[LINK] FW: Fanaticism [OT]

[Birch, Jim]

Richard Chirgwin wrote:

> I tend to think that devotion goes too far when people start queuing 
> overnight for toys - and it makes the news.
> 
> I find it odd that anybody feels compelled to become a free
spokesperson 
> for *any* company - be it Apple, Microsoft, or (for that matter)
Holden 
> or Ford. It's a mindset that I've never quite understood.

It's just biology in action.  At its base, novelty is sexy, having
something that others don't is a potential source of power and power
attracts mates.  Failing to contribute to the next generation is genetic
death (almost) so we are profoundly programmed to want to be attractive.
Statistical analysis of human DNA indicates that less than 40% of males
contributed to the subsequent generation.  So becoming attractive is
worth major effort - and even life-threatening risks - because the
biological payoff is huge.  For females, getting the best male has a
similar payoff.  Of course, queuing overnight for an iPad isn't going to
get you JLo but we are programmed to feel/act like it will. 

In addition, because not everyone is going to run the tribe, merely
aligning yourself with powerful individuals or cabals has powerful
genetic benefits (statistically).  This is the attraction of brands.

Of course, if you're raised on enlightenment values you may look askance
at the process, or want to be a brand yourself. 

Jim


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