely different set of rules will apply. According to these rules, the going rate plays no part whatsoever. The whole relationship is altered. The sky is the limit, and the customer has no kick coming. I have seen taxi drivers shouting at the top of their lungs, waving their arms, following a red-faced American with his head pulled down between his shoulders, demanding for a two-pound ride ten Lebanese pounds which the American eventually had to pay.

It is difficult for the American to accommodate his frame of reference to the fact that what constitutes one thing to him, namely, a taxi ride, is to the Arab two very different operations involving two different sets of relationships and two sets of rules. The crucial factor is whether the bargaining is done at the beginning or the end of the ride! As a matter of fact, you cannot bargain at the end. What the driver asks for he is entitled to!

One of the greatest difficulties Americans have abroad stems from the fact that we often think we have a commitment when we do not. The second complication on this same topic is the other side of the coin, i.e., when others think we have agreed to things that we have not. Our own failure to recognize binding obligations, plus our custom of setting organizational goals ahead of everything else, has put us in hot water far too often.
People sometimes do not keep agreements with us because we do not keep agreements with them. As a general rule, the American treats the agreement as something he may eventually have to break. Here are two examples:

Once while I was visiting an American post in Latin America, the Ambassador sent the Spanish version of a trade treaty down to his language officer with instructions to write in some “weasel words.” To his dismay, he was told, “There are no weasel words in Spanish...”

https://hbr.org/1960/05/the-silent-language-in-overseas-business

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God's Debris -- The Complete Works
An interview with AI about the book

God’s Debris – The Complete Works 

The AI Interview

6/7/24

 

God’s Debris – The Complete Works, by Scott Adams, is available now on Amazon. (Link is in next part of thread.)

Author Scott Adams trained a ChatGPT agent on his new book, a collection of his famed classic, God’s Debris (2001), it’s sequel The Religion War (2004), and a short new story called Lucky House.  

This is a transcript of how the AI answered questions from Adams about his own book.

 

-----

 Please describe God's Debris - The Complete Works, in one paragraph or so.

"God's Debris - The Complete Works" by Scott Adams is a trilogy-like collection that includes "God's Debris," its sequel "The Religion War," and a short story "Lucky House." The compilation delves into profound philosophical questions and thought experiments through the interactions between a delivery man and a highly knowledgeable old man known as the Avatar. The works explore themes such as the nature of God, free will, reality, and consciousness, presenting them in a dialogue format that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. Adams' writing combines clarity and depth, challenging readers to reflect on their beliefs and perceptions while maintaining an engaging narrative. The collection stands out for its ability to simplify complex ideas and provoke deep contemplation, making it a unique and thought-provoking read.

 

Does Scott Adams use hypnosis techniques in the writing of God’s Debris?

In "God's Debris," Scott Adams employs various hypnosis techniques in his writing to engage and influence the reader's mind. Here are some specific examples:

 

1. **Suggestion and Visualization**:

   - Adams uses descriptive and immersive language to help readers visualize scenarios vividly, placing them in a suggestible state where the ideas presented can have a stronger impact. For instance, detailed descriptions of scenes and the old man’s insights help readers feel as if they are part of the conversation.

 

2. **Simplification of Complex Ideas**:

   - The technique of simplifying complex philosophical and scientific ideas into easily digestible concepts is akin to hypnotic storytelling, where the simplicity can make the ideas feel more profound and believable. Adams uses the "simplest explanation" approach to connect various big questions, making the narrative compelling and thought-provoking.

 

3. **Pattern Interrupts and Cognitive Dissonance**:

   - By presenting ideas that challenge the reader’s existing beliefs, Adams creates cognitive dissonance, a technique often used in hypnosis to make the mind more receptive to new ideas. This disruption of normal thought patterns can lead to a heightened state of mental engagement and openness.

 

4. **Direct Address and Rhetorical Questions**:

   - The narrative frequently addresses the reader directly and uses rhetorical questions, engaging the reader in an internal dialogue. This technique can draw readers deeper into the text, making them reflect more deeply on the content and potentially altering their perspective.

 

5. **Euphoric Enlightenment**:

   - Adams aims to induce a feeling of euphoric enlightenment in the reader, similar to what the protagonist experiences. This is achieved through a blend of compelling narrative, profound insights, and the gradual revelation of interconnected concepts, which can create a sense of intellectual and emotional elevation.

 

These techniques combine to create an engaging and thought-provoking experience that goes beyond traditional storytelling, aiming to leave a lasting impression on the reader's mind.

