The Surprising Power of Intuition and Persuasion in Everyday Transactions

Have you ever found yourself outsmarted by someone with very little education? In 1981, I was in Union Station in New York City, traveling with just a backpack. A young man, around my age, approached me and offered to carry my backpack to my next bus for a mere $5. Despite my capability to do so, my ‘white guilt’ made me agree. After carrying my backpack for approximately 50 yards, I realized my wallet only contained a $20 bill. The man then offered to change it for me at a nearby store. This incident taught me a valuable lesson about how people can manipulate situations, even with limited formal education.

People Can Run Hustles on Trusting Smart People

Smart people can find themselves in situations where their trust and good intentions are exploited. For instance, many women I dated did not use their intelligence to outsmart me, but rather, they employed all their skills to do so. Often, it is not the intelligence or education that matters, but the ability to read a situation and exploit opportunities. It is the individuals who run their own hustles on those they trust, using charm, tactics, and sometimes even simplicity, to outmaneuver others.

Street Wisdom and Persuasion

Beyond my own experiences, I often encounter stories of children selling overpriced candy for their school or team. These children, who may only be in primary school, can effectively persuade adults to purchase their products. Their success does not stem from academic proficiency but rather from the persuasive power of intuition and the ability to understand and meet the needs of their customers. In this context, education in the traditional sense is not always necessary to be successful.

Overcoming Circumstances Through Intuition

Over the years, I've realized that success and intelligence in any form are more about the skill to adapt to circumstances and read situations accurately. My academic achievements did not shield me from complex social dynamics and the ability to outwit others. Even now, I have friends who are involved in cult-like organizations, demonstrating that traditional education alone does not guarantee the ability to navigate complex societal issues. Instead, it is the intuition and the skill to read people and situations that stand out.

Global Perspectives on Intuition and Persuasion

Intuition and persuasive abilities are not confined to any specific region or demographic. In Africa, and indeed, across the world, many individuals with little formal education demonstrate impressive levels of street smarts. For instance, one illiterate in Africa was able to create a persona that made him appear more educated and influential than he was. He convinced me of his status by claiming to be the ‘son of the Queen of London (or England).’ This example highlights the power of intuition and the ability to manipulate perceptions to gain an advantage.

In conclusion, the stories of individuals outsmarting others with little formal education serve as a reminder of the importance of intuition and persuasive skills. These qualities are often more valuable than academic credentials in navigating the complexities of everyday life. Whether it's a young man carrying a backpack in New York or a child selling candy in a market, these acts of manipulation underscore the power of these skills in our daily interactions.