David Brooks was one of the loudest voices pushing George W. Bush to invade Iraq. Thus, why would anyone think that he has anything useful to offer in the way of advice on anything serious? This pointless essay about spinners and tuners is Exhibit A in the case to be made against his qualifications for "Big Think" columns. His grouping, for example, of Dante, Proust, and Toni Morrison as three "tuners" makes no sense in my universe. Toni Morrison!? Instead of giving us advice about whom to marry, he should be trying to collect and express his thoughts on being a Republican flack in the Dark Age of Trump.
19
Trump's psychosis has been easy to read for decades. He was borne from a bad seed, and from that nothing good can come. Since childhood, Trump is doomed to play the role of spoiled child for life. Trump had his butler carry his bucket for him, had others fill it, then cajoled, bribed, or blackmailed them into dumping it on some other kid, some poor unfortunate kid who just happened to be on the beach at this inopportune moment. After 71 years, Trump, who has never had to pay the consequences for his horrible behavior, in fact was often praised and cheered for it, will never learn how to behave like a gentleman. For Trump, all hope is lost. Hopefully, the same cannot be said about the United States.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
24
It was a long way to get there, but the last two paras are worth reading, thinking about, and trying to implement.
Recalling a gal pal from decades ago, most definitely a life-long 'spinner,' who when I went to her to say goodnight at her party, she said thanks, 'but don't make a big deal of leaving.'
She didn't want me -- a real 'tuner' -- to interfere with the rhythm of the event, not even momentarily ... nor did I! I recall just quietly backing out of the room, making sure not to engage any other guests.
So, the 'full bucket' -- it makes sense. Everyone has enough to deal with on their own. Life is overwhelmingly full and demanding.
'Compassion fatigue' is rampant.
I guess it's about balance. (And if your bucket is empty -- stay home!)
Recalling a gal pal from decades ago, most definitely a life-long 'spinner,' who when I went to her to say goodnight at her party, she said thanks, 'but don't make a big deal of leaving.'
She didn't want me -- a real 'tuner' -- to interfere with the rhythm of the event, not even momentarily ... nor did I! I recall just quietly backing out of the room, making sure not to engage any other guests.
So, the 'full bucket' -- it makes sense. Everyone has enough to deal with on their own. Life is overwhelmingly full and demanding.
'Compassion fatigue' is rampant.
I guess it's about balance. (And if your bucket is empty -- stay home!)
4
Mr. Brooks, if you do not have anything to say it would be better to take a pass than make a fool of yourself.
28
Spinners and Tuners. A "training wheels" version of Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator which has much more validity.
9
What about people who like to eat anchovies? Do they have their own category? How about people who always end up in the wrong line at the grocery store? Surely we can label them too and uncover some missing truth.
23
The author forgot to mention that there is a third type, aspiring fake psychologist that best describe him.
29
Really, New York Times - what do you, or we, gain from you giving space every week to a writer who fills it with such uninformed, banal generalities? In what way is this piece any different, or better, than a Cosmo article on "personality types," or an astrology column, for that matter?
Additionally, anyone who would blithely say that Shakespeare was a "spinner" not a "tuner," as though the Bard had no great insight into people's souls, simply cannot have read or seen much Shakespeare - or cannot have done so with much understanding.
I've just been reading reminiscences by writers of how exacting an editor Robert Silvers was, how he pushed them beyond cliche. Would someone please, sometime, do the same with David Brooks?
Additionally, anyone who would blithely say that Shakespeare was a "spinner" not a "tuner," as though the Bard had no great insight into people's souls, simply cannot have read or seen much Shakespeare - or cannot have done so with much understanding.
I've just been reading reminiscences by writers of how exacting an editor Robert Silvers was, how he pushed them beyond cliche. Would someone please, sometime, do the same with David Brooks?
46
I saw this title and somehow expected this to be a car culture thing, about the folks who make cars go faster (tuners) and those who spiff them up visually (spinners as in the spinning hubcaps).
7
Personally, I've always seen myself more as a half-elf Paladin... Maybe a Wizard?
Mr Brooks remains, as always, one of the more pleasant human clerics in the venomous discourse of modern America.
Mr Brooks remains, as always, one of the more pleasant human clerics in the venomous discourse of modern America.
4
"It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood, a wonderful day...would you be mine, would you be my neighbor?"
That's the intellectual level of this piece. Mr. Brooks' Neighborhood.
That's the intellectual level of this piece. Mr. Brooks' Neighborhood.
3
Mr. Brooks:
Which of these categories would be the ideal Outward Bound leader?
Pure, unadulturated tripe.
Which of these categories would be the ideal Outward Bound leader?
Pure, unadulturated tripe.
4
I thought we were all in the same class - Class Mammalia. Giving live birth to our young and possessing mammary glands to feed our infants. We are not in different classes. We all have the same basic needs - food, shelter, clothing, nurturing. Unfortunately, some mammals ( humans ) also think they need lots of money, and ignore the basic needs of other human beings. David Brooks needs to take a "vacation" with Nicholas Kristof once a year to have his mind & eyes opened or "tuned" so as to take the "spin" out of his philosophy of life.
4
Really? We have a country under siege, our Presidency taken over by an unstable madman, who is either an unwitting agent of the Russians or an active participant. Congress is off in the ideological weeds, desperate to give money to those who need it the least, and to leave us the worst possible healthcare money won't buy... and this is what Brooks gives us?
The future will record: "Brooks fiddled while America burned."
The future will record: "Brooks fiddled while America burned."
13
Geez David why didn't you just officially sign off for the weekend early?
14
I take it from this vacuous article that the take home lesson is that Trump's latest tweetstorm outrage has struck Mr. Brooks dumb.
10
I love you David Brooks. Don't listen to the detractors. Why would anyone even take the time to write a negative comment about this article? It is lovely and insightful.
15
I have been a liberal as long as I can remember and never bothered to read anything written by a conservative. David Brooks with his commentaries on Friday's PBS News Hour and his column in NYT has changed my opinion and made me respect some conservatives even in this political environment. He has managed to differentiate conservatism from the right wing agenda better than anyone I have seen lately. I just wish more people from the right would pay attention to his interpretation than the administration's nonsense.
10
I agree, Mr. Brooks is meditating on life's pathways and I appreciate the departure. Lots of good press on current issues is contained in the NYTIMES but underneath it all there needs to be personal examination to bolster important choices that we are all faced with, so go for it David, and we Democrats could use you too.
5
David, you let me down, buddy!
America's healthcare system, and as a result a good chunk of its economy, is in a blender this week, and you got nuthin? You know what happens if we hit bottom in a blender, right?
Yes, the long holiday weekend is coming, but some insight from a thoughtful conservative might really, really help just now.
Holding on, just above the blades, til Tuesday...
America's healthcare system, and as a result a good chunk of its economy, is in a blender this week, and you got nuthin? You know what happens if we hit bottom in a blender, right?
Yes, the long holiday weekend is coming, but some insight from a thoughtful conservative might really, really help just now.
Holding on, just above the blades, til Tuesday...
18
Thank you thank you David.you are an intelligent man and you have many things to teach.I can't help but wonder what keeps you in the Republican Party,
With their cruelty and disregard for humanity.
Your metaphor is grand.
With their cruelty and disregard for humanity.
Your metaphor is grand.
10
The anger level is so high that a diversion from the usual solemn dissection of our political woes brings a gush of outrage. The Twitter effect? Not to give more cliched advice but - breathe.
8
I can't believe how much vinegary energy people can expend on a gentle David Brooks summer column that ends with a child carrying a bucket and shovel on the beach.
18
David brooks is a pretty smart guy but somehow remains somewhat conservative so,shall we say, lacking in the world of love for his fellow man. This must be why he delves into this topic which I believe most ..smart and caring people...have both the spinner and turner attributes.
4
Here's what David does. He finds someone, or himself, to divide human beings into two types. Sometimes three or four. Then he makes more generalizations, with a few anecdotes or names dropped to make the generalizations seem to have some actual use. He frequently, as a republican of even the vanishingly gentler kind will, makes a point regarding how bad it is to be needy and how good it is not to mind being poor or the like. Other times, it's just nothing at all, really. But he makes a good living either way. He did say one truthful, utile thing in this column, though: "all social categories of this type are vast generalizations and really just a form of conversational game playing." He should say that in the first sentence of every column he writes. And then stop right there.
37
David is at his best when he's transferring knowledge to the rest of us, and I enjoy learning about the interesting reads he's had lately. I remember a column he wrote years ago about how the institutions we attend and work for shape us and our views of the world, so we have an attachment and loyalty to them. It was a simple concept that I hadn't seen expressed in such a compact way. It made me look at the institution I worked for in a fresh way, and I realized how much I valued the mission of the institution. I even used that essay in my classes as an examination essay to be defended or attacked. Thanks, David, for passing along what you learn.
10
Okay, okay. I, too, was somewhat perplexed by the point of the article. It was overly simplistic and certainly may not have belonged in the opinion section. I kept waiting for it to slip into some sort of metaphor for the current divisive state of US and world politics. When that did not happen, all I could say was thank God for at least some small respite from our current political train wreck.
16
Thank god indeed.
