Sober Philosophy: Robert Greene's Law of Power #38 (Robert presents)

# “LAW 38 Think As You Like But Behave Like Others. If you make a show of going against the times, flaunting your unconventional ideas and unorthodox ways, people will think that you only want attention and that you look down upon them. They will find a way to punish you for making them feel inferior. It is far safer to blend in and nurture the common touch. Share your originality only with tolerant friends and those who are sure to appreciate your uniqueness.” Robert Green, The 48 Laws of Power

From the front Hotel entrance go to the right around the corner to enter through the north valet entrance. If the valet questions you just say you're here for the philosophy group. Go straight to the main lobby and turn right behind the large bookshelves before the elevators. Go up the stairs to your left and through the first door you encounter to enter our meeting room.

Symptom-free (from possibly contagious diseases) people with the capacity to listen considerately to diverse viewpoints are invited to attend after successfully RSVPing.

AUDIO RECORDING (AR):
This meeting will be audio recorded for conversational dynamics analysis and testing purposes. This recording will not be made publicly available.

2-Minute OPENING ROUNDTABLE FORMAT (ORT2m):

1. A countdown alarm will be set for 2 minutes.
2. The topic presenter begins the discussion by spending up to 2 minutes explaining why they are interested in the topic and some introductory thoughts on it.
3. Each participant in turn going clockwise from the presenter has up to 1 minute to describe their general thoughts on the topic.
4. If one is not ready to speak they can just say “pass” and the next person speaks.
5. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to comment.
6. Once everyone has given opening remarks or passed twice, Opening Roundtable is completed and the meeting shifts into its main format.

TIMED DIRECTION FORMAT (TDRF>5):
If there are more than 5 people present we will use the format below.

1. We will divide up the timed direction discussion time by the number of participants plus one (for a buffer). A timer will be set for this amount of time.
2. Each participant in turn will become a Discussion Director and lead the group discussion.
3. If one is not ready to direct they simply say “pass” and the next person becomes the Discussion Director.
4. Anyone who arrives after step 1 (above), may participate but will not get a turn as Discussion Director.
5. The Discussion Director can make statements or ask questions, or interrupt or redirect the discussion at their discretion.
6. The discussion participants can state their own opinions only when asked by the Discussion Director, not Interrupt others and accede to the Discussion Director’s interruptions or redirections.
7. When the timer goes off the person speaking finishes their thought and then the next participant clockwise becomes the next Discussion Director.
8. After we've gone around once anyone who passed will get a second chance to direct.

At the end of the meeting, participants will have an opportunity to vote on the topic and format for the following meeting.