Just How Gullible Are You?

Your “BS Detector” Probably Needs A Tune Up

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

I’m an easy mark, so I’m always on guard for the obvious scams. But the subtle, under the radar persuasion, always gets me. It’s likely that same for you too.

I had recently turned fourteen when the 1985 movie, Teen Wolf ran its course. The only line I could now quote back to you from the film would be this one.

“Never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city — Coach Finstock, Teen Wolf.”

I don’t know why that line has stuck with me thirty-three years later. Even at the age of fourteen, I knew the coach in that movie was there for comedic effect, and it was not intended to be taken as sage advice. As absurd as the idea sounded, I often quoted it back to friends who played cards. It wasn’t until ten years ago that I stopped to consider and realize how ridiculous I sounded.

The Worst Advice Ever

There have been more recent examples of my impressionable nature.

Fifteen years ago, a mentor gave me this rule.

“It doesn’t matter whether a belief is true or false, only whether it is resourceful for you.”

I believed that advice without question up until a year or two ago. In some cases the guidance…