I do think that bringing your own bucket to the fore is good advice, tho' - -
I do think that bringing your own bucket to the fore is good advice, tho' - -
3
Interesting column. For those who aren't too busy chastising Brooks for his conservatism (an easy target) there is some wisdom here.
Not all opinion columns have to be political, though this contains some wisdom for those who would choose to look at the politicians who are one or the other category. George Will writes his periodic baseball columns, for instance.
I'm grateful to read a thoughtful piece about something other than health care or presidential tweets from time to time. It's a broadly interesting world we live in. Not everything has to be reduced to politics or world events. My Liberal Arts education, which included philosophy, music and horticulture, among other things, taught me to be curious about the whole world, not to be narrow minded. Happy Fourth, everyone :)
Not all opinion columns have to be political, though this contains some wisdom for those who would choose to look at the politicians who are one or the other category. George Will writes his periodic baseball columns, for instance.
I'm grateful to read a thoughtful piece about something other than health care or presidential tweets from time to time. It's a broadly interesting world we live in. Not everything has to be reduced to politics or world events. My Liberal Arts education, which included philosophy, music and horticulture, among other things, taught me to be curious about the whole world, not to be narrow minded. Happy Fourth, everyone :)
18
Couldn't agree more! We truly need a respite from the everyday, and certainly from judgmental commentary that even readers cannot seem to escape. Keep it coming, David, and to the rest of us, well, lighten up!
5
Not only is this article very shallow, it is inaccurate. Most people are a combination of types at different places and times in their lives. I was very disappointed that I took the time to read even part of this.
55
This reads like a self-help book from the nineties. Are Spinners from Venus and Tuners from Mars? What a load of junk science.
38
You list samples from literature of subject spinners and narrator tuners and you don't include Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson? For shame!
An interesting challenge to an aspiring writer would be to write a novel with the roles reversed.
An interesting challenge to an aspiring writer would be to write a novel with the roles reversed.
2
The attempt to classify people as single trait individuals without depth or degree is "fake news". It's just an oversimplification of a very difficult task.
18
And while we are using examples of well-known people as prototypes, I think President Obama was another example of someone who could both be both gregarious and a listener and supporter.
19
Thank you David, for this finely tuned spun yarn. I'd put you in the great company of Stephen Colbert and Bill Clinton.
1
David Brooks, you are such a reading man! thanks, for this column; it was a little different and reminded me that I can think of something else for a change, other than gee this is dire. Have a happy 4th yourself, and if you read your comments section, please do me a favor and read Viking Economics and write about it!
I am a liberal Democrat, but I always enjoy and get something out of your columns and point of view. My favorite columnist of all time is actually George Will. You both often force me to think, which is a good thing.
I am a liberal Democrat, but I always enjoy and get something out of your columns and point of view. My favorite columnist of all time is actually George Will. You both often force me to think, which is a good thing.
4
From the DISC model it seems you are describing the "I" and the "S". The "I" being more interactive and interesting and the "S" being more sympathetic and supportive.
1
"On the other hand, there are some projectors whose primary attachment is to some psychosis, some emotional or narcissistic wound. They project outward from that. I add this distinction because every social typology has to have a slot for Donald Trump."
Bottom line -We have 40 million plus americans who tuned in to a dangerous slothful incompetent man/child -whose resume was exclusively as a real estate shyster - AND spun it out as our commander in chief.
Ta da!
Bottom line -We have 40 million plus americans who tuned in to a dangerous slothful incompetent man/child -whose resume was exclusively as a real estate shyster - AND spun it out as our commander in chief.
Ta da!
8
Haters gonna hate....
Wonderful piece. In light of recent president tweet poopstorm, i am refreshed and inspired. Reminds me of the TED talk on how to start a movement. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for reminding us there remains thoughtfulness, decency and kindness in the world.
Wonderful piece. In light of recent president tweet poopstorm, i am refreshed and inspired. Reminds me of the TED talk on how to start a movement. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for reminding us there remains thoughtfulness, decency and kindness in the world.
7
Why is this piece on the op-ed page? Brook's recent pieces belong either in the Style pages or the Science Times.
6
It's an opinion piece. Opinion pieces belong on the op-ed page. Opinion pieces don't have to be political to be opinions. George Will, for instance, writes great opinion pieces about baseball. Kristof writes great pieces about nature, etc.
7
Mr. Brooks, you were actually paid to write this?
17
I think I'm a spinner. Oh wait no that's just my eyes continuously rolling after reading this pablum.
31
I'm paying $15 per month for a digital subscription for this drivel? Why doesn't the NY Times get some new writers, and not the retreaded conservatives of recent addition. This article is pathetic. His own political party, which he helped create and direct, is in the midst of killing millions of Americans as a matter of policy, and what occupies Brooks' mind is the nonsense of spinners and tuners.
57
Reminder to Mr. Brooks: You are a columnist, not a shrink. Enough of the psychobabble.
20
Did I miss something? Isn't this just a piece about extroverts and introverts?
Will next week's piece by Brooks be about some other faddish intellectuals categorization of people as either "farmers," who get up early and work hard till sundown or "'musicians," who prefer to sleep late and are at their best in the evening? (The fact that we already have names for morning people and nite owls will be conveniently unmentioned.)
If Cass Sunstein wants to slap his own label on previously established work, and David Brooks wants to write about it as a breakthrough, I suppose they are free to do so. The NY Times, however, is not free. We pay for it and have a right to expect something better than this recycled drivel.
Will next week's piece by Brooks be about some other faddish intellectuals categorization of people as either "farmers," who get up early and work hard till sundown or "'musicians," who prefer to sleep late and are at their best in the evening? (The fact that we already have names for morning people and nite owls will be conveniently unmentioned.)
If Cass Sunstein wants to slap his own label on previously established work, and David Brooks wants to write about it as a breakthrough, I suppose they are free to do so. The NY Times, however, is not free. We pay for it and have a right to expect something better than this recycled drivel.
40
Oh, gosh, thanks, David.
Now I know how to get/make friends. I know how to divide the world of dizzying, diverse people into two simple categories.
Wasn't ';t it Einstein who said "keep it simple, but not too simple."
Now I know how to get/make friends. I know how to divide the world of dizzying, diverse people into two simple categories.
Wasn't ';t it Einstein who said "keep it simple, but not too simple."
13
There are two kinds of writers in the world, those that make a living at it and those who stopped saying that they were. I imagine that it ain't never been such an easy business to be in, but it sure beats some of the other options.
Continued Blessings
Continued Blessings
Another Brooks column which is the written equivalent of holding his hands over his ears and screaming "na, na, na, na" to avoid talking about the cynical if not criminal misbehavior of leaders in his chosen political party.
4
David Brooks, I'm a lifelong, bleeding-heart liberal, but I love you. The more daft D.C. becomes, the more your rational, analytical voice is needed.
1
Why in the world would a relationship with a "tuner" have more drama? It's the "spinners" who are addicted to drama.
Surely you can't already have forgotten about No-Drama Obama?
Surely you can't already have forgotten about No-Drama Obama?
For a long time now, my web browser had been showing ads for those little spinning tops from Canada, which I attribute to the time I spend reading political news and editorials, in which the word "spin" is likely to appear. Either that, or the advertisers have keyed in on anxiety and stress relief as relevant themes.
At long last, however, I realize that I need to get my piano tuned, and that relief is just a click away.
This was a genuinely helpful and informative article by Mr. Brooks. I'm hoping he can do something related to house cleaning, maybe as a political metaphor. His mild language is especially suited to drawing ads that people can relate to, and a credit to the Times.
At long last, however, I realize that I need to get my piano tuned, and that relief is just a click away.
This was a genuinely helpful and informative article by Mr. Brooks. I'm hoping he can do something related to house cleaning, maybe as a political metaphor. His mild language is especially suited to drawing ads that people can relate to, and a credit to the Times.
1
I like the photo though.
5
Obviously, those critics who must have their bi-weekly anti-Trump David Brooks fix haven't read any of Brooks' books, none of which are political polemics. Mr. Book's search for understanding life is pretty interesting and good mind food.
2
Now class, let's get out those materials so we can start weaving those baskets of conservative nonsense. We might be able to weave together a basket of deplorables who believe that people can be divided into two categories.
The two categories of people I would like to see discussed by conservative pundits are: the stupid who believe the fairy tale about supply side, compassionate conservatives; and the not so stupid who would like to see America work for everyone again.
The two categories of people I would like to see discussed by conservative pundits are: the stupid who believe the fairy tale about supply side, compassionate conservatives; and the not so stupid who would like to see America work for everyone again.
7
i agree with a poster below: Another inane Brooks column where he attempts all manner of sociological observations from his pinched, "voted GOP for decades" position. Like when he waxes about hipsters on the streets of New York.
Could not The New York Times Opinion page do without this pap? The last year has seen him go on an on about how ugly the GOP is these days. Who made it that way Brooks? As far a knowing social nuances as some kind of culture maven, I really doubt it. Mostly Brooks is depressing, especially since he can't even talk about his pet subject much these days: American conservatism. Even he knows it's in the toilet. So we get this. Yuk.