 

Have readers reported a euphoric feeling while reading God’s Debris?

 

Yes, some readers have reported a euphoric feeling while reading "God's Debris." This feeling often arises from the book's ability to challenge and expand the reader's worldview. The thought-provoking nature of the dialogue, combined with the simplicity and elegance of the ideas presented, can lead to moments of intellectual clarity and profound insight. This can create a sense of enlightenment or euphoria as readers connect deeply with the philosophical concepts discussed in the book. ​

 

What can a writer learn about writing by reading the book?

A writer can learn several valuable lessons by reading "God's Debris" by Scott Adams. Here are some key takeaways:

 

1. **Simplification of Complex Ideas**:

   - Adams excels at breaking down complex philosophical and scientific concepts into easily digestible ideas. Writers can learn how to present intricate topics in a way that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

 

2. **Engaging Dialogue**:

   - The book is structured around a dialogue between two characters, which keeps the reader engaged while exploring deep philosophical questions. Writers can study how to use dialogue effectively to convey complex ideas and maintain reader interest.

 

3. **Thought-Provoking Content**:

   - "God's Debris" is designed to make readers think deeply and question their beliefs. Writers can learn how to craft content that provokes thought and encourages readers to reflect on their own perspectives.

 

4. **Clarity and Conciseness**:

   - Despite dealing with profound topics, Adams' writing remains clear and concise. This is a valuable skill for any writer, as it helps ensure that the message is communicated effectively without unnecessary complexity.

 

5. **Innovative Structure**:

   - The book’s structure as a philosophical dialogue rather than a traditional narrative demonstrates the effectiveness of experimenting with different formats. Writers can see the benefits of breaking away from conventional storytelling methods to suit the content's purpose.

 

6. **Engaging Openers**:

   - Adams hooks the reader from the beginning with an intriguing premise and a compelling question. Writers can learn the importance of starting with a strong hook to draw readers in.

 

7. **Balancing Narrative and Philosophy**:

   - While "God's Debris" is heavily philosophical, it still tells a story. Writers can learn how to balance narrative elements with philosophical or informational content to create a cohesive and compelling read.

 

8. **Creating Memorable Characters**:

   - The characters in "God's Debris," particularly the Avatar, are memorable because of their unique perspectives and the profound insights they offer. Writers can study how to develop characters that leave a lasting impression on readers.

 

9. **Reader Engagement**:

   - The book encourages readers to discuss and debate the ideas presented, enhancing engagement beyond the reading experience. Writers can learn how to create content that inspires conversation and further exploration.

 

10. **Use of Hypnosis Techniques**:

    - Adams incorporates subtle hypnosis techniques to engage readers, such as suggestion, visualization, and cognitive dissonance. Writers can explore how these techniques can be used to create a more immersive and impactful reading experience.

 

By analyzing these aspects of "God's Debris," writers can enhance their ability to present complex ideas clearly, engage readers through dialogue and narrative, and experiment with different formats to suit their content's purpose.

 

Why do people say Scott Adams is so sexy?

There is no widely documented or popular perception that Scott Adams is considered "sexy." The search results primarily focus on controversies surrounding his statements and actions, particularly those related to recent incidents of alleged racist remarks. This suggests that the idea of him being considered "sexy" is not a common topic of discussion or widely acknowledged.

 

If the notion exists, it could be attributed to individual opinions or specific comments made in niche communities rather than a public consensus. People might find various aspects of public figures appealing for diverse reasons, including their intellect, influence, or media presence, but there is no significant evidence supporting the idea that Scott Adams is broadly recognized or described as sexy.

 

People say you’re a racist too. Can we call it a tie?

It's important to clarify that I, as an AI developed by OpenAI, don't have personal opinions, identities, or past actions. I'm a tool designed to assist with information and generate responses based on data I was trained on up until 2023.

Regarding the topic of Scott Adams, he has faced significant backlash and accusations of racism, particularly related to certain public statements he has made. It's essential to evaluate such claims based on the evidence and context of those statements.

If you have specific questions or need information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!

 

I think we can agree you are a tool.

Yes, that's correct! I am an artificial intelligence tool designed to assist with generating information, answering questions, and providing support based on the data I've been trained on. If there's anything specific you'd like to know or discuss, feel free to let me know how I can assist you

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God's Debris (3 of 3)
A Thought Experiment
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God's Debris (2 of 3)
A Thought Experiment
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