Jophin Mathai

“A talent for speaking differently, rather than for arguing
well, is the chief instrument of cultural change.”
― Richard Rorty

“The truly gifted negotiator, then, is one whose initial position is exaggerated enough to allow for a series of reciprocal concessions that will yield a desirable final offer from the opponent, yet is not so outlandish as to be seen as illegitimate from the start.”
― Robert B. Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

“Most people don’t realize that when they use doubtful phrases they are setting standards for themselves. These standards become expectations and in the end will become self-fulfilling prophecies.”
― Kevin Horsley, Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster, Remember More and be More Productive

“There is an element of deceit associated with interventionism, accelerating in a professionalized society. It’s much easier to sell “Look what I did for you” than “Look what I avoided for you.” Of course a bonus system based on “performance” exacerbates the problem.”
― Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Antifragile: Things that Gain from Disorder