Could not The New York Times Opinion page do without this pap? The last year has seen him go on an on about how ugly the GOP is these days. Who made it that way Brooks? As far a knowing social nuances as some kind of culture maven, I really doubt it. Mostly Brooks is depressing, especially since he can't even talk about his pet subject much these days: American conservatism. Even he knows it's in the toilet. So we get this. Yuk.
9
Nice thought. Have a great 4th.
"Now, of course, all social categories of this type are vast generalizations and really just a form of conversational game playing. But if you look around at your friends, or at the world’s celebrities, I do think you’ll find some people who seem to be good spinners...."
This skill at telling people something is wrong then inviting them to do it anyway cause "it really aint that bad" and "everyone does it anyway", is the basis of the behind the scenes machinations of political hacks like Rove and Norquist or the people in Cults who move about among the acolytes to reinfoce the dogma, enforce adherence and detect those who still think for themselves for re-education or possible removal. Adding in the names of famous people is a very common ploy of making associations that make people feel good.
The rest follows the same pattern.
I wonder, did you know what you were doing David? Were you spinning for us? Or was this an attempt at tuning?
This skill at telling people something is wrong then inviting them to do it anyway cause "it really aint that bad" and "everyone does it anyway", is the basis of the behind the scenes machinations of political hacks like Rove and Norquist or the people in Cults who move about among the acolytes to reinfoce the dogma, enforce adherence and detect those who still think for themselves for re-education or possible removal. Adding in the names of famous people is a very common ploy of making associations that make people feel good.
The rest follows the same pattern.
I wonder, did you know what you were doing David? Were you spinning for us? Or was this an attempt at tuning?
1
Well, if this is what comes out of Aspen, it's not worth the airfare. But I suppose it's a (very) small distraction from the constitutional crisis of a mentally ill President.
10
This is satire on Brooks from The Onion?
14
Too much or too little spinning or tuning is vice.
I don't know about whether spinners or tuners make better spouses. But I do know this: marry someone who loves you so much that they fight on your behalf for what is your good and not what is pleasant for you except in those cases where what is pleasant for you coincides with the good. And you had better not marry unless you love your partner enough to do the same or the distribution of the good will be inequitable, eventually causing faction. We are all of us poorer judges of our own situation than we like to think. Who better to fall in love with than someone who can do for us those things which our blindness to our own condition prevents us from seeing that we cannot?
Happy Fourth of July, David!
I don't know about whether spinners or tuners make better spouses. But I do know this: marry someone who loves you so much that they fight on your behalf for what is your good and not what is pleasant for you except in those cases where what is pleasant for you coincides with the good. And you had better not marry unless you love your partner enough to do the same or the distribution of the good will be inequitable, eventually causing faction. We are all of us poorer judges of our own situation than we like to think. Who better to fall in love with than someone who can do for us those things which our blindness to our own condition prevents us from seeing that we cannot?
Happy Fourth of July, David!
2
There are 2 kinds of columns in opinion section of the NYT. Those that are sensible and those that are completely ludicrous. Yup.
8
I suppose this stuff passes for deep insight, as does Ayn Rand in some circles. These columns remind me of the self-help plaques people hang on the wall - "Today is the first day of the rest of your life", "Live each day like it's your last", etc., forgotten 30 seconds after they are read. Now we've got "Go into every social situation with your bucket..."...Yawn.
7
Holy Cow, some of these comments are vicious! It's a nice light piece with some interesting observations, perfect for a summer day. Why are so many people getting their underpants tied into knots over it? Relax folks, not everything has to be quantum physics or a political analysis.
26
There are people who conclude they know what a newspaper column is all about, and poor-mouth it to raise themselves by diminishing someone else. Often identified by responses that relate to the title but have no connection to or awareness of the contents of the piece. Remember gentle readers, titles for columns are the work of editors, not the writers!
There are people who pose questions to lead others to something they want to share- no judgement on why they might want to share, just an observation. There are some people who pose questions to keep the conversation moving, to form connections, or even to encourage someone else to join in.
Mr. Brooks' essay does not advocate for a zero-sum, binary division of people, and responses that denounce him for doing so convey more about the responder than this essay. Or Brooks' work in general.
There are people who pose questions to lead others to something they want to share- no judgement on why they might want to share, just an observation. There are some people who pose questions to keep the conversation moving, to form connections, or even to encourage someone else to join in.
Mr. Brooks' essay does not advocate for a zero-sum, binary division of people, and responses that denounce him for doing so convey more about the responder than this essay. Or Brooks' work in general.
1
My favorite column of yours, Mr. Brooks. I always admire your thoughtfulness, civility and the range of your interests, even as I sometimes find your conclusions and solutions a bit conservative. Happy Independence Day to you and to all readers.
2
Excellent piece, refreshing. As an empath and a manic depressive, they are not related, I can thrive in both the presence of social exuberance and the realm of introspection and empathy. It is good to be able to see and appreciate the world from both sides.
Not much different than a Meyers Briggs assessment, a balance of personality traits makes the world go round. They all have redeeming aspects, well, almost. I have yet to find any good to come from the destructive insecurity of a malignant narcissist.
Still, like Mr Brooks said, as a society, we still must account for them, especially when they hold the reins of the most powerful country in the world.
Not much different than a Meyers Briggs assessment, a balance of personality traits makes the world go round. They all have redeeming aspects, well, almost. I have yet to find any good to come from the destructive insecurity of a malignant narcissist.
Still, like Mr Brooks said, as a society, we still must account for them, especially when they hold the reins of the most powerful country in the world.
1
Maybe spinners and turners can solve the health care problem, reduce number of people addicted to alcohol and drugs, get people moving, reading and less TV/internet. Right now the country needs practical policies not horoscopes.
2
Apropos tuners, you forgot Teri Gross.
1
Your descriptions seem pertinent i understanding introverts, perhaps more than extroverts, the latter that seems to be the soul of any party, in control of being out of control, an abhorrent thought for the former. But when you mentioned vulgar Trump, a psychopath, we are facing with a severe condition of 'lack of scruples' and in the sole interest of it's ego, willing to say, and do, anything to gain favor at any given moment in time, the consequences be damned. This is usually tolerated in a diversified society where the common good is not jeopardized by one insecure and destructive personality. But if allowed to exercise power over others, it is abused to no end...until stopped by the forces of good. Both introverts and extroverts are necessary for a well-functioning polity, so that sociopaths can be identified and confined to modest roles for the least damage. You must see "bullying" as a sign of immaturity, insecurity and cowardice.
There comes a time as you get older, when you look back and assess your life's work. Sometimes this process is expedited by external events.
Hopefully, you find you have made valuable contributions to your loved ones, acquaintances, and society in general. Unfortunately, sometimes you find that you have, through sophistry and lack of integrity, spent your professional career supporting the destruction of the social good, in favor of politicians whose goal is personal wealth and indiscriminate application of power.
Then in desperation you stop looking at society, politics, and democracy, and isolate yourself in painless analysis of personal interactions, and self-improvement models. Withdrawal into meditation is simpler than saying you were wrong and you are sorry.
Hopefully, you find you have made valuable contributions to your loved ones, acquaintances, and society in general. Unfortunately, sometimes you find that you have, through sophistry and lack of integrity, spent your professional career supporting the destruction of the social good, in favor of politicians whose goal is personal wealth and indiscriminate application of power.
Then in desperation you stop looking at society, politics, and democracy, and isolate yourself in painless analysis of personal interactions, and self-improvement models. Withdrawal into meditation is simpler than saying you were wrong and you are sorry.
5
Right. We can tell the character of actors by the roles they play. What a bunch of pedantic nonsense. Why am I not surprised?
1
This piece of fluff convinced me I’m probably a tuner, as in “tuned out.”
1
David Brooks, I feel like you've lost it along with the rest of us. This presidency is depressing. Happy Fourth.
3
There are also the rugged individualists who lack the gifts of empathy and sympathy required in order to be either a spinner of a tuner.
Hence, Mr. Brooks, cruel outcomes of current Republican policies should surprise no one, not even you.
Most Republicans are committed to market fundamentalism, to minimally fettered capitalism. Their economic principles are virtually identical with those undergirding the economic decisions of a Mafia don.
Far too many Republicans are regressives: Malthusians and Social Darwinians who, if the had their druthers, would return us to the robber baron glories of the Gilded Age. They lack communal sympathies and worship rugged individualism. They frequently masquerade as devout Christians but their god is Mammon. Mammon's high priests and priestesses are all rugged, atomistic individualists, self-made and in no need of any loyalty that extends beyond the transactional.
They are blind to the fact that capitalism's invisible hand is attached to a very powerful plutocratic arm and not infrequently serves at the bidding of a greedy, kleptocratic and reptilian brain.
Their watchwords: Trust no one and the Devil take the hindmost.
They are not the sorts likely to be the life of any party or to throw one for a vast multitude of others.
Hence, Mr. Brooks, cruel outcomes of current Republican policies should surprise no one, not even you.
Most Republicans are committed to market fundamentalism, to minimally fettered capitalism. Their economic principles are virtually identical with those undergirding the economic decisions of a Mafia don.
Far too many Republicans are regressives: Malthusians and Social Darwinians who, if the had their druthers, would return us to the robber baron glories of the Gilded Age. They lack communal sympathies and worship rugged individualism. They frequently masquerade as devout Christians but their god is Mammon. Mammon's high priests and priestesses are all rugged, atomistic individualists, self-made and in no need of any loyalty that extends beyond the transactional.
