02/12/2023
Both of these men since 2006 have continued on as leading thinkers, among many others, in our society. Even 20 years later Blink and Freakonomics both stand as among the best books I’ve ever read. When reading both books I felt like I was armed with forward thinking technology. Why the world is the way it is. But it’s this essay Gladwell wrote about Leavitt that rings true to me today was when Leavitt was named by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People In the World. In today’s 2023 stubborn polarizing world that vacillates between do you support Israel or Palestine, BLM movement or the Police, or just how divisive politics are as a whole; this essay deserves a read. You can’t talk to anyone about anything because folks are so dug in their own self righteous positions and narratives that changing one’s mind would be a betrayal of their identity. I am the point where I’m giving up talking to family or great friends about the world. It’s not worth it. People are so married to their beliefs, narratives, and political party affiliations that they won’t even hear a dissenting opinion. Even though dissenting opinions can be the most valuable. By changing one’s mind, you are not giving away a piece of your identity and nobody says you have to change your mind, but have the ability to have an open mind, and not live in a box, is something I truly cherish in another human being.
There is a middle ground in this world. Why can’t you support the police while 100% believing Black Lives Matter. Those two things can exist in concert. Additionally acknowledging that people on both sides at times have stepped out of line. It’s this essay on the ability to change one’s mind is articulated extremely well. It holds more value than ever today.