6 Comments
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Mike Oppenheim's avatar

I think you're an amazing writer and amazing at stand-up comedy, but I think this was the best piece I've ever read of yours! thank you!

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Matt Ruby's avatar

Thanks so much, Mike! Truly appreciate that.

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Paul Ollinger's avatar

I dislike you. Just kidding, you're the best. And you are dead on about our ego-reinforcement devices and culture that the devices reinforce. It's an ugly cycle.

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Daniel Zahler's avatar

Well said. My only quibble is that I enjoyed "The Courage to be Disliked" and don't see the book as giving license to hecklers or other egocentric misbehavior. It's more about the smartphone and our era of instant gratification. Our modern struggle is how to stay focused on what really gives our lives meaning and purpose - friendship, creativity, nature, acts of service - vs. the increasingly powerful allure of cheap dopamine fixes.

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Matt Ruby's avatar

That's fair. I didn't read it. Just always found the title to be rather hilarious within our current zeitgeist. Like a permission slip to be a jerk.

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Michael B. Allen's avatar

“Stop playing the victim card!”

Not to be that guy, but…..*gestures wildly at the first half of your article.*

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