They are blind to the fact that capitalism's invisible hand is attached to a very powerful plutocratic arm and not infrequently serves at the bidding of a greedy, kleptocratic and reptilian brain.
Their watchwords: Trust no one and the Devil take the hindmost.
They are not the sorts likely to be the life of any party or to throw one for a vast multitude of others.
2
Strange coincidence. Whenever the GOP is in serious trouble, Mr. Brooks seems to fancy himself an armchair sociologist who needn't bother discussing politics...
6
Life is like a box of chocolates
And of course David's analysis also implies there are, among other profound categories, "good" people and "bad" people. And "Deserving" socially constructive people, and "Undeserving" socially destructive people.
This it's obvious that what David is subtly communicating in this elegant allegory is that the seemingly moral indefensible Republicans health care plan to give everything to already-super rich people can be interpreted with a different perspective, that the "good" "rich" 'spinners" and the "good" "rich" "tuners" should get all the money, and the "bad" "deservedly poor" "spinners" and "bad" "deservedly poor" "tuners" should lose their health and their lives, because pop psychology says it is so and is there any other evidence worth looking at? No, it seems not. Play on the beach and enjoy the world you have helped to create
And of course David's analysis also implies there are, among other profound categories, "good" people and "bad" people. And "Deserving" socially constructive people, and "Undeserving" socially destructive people.
This it's obvious that what David is subtly communicating in this elegant allegory is that the seemingly moral indefensible Republicans health care plan to give everything to already-super rich people can be interpreted with a different perspective, that the "good" "rich" 'spinners" and the "good" "rich" "tuners" should get all the money, and the "bad" "deservedly poor" "spinners" and "bad" "deservedly poor" "tuners" should lose their health and their lives, because pop psychology says it is so and is there any other evidence worth looking at? No, it seems not. Play on the beach and enjoy the world you have helped to create
3
Nice spin on tuners.
3
A huge cohort of the population has some degree of mental illness. Now, we all have problems and we all have aspects of our personalities that make us different from others, but that is not what I mean.
According to one estimate I read, 1 in 5 people you meet is a sociopath, meaning that he or she can harm others in various ways and feel nothing, no guilt, no concern, nothing. Then there are people who take pleasure from harming others, who see someone wounded by their words or actions and exclaim inside, "That's it!"
The social and maladjustment problems we face in this country are propelled in large part because we start life (most of us) with no wealth or social standing. We are a jealous people and some are wildly jealous, always looking over the shoulder at who has what, who can claim what distinction and being ready to put that person down to make themselves feel better.
We adore celebrities because they have risen so far above the common pile that we are able to see them as something far different from ourselves, visitors from outer space. We don't have to worry about them because most realize they could never be one.
I do wonder if there is a general American psychosis, a mal de Americian, born of our grasping for wealth and status and beating up ourselves incessantly if we fall short. Ego tripping is particularly acute in cities like DC, New York, LA, San Francisco. The best solution, I think, is to relax and be yourself, let it rip.
According to one estimate I read, 1 in 5 people you meet is a sociopath, meaning that he or she can harm others in various ways and feel nothing, no guilt, no concern, nothing. Then there are people who take pleasure from harming others, who see someone wounded by their words or actions and exclaim inside, "That's it!"
The social and maladjustment problems we face in this country are propelled in large part because we start life (most of us) with no wealth or social standing. We are a jealous people and some are wildly jealous, always looking over the shoulder at who has what, who can claim what distinction and being ready to put that person down to make themselves feel better.
We adore celebrities because they have risen so far above the common pile that we are able to see them as something far different from ourselves, visitors from outer space. We don't have to worry about them because most realize they could never be one.
I do wonder if there is a general American psychosis, a mal de Americian, born of our grasping for wealth and status and beating up ourselves incessantly if we fall short. Ego tripping is particularly acute in cities like DC, New York, LA, San Francisco. The best solution, I think, is to relax and be yourself, let it rip.
1
With all the name-dropping due a serious social climber, I thought for a moment we were reading the roster of Democratic Party donors hired by the special prosecutor hired to investigate the Russians-in-the-trees scare already dismissed by CNN leadership (cf. Van Jones.)
We all need to possess both social skills our writer mentions. Those lucky enough to have grown up south of the Ohio River or in the Mountain Time Zone have then in spades. We call it being raised right - but I can easily see why our coastals need this explained to them in black & white.
We all need to possess both social skills our writer mentions. Those lucky enough to have grown up south of the Ohio River or in the Mountain Time Zone have then in spades. We call it being raised right - but I can easily see why our coastals need this explained to them in black & white.
Being raised "right" also means not insulting millions of people on both coasts with one statement.
2
I was raised in Washington, DC and carry both myself, as do most of my liberal progressive friends. Who's acting the snob now? Balance is not restricted to any one geographic, socio-economic or cultural group. Expand your own vision before you go poking out the eyes of others.
Okay all you Bible thumpers out there, all those who tend to take things literally, has it occurred to you that Mr, Brooks knows his thinking is over simplified, but there is a basic truth to it. There's enough to ponder on. And at least it wasn't about politics! Thanks all the gods that may exist for today's column.
2
David, since the election you've become very introspective and philosophical; maybe you need to take a break and write a book, or just breathe for a while. Your long held conservative values and beliefs are no longer relevant in this new republican America, and there is no going back to a kinder, gentler conservatism. It would be nice to see a real conservative hold the current establishment's feet to the flames, but you don't seem to be up to the task, so good luck on your new life's path!
7
OK OK So what category do you put Trump in?? I'm waiting with baited breath.
3
This is what happens when you procrastinate on your column until the last minute.
6
Then there are tho how obfuscate, masquerading as intellectuals to retired away from the disasters they have helped to great. Brooks and Will head the list.
2
Do we really get to choose?
The 4 year old boy in the example is not making a conscious choice.
Having said that, with knowledge and effort, we can sometimes change our actions somewhat.
The 4 year old boy in the example is not making a conscious choice.
Having said that, with knowledge and effort, we can sometimes change our actions somewhat.
I appreciate it when you share interesting ways of looking at humans and how we create society. It means a lot to be reminded that we actually have choice, and with some self-reflection, we can make more positive and empowering choices.
Thank you!
Thank you!
2
EVER UP FOR DUALISTIC Thinking, I enjoyed reading David Brooks's piece. The notion of a spinner brings to mind the notion of putting a political spin on things. While a tuner brings to mind tuning in, as in tuning in to oneself and others. Most of us are hard wired to relate across the spectrum between tune and spin; in some way, both functions may require the involvement of both mirror and spindle cells. I rather like Isaiah Berlin's philosophical notions of the hedgehog and the fox, where the typologies are related to perspective. Foxes see things from many different viewpoints, cleverly as foxes do. While the hedgehog sees things from one specific vantage point, since their universe involves hiding under a hedge to gaze upon the world. So, tune or spin as we may, we humans will continue being communicators. David Gergen spoke of the Reagan White House's idea that what sells the steak is the sizzle. There's something greasy and smoky about that notion, neither of which has to do with the meat of the matter. Making our way in this world requires many varied and different encounters and situations. We cope as we may, tuners, spinners, foxes, hedgehogs, steaks or sizzles.
When I'm in the shower I'm wet. But when I come out I'm dry. Plato understood this dualism of man of course, and St Thomas Aquinas wrote incisively on the limits of man's reach in his famous treatise "Lord, where did thou placeth thine towel?"
5
And how does this map onto foxes and hedgehogs? Just asking.
3
There are only two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people and those who don't.
7
I once told my children that there are two types of people: Berts and Ernies. They looked at me and said, "What about you mom, you're an Oscar."
5
You might do better to explore the work of Myers-Briggs.
Great article, David! Have a terrific 4th.
3
I appreciate your lesson for the week. I love Sherry Turkle's work; you described a social category she had observed, part of which was, the boy who doesn't have a bucket and is needy for the bucket of others. When will Americans collectively recoil from this kid?
2
As always, I love Mr. Brooks' attempt to dig into a layered cultural issue. However, in this case, I'm left wondering what the difference is between spinner/tuner and extrovert/introvert. A distinction would have been nice, as otherwise it felt a little buzzword-y.
1
David Brooks is at his best here, a keen social commentator. I will save this article and refer to it from time to time as I try to be the little boy on the beach with the shovel and the bucket, happy alone, but ready to share when the opportunity arises. Bravo!
2
Going with the signal simile, Donald Trump is a stream of very loud, very offensive white noise with periodic pops of peevish static.
4
Well everyone is a critic. I am a tuner and I married a spinner. This column made me smile.
1
David Brooks said spinners; I thought he meant the fidget toys they sell at gas stations now. One of us seems a bit out of touch.
2
This from an "eminent" law professor and commentary from a nationally syndicated columnist? "Insipid and Vapid." Or, "Distinction and Difference."
In my journalism days, we'd call this a waste of ink.
In my journalism days, we'd call this a waste of ink.
7
Without the myth of the superiority of the Republican parties' ideology to promote,(because they have shown the world what a bunch of know nothing, greedy and cruel monsters they are), Mr. Brooks resorts to a professors,(from a liberal elitist institution I might add), version of astrology.
