Why Bilbo Baggins should have let himself get eaten by Gollum

One of the best quotes about human nature I ever done heard was when Vox Day said: (on one of his Darkstreams) “Humans are not rational creatures. They are rationalizing creatures.” And so are hobbits. Case in point: While watching the first Hobbit movie a few weeks ago, and thinking back to the book, it’s clear Bilbo cheated during the riddle game by asking Gollum what was in his pocket. Yes, Gollum was stupid for not insisting Bilbo ask a real riddle. But that makes Bilbo no less a cheater by moving the goal posts and changing the rules to suit him. He should have asked Gollum a real riddle. And, if Gollum guessed correct and asked one back Bilbo couldn’t answer, then Bilbo should have let himself get eaten as he promised. But alas it wasn’t to be. What does any of this have to do with the price of the gaffer's ale in The Shire? Not a dayem thing. But it does remind me of Vox’s quote. And when you realize that humans are not rational, but rationalizing, it makes selling, influencing, persuading, marketing, copywriting, etc a whole lot less frustrating. And, if you know what you’re doing, a whole lot easier too. Thus the upcoming September Email Players issue. I believe what it teaches helps “tap” into this truism about human decision-making. It’s not about convincing, arguing, or pleading. Selling & persuasion is about something else altogether. i.e., what the issue teaches in depth. The deadline to get in on this action is almost here. Use the link below to subscribe while there is still a little time left: [https∶//www.EmailPlayers.com]( Ben Settle P.S. A heads up to all current and soon-to-be Email Players subscribers: The September issue will take a bit longer to print, fulfill, ship, and arrive than usual due to 1st landing on a Thursday and a long holiday weekend due to that Monday being Labor Day. It will definitely slow things down by a good week, and possibly even by two weeks. And if you live in an especially remote area it will take even longer. As always: Be patient, and your patience will be rewarded… This email was sent by Ben Settle as owner of Settle, LLC. Copyright © 2022 Settle, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this email may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Settle, LLC. Click here to [unsubscribe]( Settle, LLC PO Box 1056 Gold Beach Oregon 97444 USA