Comments on: Can you stop a jerk without becoming one yourself? http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/ Articles on game theory and personal finance Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:20:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Presh http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/comment-page-1/#comment-136 Presh Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:42:15 +0000 http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/#comment-136 @Joon: I'm not sure what you mean by "mathematical take," but here's my best effort. I sort of view eliminating assholes like selling a bad investment. It hurts since you have a history and you've generally invested time or money, but it's best to put your efforts in things that give higher returns. @Joon: I’m not sure what you mean by “mathematical take,” but here’s my best effort.

I sort of view eliminating assholes like selling a bad investment. It hurts since you have a history and you’ve generally invested time or money, but it’s best to put your efforts in things that give higher returns.

]]> By: Joon http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/comment-page-1/#comment-118 Joon Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:59:03 +0000 http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/#comment-118 I want a mathematical take on the inadvertent elimination of assholes, as my personal experience is that any assholes I meet end up being slowly phased out of my life with little actual effort. I want a mathematical take on the inadvertent elimination of assholes, as my personal experience is that any assholes I meet end up being slowly phased out of my life with little actual effort.

]]> By: Presh http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/comment-page-1/#comment-66 Presh Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:42:16 +0000 http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/#comment-66 @Ryan: I like your idea of misleading assholes to cut the conversation short. Assholes usually persist until they both get you angry and get you to admit they are right. Your approach anticipates their goal and is a great non-violent protest. @Ryan: I like your idea of misleading assholes to cut the conversation short. Assholes usually persist until they both get you angry and get you to admit they are right. Your approach anticipates their goal and is a great non-violent protest.

]]> By: Ryan Healy http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/comment-page-1/#comment-65 Ryan Healy Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:01:37 +0000 http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2007/08/24/issue-with-implementing-a-self-rule-that-you-wont-deal-with-jerks/#comment-65 That is a really interesting question. My opinion is, if you are implementing a "no asshole rule" you cannot be an asshole. I think the best way to deal with these assholes is to not strike conversation with them. If and when they speak to you, go ahead and tell them they are right and you agree, no matter how wrong they are. In a sense this is telling a white lie to avoid conflict, but if that is what you need to do to not be an asshole than so be it. Assholes aren't worth your time of day, so don't give them the privilege of hearing your true thoughts or beliefs. That is a really interesting question. My opinion is, if you are implementing a “no asshole rule” you cannot be an asshole. I think the best way to deal with these assholes is to not strike conversation with them. If and when they speak to you, go ahead and tell them they are right and you agree, no matter how wrong they are.

In a sense this is telling a white lie to avoid conflict, but if that is what you need to do to not be an asshole than so be it. Assholes aren’t worth your time of day, so don’t give them the privilege of hearing your true thoughts or beliefs.

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