7
Ok, that's it. You've had a god run at the Times, David, but it's obvious you don't want to be here anymore. This is not a slow time for news stories. It's the most interesting time for news reporting I've seen since 9-11 (reverse correlation between interesting news and good times for the nation). But 80% of what you provide are these minor-league book reports disconnected from current events.
I've been rooting for you. Your columns used to have the promise of a clear-eyed moderate view (although they usually took a turn at the end into a deeply-held pre-conceived notion relating to religion or social structures). But this is too much. Columns about marriage, about tuners and spinners, about minor social radicals of a century ago? This is not what you should be doing. You're not as bad as the power-hungry Republican enablers, but you're in the same ballpark, you are doing the same thing.
Stop it. Please write real columns about real issues of today, or find something else to do with your and our time.
I've been rooting for you. Your columns used to have the promise of a clear-eyed moderate view (although they usually took a turn at the end into a deeply-held pre-conceived notion relating to religion or social structures). But this is too much. Columns about marriage, about tuners and spinners, about minor social radicals of a century ago? This is not what you should be doing. You're not as bad as the power-hungry Republican enablers, but you're in the same ballpark, you are doing the same thing.
Stop it. Please write real columns about real issues of today, or find something else to do with your and our time.
7
"You've had a god run at the Times, David." Freudian slip?
"...and a few lucky souls who are strong at both ends (I’m looking at you Stephen Colbert and Bill Clinton).
Spinning and tuning are different kinds of courage — the courage to be adventurous and the courage to be intimate."
The thing about narcissists is that they are very good at feigning the characteristics of a turner - intimacy/caring about what others think. But that intimacy is only self-serving imitation of what they perceive you want from them. I suspect that Bill Clinton is not really both a spinner and a tuner. Rather, as will all supreme narcissist, he is a spinner who knows that, to further his own ends, he needs to read you well enough to imitate intimacy. But it is an expression of intimacy that is calculated to benefit himself rather than support you.
Spinning and tuning are different kinds of courage — the courage to be adventurous and the courage to be intimate."
The thing about narcissists is that they are very good at feigning the characteristics of a turner - intimacy/caring about what others think. But that intimacy is only self-serving imitation of what they perceive you want from them. I suspect that Bill Clinton is not really both a spinner and a tuner. Rather, as will all supreme narcissist, he is a spinner who knows that, to further his own ends, he needs to read you well enough to imitate intimacy. But it is an expression of intimacy that is calculated to benefit himself rather than support you.
2
"Be a spinner when life’s going good, a tuner when things go down"?
Why suggest that "tuning" is a "down" option?
Sorry, that question suggests this whole exercise isn't a waste of time.
Why suggest that "tuning" is a "down" option?
Sorry, that question suggests this whole exercise isn't a waste of time.
3
Mr. Brooks has now mined the opinions of Cass Sunstein for all they're worth. When your pop psychology takes you to the point of dividing everyone on the planet into just two categories, it's time to find a new favorite. On the other hand, banging out a column in 20 minutes and being paid handsomely for same is nice work if you can get it.
11
Mr. Brooks, http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/lin-manuel-mirandas-ham4all-cha... you've written more than a few columns that I have found to be just nonsense. However, I must give credit where credit is due. This column reaches new heights. It is difficult to imagine that you can, in the future, write a column more nonsensicle than this. Congratulations, Sir!
6
The spinner and tuner, well maybe, but there just might be a third category. The "bloviator".
From the Urban Dictionary.
1. A public figure, such as a politician who makes outlandish, strident statements on issues, ......
2. Someone who pontificates about issues of which they are uninformed, yet pretend to be expert.
3. Pompous blowhard, using their celebrity to speak about topics on which they are totally unqualified.
Any guesses on who might fit that category?
From the Urban Dictionary.
1. A public figure, such as a politician who makes outlandish, strident statements on issues, ......
2. Someone who pontificates about issues of which they are uninformed, yet pretend to be expert.
3. Pompous blowhard, using their celebrity to speak about topics on which they are totally unqualified.
Any guesses on who might fit that category?
so, in conclusion, stumpy should apologize and then resign....
2
This is what we get in the middle of chaos and grifting, a column on spinning?
Anything to avoid the truth!
Anything to avoid the truth!
2
How does all this translate into the generation we are raising of young people who are overprogrammed with competitive activities in sport, music, and other extracurricular endeavors and who communicate primarily by text, not conversation, and by twitter and Facebook? Where do they fit in?
There are two schools of thought. The ‘European school’ in which everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds and The Other School in which everything is for the worst in the worst of all possible worlds. Deep thinkers like Sir Alfred Lyall once claimed “Accuracy is abhorrent to the Oriental mind. Every Anglo-Indian should always remember that maxim”. Want of accuracy, which easily degenerates into untruthfulness, is in fact a characteristic of the Oriental mind.
The European is a close reasoner; his statements of fact are devoid of ambiguity; he is a natural logician, albeit he may not have studied logic; he is by nature sceptical and requires proof before he can accept the truth of any proposition; his trained intelligence works like a piece of mechanism. The mind of the Oriental, on the other hand, like his picturesque streets, is eminently wanting in symmetry. His reasoning is of the most slipshod description. Although the ancient Arabs acquired in a somewhat higher degree the science of dialectics, their descendants are singularly deficient in the logical faculty. They are often incapable of drawing the most obvious conclusions from any simple premises of which they may admit the truth.”
Dear David, Could you help me to fit the USA into this simplistic categorisation? I believe it is the White Man’s Burden to be a close reasoner
The European is a close reasoner; his statements of fact are devoid of ambiguity; he is a natural logician, albeit he may not have studied logic; he is by nature sceptical and requires proof before he can accept the truth of any proposition; his trained intelligence works like a piece of mechanism. The mind of the Oriental, on the other hand, like his picturesque streets, is eminently wanting in symmetry. His reasoning is of the most slipshod description. Although the ancient Arabs acquired in a somewhat higher degree the science of dialectics, their descendants are singularly deficient in the logical faculty. They are often incapable of drawing the most obvious conclusions from any simple premises of which they may admit the truth.”
Dear David, Could you help me to fit the USA into this simplistic categorisation? I believe it is the White Man’s Burden to be a close reasoner
1
Is this a parody of a David Brooks column, or a real column?
4
Only one gripe this time, Mr. Brooks. We were skating along just fine, spinning and tuning and I thought the dreaded Groper in Chief's name would not enter this conversation, but there he was, an unavoidable, soul wearying part of everyday discourse. His debased mind seems to have entered our psyches and won't go away.
Thanks for tuning me in, mostly.
Thanks for tuning me in, mostly.
2
Spinner? Tuner? Projector? Donald Trump? You too have a nice 4th of July. I will be flying my Amerikan Flag UP-SIDE-DOWN.
1
"Now, of course, all social categories of this type are vast generalizations and really just a form of conversational game playing. But if you look around at your friends, or at the world’s celebrities, I do think you’ll find some people who seem to be good spinners...."
This skill at telling people something is wrong then inviting them to do it anyway cause "it really aint that bad" and "everyone does it anyway", is the basis of the behind the scenes machinations of political hacks like Rove and Norquist or the people in Cults who move about among the acolytes to reinforce the dogma, enforce adherence and detect those who still think for themselves for re-education or possible removal. Adding in the names of famous people is a very common ploy of making associations that make people feel good.
The rest follows the same pattern.
I wonder, did you know what you were doing David? Were you spinning for us? Or was this an attempt at tuning?
Trump is a sad sack adult survivor of child abuse who is in denial that the abuse took place.
Yada Yada Yada Filler. Have a nice, safe, fourth everyone.
This skill at telling people something is wrong then inviting them to do it anyway cause "it really aint that bad" and "everyone does it anyway", is the basis of the behind the scenes machinations of political hacks like Rove and Norquist or the people in Cults who move about among the acolytes to reinforce the dogma, enforce adherence and detect those who still think for themselves for re-education or possible removal. Adding in the names of famous people is a very common ploy of making associations that make people feel good.
The rest follows the same pattern.
I wonder, did you know what you were doing David? Were you spinning for us? Or was this an attempt at tuning?
Trump is a sad sack adult survivor of child abuse who is in denial that the abuse took place.
Yada Yada Yada Filler. Have a nice, safe, fourth everyone.
The spinner and tuner, well maybe, but there just might be a third category. The "bloviator".
Bloviator; from the dictionary.
1. A public figure, such as a politician who makes outlandish, strident statements on issues, ......
2. Someone who pontificates about issues of which they are uninformed, yet pretend to be expert.
3. Pompous blowhard, using their celebrity to speak about topics on which they are totally unqualified.
Any guesses on who might fit that category?
Bloviator; from the dictionary.
1. A public figure, such as a politician who makes outlandish, strident statements on issues, ......
2. Someone who pontificates about issues of which they are uninformed, yet pretend to be expert.
3. Pompous blowhard, using their celebrity to speak about topics on which they are totally unqualified.
Any guesses on who might fit that category?
1
Mr. Brooks is generally among my favorite, most thoughtful columnists, but this strikes me as pure jabberwocky. Nice try.
