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Epictetus comments on Open Thread, Apr. 20 - Apr. 26, 2015 - Less Wrong Discussion

3 Post author: Gondolinian 20 April 2015 12:02AM

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Comment author: Epictetus 20 April 2015 05:08:20PM 7 points [-]

It signals wealth and security. Obvious signals of power also signal some level of insecurity. The one going around instilling fear is himself afraid. Criminals know how precarious their own positions are. The boss realizes that a lot of his underlings are just waiting for a moment of weakness so they can stab him in the back. In one sense, appearing not to care can send a signal that you're powerful enough that others don't even register as threats.

Comment author: Elo 26 April 2015 10:42:16PM 0 points [-]

this is my point. multi-level signals. where leisure = money and time for leisure = money and time.