I'm not much of a reader in the traditional novel sense. And apparently neither was Andy, from his own admission. I would say that I am not much of a reader at all, except that argument is easily invalidated by my primary actions with newspapers, magazines, and work memos. "Reading" denotes some elective engagement with formulated or thought-out tales, fictional or otherwise. The ability to attentively accept and enjoy endless styles and substance, without falling prey to simple distractions or midnight slumber. Or to simply be a "junkie for the written word", as one book-turned-film defined. Which I cannot honestly claim to embody.
But once in a while, I discover a good tale, more than likely non-fiction, and I actually finish it. The most recent example was actually a fantastic psychology book called Influence: The Power of Persuasion, by Robert B. Cialdini. A self-acclaimed National Bestseller, the persuasive doctor makes a bonus point on power of authority by including his Ph.D. credentials on the front cover. Excellent play and fine job, sir!
In short, the book points out a handful of mechanisms that "compliance practitioners" employ to essentially bait and hook unsuspecting human clients. Essentially, as the title explains, how people persuade other people to get them to do anything, a skill most beneficial in the art of sales. The points are well made and tremendously supported by theory, examples, and insider investigations. But in addition, as one may be more interested, the author also summarizes ways in which you can easily recognize when you are being played, and how best to avoid falling victim. This, in turn, transforms the text into a consumer's spending shield while at the same time stocking the seller's armory with armor-piercing bullets. Unfortunately, then, empowerment befalls the readers, and the illiterate be damned (and poor).
But one of the elements of persuasion illustrated in the book was on Reciprocity. I'm paraphrasing and going off my sub-par memory here, but a simple act of kindness, or even just the impression of being kind, can result in extreme gratitude in appreciation. So much so, that the return gratitude can exceed the initial favor. Perhaps the feeling of indebtedness is the true culprit, as several people in debt could acknowledge a desire for swift repayment, and to uphold a positive social standing as a responsible, thoughtful, and appreciative member of society. Or, more primitively, the do-unto-others lessons that every child should be taught, regardless of faith or millennium.
For me, though, today as I consciously recognize, reciprocity is not so much about persuasion, but in simple gratitude. A side effect may turn out to be persuasive, or possibly motivating, but that is not the initial intent. Nope, I write this to say thanks to my supportive girlfriend and to recognize her dedication to fitness this New Year. Sure, everyone is riding a resolution wave right now, but she is hanging 10.8, so there, more than the normal awesome 10. And hopefully she will keep it up. But regardless of her/mine/our continued future dedications, I appreciate her support of the blogging adventures and simply wish to acknowledge her endeavor.
Plus given our per-occupation with our new endeavors now, we can claim slightly more respectable reasons for being only medium-well readers.