2
As I read further into the article I thought, hey maybe no mention of the psycho in chief. Then there it was. I think I'm an anti-social tuner. Is that possible?
Considering the more crucial issues one could address, this is one of the mos vapid and empty columns I have ever read.
4
Oh David, blah, blah, blah. F'r instance, "in the middle of a deep conversation the tuner will ask those extra four or five questions, the way good listeners do." In truth, ask any used car salesman and he/she will tell you that the person who asks the questions has the power. In my experience I have found that to be true and my relationships have deepened since I stopped with the questions - even the empathetic, compassionate variety. And stop trying to divide the world in such a binary way. Life is more interesting and complex than that. Your approach is just complicated and, I have to say this, simple minded.
38
David - I'm going to give you some love here because you are bound to get an awful lot of flack, if the comments already posted are any indication. First off, I love your writing and intellect. Your generalizations help frame our experience, yet you provide enough caveats to let us know that you understand the limitation of what you propose. The "spinners" and "tuners" you describe remind me of the "blonds" and "brunettes" sketched in your wholly underappreciated 2004 book, "On Paradise Drive." "Blonds" go about life with very few cares in the world, they are much like "spinners," and "brunettes" think an whole lot, a la "tuners." All of it - spinners, tuners, blonds, and brunettes - is pithy, albeit a bit frothy. I guess its what I would expect at a July 4th BBQ or at that pool talking with friends. I say, you are allowed some frothiness every now and then. Thanks for the piece. You continue to be one of the only Republican's I respect, and a public intellectual that merits the platform you have been given. Thank you for sharing your thinking.
101
With a life partner, the difference may be more of degree than kind. Two people may see themselves as different types, but others see them as the same type.
1
I actually enjoyed this piece. Is that weird? It was refreshing to read about psychology for a change, rather than politics. At least Brooks isn't attempting to defend Trump's latest inexcusable behavior or that mess of a healthcare bill.
Also, he wasn't saying that everyone is either a tuner or a spinner -- just that some people fall into one of those categories, and some people fall into both. Though I do agree that it falls a little too close to Republicans' urge to categorize everyone into deserving or undeserving off arbitrary details.
Also, he wasn't saying that everyone is either a tuner or a spinner -- just that some people fall into one of those categories, and some people fall into both. Though I do agree that it falls a little too close to Republicans' urge to categorize everyone into deserving or undeserving off arbitrary details.
4
Another inane David Brooks column in which he over-generalizes from scant and superficial observations. He writes this drivel even as he acknowledges that "all social categories of this type are vast generalizations and really just a form of conversational game playing." Social science and psychology are hard enough to get right without injecting these fluffy suppositions about the personalities of celebrities and historical persons the author has never met.
But maybe I am over-reacting. Maybe Mr. Brooks intended this as a light and breezy summer read at the beach, to be forgotten as soon as the next wave crashes and then recedes.
But maybe I am over-reacting. Maybe Mr. Brooks intended this as a light and breezy summer read at the beach, to be forgotten as soon as the next wave crashes and then recedes.
12
Lighten up a little bit. If one takes everything too seriously, life can lose its joy.
I liked the column and it made me think of myself and the people that surround me. It may sound fluffy and superficial if you're looking for something else, but take it at face value and realize not everything needs to be about trumps new scandal, war, protests.. etc.
I liked the column and it made me think of myself and the people that surround me. It may sound fluffy and superficial if you're looking for something else, but take it at face value and realize not everything needs to be about trumps new scandal, war, protests.. etc.
Maybe I just didn't expect this from Brooks. He usually seems to be on the wrong side of the planet and misses the chance to dialog with the "Little Prince". But on this one, I think, cut the guy some slack.
I don't like to over-categorize people but your column gives food for thought. Maybe some people tend to spin more than tune. Maybe some people are outgoing in some settings, inward in others. I'm saying that these may be less fixed ways of dealing in the world than skill sets that can be honed or not. Sometimes your writing gets very philosophical and wandering but that takes a certain kind of courage, too. Happy day, Mr. Brooks.
4
Spinners is a charitable description. Some people are tuners. the rest are out-of-tuners (not to be confused with out-of-towners who actually are more likely to be tuners).
4
We are all without any particular mental shape at birth, but very soon as we begin to understand that warmth and nurture come from certain people we begin to adapt that view as ours.
Spinners or tuners? How about experimental objects?
Spinners or tuners? How about experimental objects?
1
The biggest problem we have in America today is labeling. Labeling in a simple way to identify a person but people are much more complicated and it take a little work to figure a person out. Trump is great a labeling and he is very proud of his ability to brand someone. Your column is not helpful, I believe you are sick of writing about Trump and just needed a break. You are much better than this and the country needs you to be your best.
6
I'm usually a Brooks fan, but this one was bland and confusing. David Brooks, why not study people who are truly lonely and alone, those unpopular kids - without a bucket, you say? - who somehow end up alone later in life after a lifetime of trying to make friends, intimate and just regular? There are some possible labels for these types: Borderline Personality Disorder is one. No one writes about them. There's a story for you.
5
DLP,
You made this reader wonder when was the last time I went to a party. 1997, I believe. A spinner approached with a bourbon in hand, an historian of the Huguenots, what happened next was surprising.
The New York Times cares about it subscribers, and there is an excellent Health Section, or 'The Stone'. There was also the story of George Bell. He lived alone in New York and had become 'invisible'. You may want to check this out because it leaves the commentators wondering whether he was lonely or content to be alone. Over to you, and enjoy this first weekend in July the way you like best.
You made this reader wonder when was the last time I went to a party. 1997, I believe. A spinner approached with a bourbon in hand, an historian of the Huguenots, what happened next was surprising.
The New York Times cares about it subscribers, and there is an excellent Health Section, or 'The Stone'. There was also the story of George Bell. He lived alone in New York and had become 'invisible'. You may want to check this out because it leaves the commentators wondering whether he was lonely or content to be alone. Over to you, and enjoy this first weekend in July the way you like best.
BDP is not what you describe. Those people have been harmed while most of the rest of us have been hurt. Big Difference.
More vacuous than ever. No really worth a comment.
Just a suggestion.
David; if you could attempt to write for the whole intellectual spectrum of your readership, it may offer you more ideas and complexity to examine your thoughts with. Patronising us is not the way to convince us.
Just a suggestion.
David; if you could attempt to write for the whole intellectual spectrum of your readership, it may offer you more ideas and complexity to examine your thoughts with. Patronising us is not the way to convince us.
8
There are two categories of people in the world -- those who divide people into two categories and those who don't.
9
There are 10 types of people: those who understand binary and those who don't.
5
Bob Walter,
There are also 'two minority categories in the human race - the crazy-brave and the phony tough. Most people who have been in a war, and a lot of people who haven't, have come across specimens of both breeds. The crazy-brave who are a lot rarer than the phony-tough, are always doing crazy things that ought to get them killed, or at least maimed, but nothing seems to happen to them. They also exercise a kind of hex or double whammy on the phony-tough, and they keep getting the phony-tough into terrible trouble'.
Lyndon Johnson was once heard to murmur as he ordered 50,000 more troops to Vietnam. "There that should keep Joe Alsop quiet for awhile" referring to a fiery columnist.
The above was written by his brother, Stewart.
There are also 'two minority categories in the human race - the crazy-brave and the phony tough. Most people who have been in a war, and a lot of people who haven't, have come across specimens of both breeds. The crazy-brave who are a lot rarer than the phony-tough, are always doing crazy things that ought to get them killed, or at least maimed, but nothing seems to happen to them. They also exercise a kind of hex or double whammy on the phony-tough, and they keep getting the phony-tough into terrible trouble'.
Lyndon Johnson was once heard to murmur as he ordered 50,000 more troops to Vietnam. "There that should keep Joe Alsop quiet for awhile" referring to a fiery columnist.
The above was written by his brother, Stewart.
There are 1 kind of people. Those who count !from 0 and those who don't!
Dividng and divining the human population into two distinct personality types seems to correspond to editorial choices for a serious newspaper on an important news day: "Run it or cut it."
4
As in President Spinner and Citizen Tuner? No, happy medium there, is there?
1
Aspen, how nice. Weren't you supposed to be mixing with the great unwashed to understand how/why Trump was elected? How's that research going David? I might suggest you start your investigation at Walmart, Twenty Nine Palms, CA. Spend the day. Nice tan btw.
8
This article seems mailed-in and lazy. "I am looking at you Stephen Colbert and Bill Clinton" What? Tuners and spinners? Happy 4th?
How about and article on how Trump is breaking his sacred oath to office by cheapening our brand with sophomoric, offensive tweets? He opening us up to ridicule, tuning and spinning us right into a dangerous spot. It would be appropriate on the Friday before Independence Day to defend our independence, our reputation, and call out Trump's dereliction of duty.
How about and article on how Trump is breaking his sacred oath to office by cheapening our brand with sophomoric, offensive tweets? He opening us up to ridicule, tuning and spinning us right into a dangerous spot. It would be appropriate on the Friday before Independence Day to defend our independence, our reputation, and call out Trump's dereliction of duty.
