One of these days lack of sufficient gravitas will catch up with me
At some point all grifts need a gravitas assist to slingshot into next tier grift
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I did buy a suit last year, so I have that going for me now
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It’s incredible the number of high-stakes conversations that run entirely on myth and ceremony. Look the part, show up at the right venues, present with sufficient gravitas, use the right language.
“Being taken seriously” is 90% about being packaged for the specific social api.
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And like a shibboleth the slightest thing can break the social api without you even noticing error code. Half an inch of shirt not showing from jacket sleeve, using the wrong cutlery, wearing open box lacing shoes to black tie (never been to black tie!)
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There is a non trivial number of interactions where that is *all* that is required, and having anything substantial to contribute makes outcomes worse as you get in the way of people quietly actually doing the work.
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Semi related - I have so much respect for the incredibly intelligent and accomplished civil servants / politicians who are able to turn up, day after day, and say and do nothing of consequence. And the one time in 50 when they actually *do* need to do something…it works
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I recently learnt this lesson presenting in my CS4XX class, vastly unprepared and sleep deprived. Made me question all the hours I usually put into preparing for presentations.




