Years ago, a friend told me to watch political speeches on television with the sound turned all the way down. I gave it a go and, sure enough, the body and facial language are giveaways. They're always dissembling and most of the time they do that, they're aware that they're doing it. It's a performance, by second-rate actors. I had little knowledge of Sacks back then, but I'll bet my friend had read some of his work.
Unfortunately, most people don't have any solid self-defence against even mediocre manipulative strategies. They've been crippled. No basic street smarts.
Thanks, James! Your friend's suggestion was wise (whether he read Sacks or not). Your response to the soundless speeches was equally wise.
On a side note, I first read your comment on my phone while riding the NYC subway. Talk about practicing solid self-defense against even mediocre manipulative strategies!
As I'm sure you know, I adore Oliver Sacks, and I remember that passage well and have often thought about it in the context of political speeches. Thank you for this sobering retrospective of presidential incompetency, dementia, and deception.
It sounds like we need a few of those patients to determine what is going on. First, politically. Although of course, we all know that politicians are liars. But it would be nice to see how they react to Fauci, gates, and some other prominent non-politicians, who ruined the lives of many in the last few years.
just like I also trust dogs more than humans. A friend once told me, she knew about a couple who got a new neighbor, a handsome and very friendly guy. But the dog did not want to have any of him. Later it turned out he was a spy. People my dog does not like, from whom my cats run, hm. Think twice !
Years ago, a friend told me to watch political speeches on television with the sound turned all the way down. I gave it a go and, sure enough, the body and facial language are giveaways. They're always dissembling and most of the time they do that, they're aware that they're doing it. It's a performance, by second-rate actors. I had little knowledge of Sacks back then, but I'll bet my friend had read some of his work.
Unfortunately, most people don't have any solid self-defence against even mediocre manipulative strategies. They've been crippled. No basic street smarts.
Thanks, James! Your friend's suggestion was wise (whether he read Sacks or not). Your response to the soundless speeches was equally wise.
On a side note, I first read your comment on my phone while riding the NYC subway. Talk about practicing solid self-defense against even mediocre manipulative strategies!
A friend once told me to turn the sound off when watching soaps. That can cure any soap addict !
As I'm sure you know, I adore Oliver Sacks, and I remember that passage well and have often thought about it in the context of political speeches. Thank you for this sobering retrospective of presidential incompetency, dementia, and deception.
Thank YOU, Margaret Anna! 🙂
It sounds like we need a few of those patients to determine what is going on. First, politically. Although of course, we all know that politicians are liars. But it would be nice to see how they react to Fauci, gates, and some other prominent non-politicians, who ruined the lives of many in the last few years.
Indeed, Ingrid! I'd trust any one of those patients over a thousand social media "fact checkers."
just like I also trust dogs more than humans. A friend once told me, she knew about a couple who got a new neighbor, a handsome and very friendly guy. But the dog did not want to have any of him. Later it turned out he was a spy. People my dog does not like, from whom my cats run, hm. Think twice !
SUCH a great essay! Excellent dot-connecting between political deception and aphasia!
Thank you, Alicen! That means a lot coming from you.
Also, I love this line: "I was questioning the mental capacities of presidents way before it was trendy. "
😇