7
Let's expand that Trumpian "slot", Mr. Brooks, to include the modern day Republican Party, whose exaltation of the narrowest of a monied self-interest over that of the common good for the middle and lower classes of the country has reached an obscene, amoral level. Exhibit A, this piece of harmful trash masquerading as "health care" legislation.
This will not be a "great" 4th of July weekend for millions of fellow Americans, scared to death whether they and their loved ones will be set adrift without recourse to medical care. Enjoy the fireworks!
This will not be a "great" 4th of July weekend for millions of fellow Americans, scared to death whether they and their loved ones will be set adrift without recourse to medical care. Enjoy the fireworks!
5
Although quite surprised to read this from David Brook, I have to say that I loved it. Nice to have a slice of human life for the holiday. Thanks, David.
5
Trait theory is so boring.
I wonder what it says about people who find it interesting.
Uh... not really!
I wonder what it says about people who find it interesting.
Uh... not really!
2
I suppose this type of talk and categorizing is helpful, as long as one doesn't take it too seriously.
My lesson of the week is: Go into every social situation understanding that someone is going to organize and categorize things for you.
My lesson of the week is: Go into every social situation understanding that someone is going to organize and categorize things for you.
4
As always, I wish I'd written this!
2
Thank you, Rabbi Brooks, for your 4th of July Sermon.
2
bruce,
You may want to revisit or watch 'Born on the 4th of July'.
You may want to revisit or watch 'Born on the 4th of July'.
David was a spinner before Trump. Now he's a tuner.
3
I agree with you that Mr. Brooks has evolved (?) from spinner to tuner but I think it began before the full-on election season.
You say that "every social typology has to have a slot for Donald Trump." It seems to me that Trump exists solely in his own slot. Looking backwards I'd suggest that the last one we had in my lifetime was Hitler. Is two enough to generalize from?
Hi David,
See you tonight and have a good weekend!
Regards,
SZB
See you tonight and have a good weekend!
Regards,
SZB
1
Dear Mr Brooks,
Surely somebody with your intellectual credentials can do better than indulge in airport paperback psychology. I have another idea. Let's call the people that come up with these type of categories "spoofers".
Have a great weekend.
FEB
Surely somebody with your intellectual credentials can do better than indulge in airport paperback psychology. I have another idea. Let's call the people that come up with these type of categories "spoofers".
Have a great weekend.
FEB
6
*yawn*
1
Nice piece, David. But where is ... Nelson Mandela ... in your projectors?! THE hero of the late 20th century.
1
Methinks Mr. Brooks has gone off the deep end.
6
More tedious faux sociology. The ongoing shallowness doesn't deserve a place in a major newspaper.
5
Interesting twist on the "big five" of character types and INFJ vs ESTP of Myers-Briggs. As usual with David, I find something deeper here. We are an extraverted nation more interested in baseball, football, whateverball than in reading laws written by tuners for us spinners. Could that explain our penchant for the kind of world wrestling federation politics that comes out of the white house? Soon to be 241, can our country still celebrate its current status of united republicans of banana states? I sure will for one, because in spite of it all, I'm a spinner!
Do you remember the expression of being 'The Life of The Party', well, such persons do exist. The event does not really begin until this bright spinner shows up; my father would walk into a room looking like a Hollywood Star, and the fun would begin (tune in at 4:00 a.m. for the remains), Brendan Gill, the Theater Critic for the New Yorker was another kind of spinner. More low-key but they were a good match.
To a brother-in-law, I once wrote that I had never had a good party without him (these festive occasions usually ended in a Trump-like brawl where the doves cooed an early farewell before the fireworks began, and the cats would stay out of curiosity). Some feathers were lost.
When I was ten, my mother gave a small drinks party and I went about the room plucking wall flowers, one was my future stepfather of Napoleonic descent, the epitome of a noble tuner, he would listen carefully. 'Climate Change' was high on his list and he would have thought I was a fool for peppering the NYT with comments.
So if I had to sum it up, I am sitting between a Spinner and a Tuner, like Alice with a large cake on a platter, and as my favorite Spinner friend once said 'You are the only person who can give a party without your attending'.
'Honesty is not Always the Best Policy' wrote Quentin Crisp in his Manners from Heaven and be prepared before venturing out. Choose your friends wisely, and you will be able to remain in bed to take a rest.
Happy Fourth to All!
To a brother-in-law, I once wrote that I had never had a good party without him (these festive occasions usually ended in a Trump-like brawl where the doves cooed an early farewell before the fireworks began, and the cats would stay out of curiosity). Some feathers were lost.
When I was ten, my mother gave a small drinks party and I went about the room plucking wall flowers, one was my future stepfather of Napoleonic descent, the epitome of a noble tuner, he would listen carefully. 'Climate Change' was high on his list and he would have thought I was a fool for peppering the NYT with comments.
So if I had to sum it up, I am sitting between a Spinner and a Tuner, like Alice with a large cake on a platter, and as my favorite Spinner friend once said 'You are the only person who can give a party without your attending'.
'Honesty is not Always the Best Policy' wrote Quentin Crisp in his Manners from Heaven and be prepared before venturing out. Choose your friends wisely, and you will be able to remain in bed to take a rest.
Happy Fourth to All!
1
What?
3
David, you've left my head spinning. How can I "have a great Fourth of July weekend?"
1
Good food for thought. Thanks, Mr. Brooks. Keep it up.
2
Some days David, you really have lost your 'shovel and bucket". Your ADD fear of responsibility for what you write re: e.g. health care and taxes (since the days of Lott and Dole and Palin) leads you to some pretty weird spins and turns. At least no insulting dredging up of David Foster Wallace as in previous spins and turns from you.
1
"The tuner may be bad at small talk, but...will ask those extra four or five questions, the way good listeners do."
Probably one of the best compliments ever! Thank you for esteeming us, not as better, but just not as social failures. We play a role.
Probably one of the best compliments ever! Thank you for esteeming us, not as better, but just not as social failures. We play a role.
1
"Now, of course, all social categories of this type are vast generalizations and really just a form of conversational game playing."
Ah, Mr. Brooks summarizes his columns for us.
Ah, Mr. Brooks summarizes his columns for us.
2
The world should be broken into masters and slaves, the powerful and the weak, the extreme wealthy and the mass of the poor. government and civilians, women and men.
Tuners and spinners, this is for the wealthy and connected, at dinner parties martinis in hand and summering in some wealthy enclave.
Tuners and spinners, this is for the wealthy and connected, at dinner parties martinis in hand and summering in some wealthy enclave.
3
Very shallow, David. Is it something about the Aspen air?
4
More anodyne psycho-babble from David Brooks. Like someone once said, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. I'm with the commenter who implored Brooks to come back down to earth.
4
There are only two kinds of people: those that like articles about two kinds of people, and those that don't. This article should increase the former!
10
You've given up, haven't you, Mr. Brooks?
172
Brilliant column. Astute observations. Never forget the role of "connectors" in this dance. They are those gifted beings who are able to discern from a seemingly disparate collection of talented people and form lasting ties between them. They form a salon, or sorts, within their communities, aligning people as if they were consciously seating a dinner party, choosing combinations of personalities so they may interact with the greatest effect.
Human beings are fascinating creatures.
Human beings are fascinating creatures.
11
You just described the mothers of adult children who have figured out that their kids and others need an unofficial social network of friends and neighbors. People living in the communities with such women are luckier than they know.
I welcome this column as a reprieve from all the political upheaval. There are plenty of essays out there for those fixated on what's happening with our government and politics.
Thanks, David, for an interesting read this morning about something different.
Thanks, David, for an interesting read this morning about something different.
8
A lot of comments here touch on the idea that trying to place human characteristics in two categories represents sloppy thinking. But I think it's worth getting deeper into that criticism, because it's not just sloppy, it's destructive. Although humans seem to have a natural tendency to categorize things (starting with "dangerous" vs "edible"), the hallmark of real intellect is the ability to think beyond categories.
Warfare is a prime example. Most wars have multiple causes and multiple interests, but even the principle decision makers whose careers are dependent on analyzing these situations rarely seem to be able to break out of the two box paradigm. Look at Syria - there are NOT two sides in Syria. There might be eight or more - at the least there are Assad, ISIS, the Kurds, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Turkey, the United States, and the EU. Each has its set of interests, some of which overlap, some which don't. If you go into this with a "two sides to every story" mentality, how are you ever going to have a chance of developing an appropriate strategy?
And almost every other issue facing our country has multiple sides and perspectives. The inability to consider nuance is a big reason we struggle so hard to solve them.
Through his column, Mr. Brooks has a position as a thought leader in our country. When he writes a column like this he has a responsibility to think a little more about how he's using that position.
Warfare is a prime example. Most wars have multiple causes and multiple interests, but even the principle decision makers whose careers are dependent on analyzing these situations rarely seem to be able to break out of the two box paradigm. Look at Syria - there are NOT two sides in Syria. There might be eight or more - at the least there are Assad, ISIS, the Kurds, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Turkey, the United States, and the EU. Each has its set of interests, some of which overlap, some which don't. If you go into this with a "two sides to every story" mentality, how are you ever going to have a chance of developing an appropriate strategy?
And almost every other issue facing our country has multiple sides and perspectives. The inability to consider nuance is a big reason we struggle so hard to solve them.
Through his column, Mr. Brooks has a position as a thought leader in our country. When he writes a column like this he has a responsibility to think a little more about how he's using that position.
16
This is a much more discerning and deeply thinking comment than Brooks' article.
4
Mr Brooks,
Why you are even writing this type of column when there are so many critical day to day issues we are facing. Come on
Why you are even writing this type of column when there are so many critical day to day issues we are facing. Come on
46
I thought a major health care bill was announced by Republicans this week?
106
I would have given you 100 recommendations for this comment if I could have.
I think I'll just try to find a good book this weekend and satisfy myself with being a page turner.
24
And which one was Karl Rove describing when he tried to characterize candidate Obama in 2008 as:
"You know him. The guy standing in the corner of the cocktail party with a drink in one hand and a pretty girl on the other, making snide comments about the others in the room."
"You know him. The guy standing in the corner of the cocktail party with a drink in one hand and a pretty girl on the other, making snide comments about the others in the room."
2
For someone like Mr Brooks who professes to read a lot (including and especially philosophy & sociology) you would think that he would be able to see the inherent dangers and limitations of such categorical thinking as displayed in Mr Sunstein's book (cf. his book Nudge as well). Maybe he shouls do his next book report, er column on Existentialism and its desire to shed the labeling and pigeon-holing that Mr. Sunstein is promoting
9
Aah, more boxes to squeeze people into?! We've had enough of this phony baloney.
18
Generalizations serve no one. It's lazy thinking.
24
There is no science in any thing social or political or economic or legal or historical or journalistic. There are way too many variables and unknowns to craft credible controlled double-blind repeatable predictable test results.
This is all afternoon talk show foolishness from the likes of Dr. Mehmet Oz and Maury Povich posing, prancing, preening and pretending to being a serious intellectually rigorous conversation about something that is meaningful to modern living..
'Tuners and spinners are' straight out of two old society page advice columnist sisters and ' The Oprah Winfrey Show. I have a very 'modest proposal' that the NYT take Mr. Brooks off the OPED page and put him on an advice columnist 'Dear David' or 'Ask Mr. Brooks' page.
You are welcome.
This is all afternoon talk show foolishness from the likes of Dr. Mehmet Oz and Maury Povich posing, prancing, preening and pretending to being a serious intellectually rigorous conversation about something that is meaningful to modern living..
'Tuners and spinners are' straight out of two old society page advice columnist sisters and ' The Oprah Winfrey Show. I have a very 'modest proposal' that the NYT take Mr. Brooks off the OPED page and put him on an advice columnist 'Dear David' or 'Ask Mr. Brooks' page.
You are welcome.
25
Forgive Mr. Brooks. He was in Aspen and was caught up in the moment and the altitude.
19
And if your grandma can't come to the US anymore because she's Syrian, oh well. Get a bucket and go to the beach.
Dave, the only thing missing from this article is a little marshmallow fluff. Even you deserve a break from commenting on the Trump train wreck. So, let's rack this one up as a guilty pleasure shared by a writer and his audience. You too have a nice long holiday weekend!
Putting multi-dimensional people in three-dimensional boxes is futile. Better to apply multi-dimensional principal component analysis.
http://setosa.io/ev/principal-component-analysis/
https://georgemdallas.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/principal-component-analy...
In the case of Trump only a thin tube is required to contain him since the single component of malignant narcissism is sufficient to explain all his behavior.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malignant_narcissism
http://setosa.io/ev/principal-component-analysis/
https://georgemdallas.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/principal-component-analy...
In the case of Trump only a thin tube is required to contain him since the single component of malignant narcissism is sufficient to explain all his behavior.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malignant_narcissism
2
David wades into every single fashionable theory he hears about. And then he forgets about it. As I do. What is this column about, again?
37
David Brooks sets himself up as a societal pundit who judges us all. This is another one of his condescending "philosophical" articles, classifying us all.
13
I would say projectors tend to create representations in their head (though they are good at being non-judgmental in the present) and the world that they create includes either beings (i.e. God or humanity) or a model of the world as on a map. Some call this concepts (or perception), but I question whether it is valid. Should we not simply listen to authority and care for those that are around us? Do we really need to see the world in terms of concepts?
I presume this is what Karl Marx did when he predicted a class revolution (but it did not happen, while it inspired people to do something of their own.) I presume this is what Hitler did characterizing the Jews (has he ever talked to a Jew?); and what stereotyping is. And I presume this is what Trump does on some level, when he exaggerates his claims on the election being rigged. Concepts alone divorced from facts lead to misrepresentation and serves as an excuse to crush blindly the innocent (elevating form over substance).
Instead of focusing on the concept, focus on who would suffer from it. And if you are not able to see it, go out and talk to people. When characterizing a group or an ideal, always associate it with real people.
I presume this is what Karl Marx did when he predicted a class revolution (but it did not happen, while it inspired people to do something of their own.) I presume this is what Hitler did characterizing the Jews (has he ever talked to a Jew?); and what stereotyping is. And I presume this is what Trump does on some level, when he exaggerates his claims on the election being rigged. Concepts alone divorced from facts lead to misrepresentation and serves as an excuse to crush blindly the innocent (elevating form over substance).
Instead of focusing on the concept, focus on who would suffer from it. And if you are not able to see it, go out and talk to people. When characterizing a group or an ideal, always associate it with real people.
Really?? With all the horrid news, this is what you come up with, Mr. Brooks? It's a vapid, simplistic analysis to boot. Are you, like our Fearless Leader, trying to distract from the horrors of this administration's policies and delegitimacy? Doesn't matter if you're a "tuner" or a "spinner" if you don't have health insurance.
29
The following passage made me cry: "She observed that some 4-year-olds wander on to the beach with their own shovel and bucket. They’re fine to play alone, but they’re welcoming if anybody wants to join them. They have a mixture of self-sufficiency and sociability. Turkle noticed that other kids are drawn to these kids" because it perfectly describes my seven-year-old son, whom my wife and I have tried to rear with consistent discipline wrapped in unconditional love.
We decided, before he was born, that every time the circumstances required that he be punished, a five-minute hug would immediately follow during which we'd tell him, "We love you with all our hearts."
He's grown into a boy who is a mix of both a spinner and a tuner.
Why, do you ask, does that make me cry?
Because, so many, many children (including Mr. Trump) have never or will never know that kind of disciplined, but unconditional love.
A love that changes the lover and the loved. A love that will transcend every obstacle. A love that can conquer any enemy. A love that far too many never experience. A love that far too many are unable or unwilling to share with others.
How much stronger would it make you feel to face an increasingly isolated and hostile world if you knew with every fiber of your being that you were the object of disciplined, but unconditional love?
Now, go, find someone worthy of receiving your disciplined, but unconditional love and change both of your lives.
We decided, before he was born, that every time the circumstances required that he be punished, a five-minute hug would immediately follow during which we'd tell him, "We love you with all our hearts."
He's grown into a boy who is a mix of both a spinner and a tuner.
Why, do you ask, does that make me cry?
Because, so many, many children (including Mr. Trump) have never or will never know that kind of disciplined, but unconditional love.
A love that changes the lover and the loved. A love that will transcend every obstacle. A love that can conquer any enemy. A love that far too many never experience. A love that far too many are unable or unwilling to share with others.
How much stronger would it make you feel to face an increasingly isolated and hostile world if you knew with every fiber of your being that you were the object of disciplined, but unconditional love?
Now, go, find someone worthy of receiving your disciplined, but unconditional love and change both of your lives.
4
Wandering in the bushes, David has come across another sophomoric clue to "life."
29
A 4-year old wandering the beach with a bucket and a shovel and is equally happy to play alone or with others, reminds me of a Columbus Zoo commercial we see here in central Ohio. A 4-year old wearing a bunny hat gives her grandfather a box. The grandfather, sitting in his favorite chair (I presume) puts his newspaper down and opens the box. Surprised, tunes in to his granddaughter and they go to the Columbus Zoo, both wearing bunny caps and tails! Have a great Fourth of July David and all who read your column and comment responses.
Mr. Brooks is in all likelihood depressed these days by the failure of the conservatives and their leader trump. Rather then resorting to delving into pop psychology David you could spend some time reflecting upon these failures and mapping yourself a new road ahead. You are stuck in the mud spinning your tires, time to shift gears.
16
I am very nervous about trump going to France. I'm so afraid he will go spinning completely out of of control when he encounters demonstrations or really any kind of criticism. Hopefully no one will tell him that the blue blanc et rouge is in his host's country's honor rather than him. I'm sure he'd never know otherwise.
2
Another column spinning simplistic notions into this or that in an age when our so-called president trump is spinning out obnoxious tweets and tuning out too many people. Time to get back to writing about what matters in politics. Our dear leader has lost all presidential gravitas, has besmirched the dignity of his office, needs to listen to the people crying out for justice.
Let's rise up and repeal & replace trump and encourage him and his enabling wife to self deport.
Let's rise up and repeal & replace trump and encourage him and his enabling wife to self deport.
2
Psychobabble on steroids!
11
thanks
OK, I will get a bucket and a shovel - the shovel is always handy and I can use the bucket for a helmet. I love you - Happy Fourth!
2
A bit of fluff for the Fourth.
Independence under a wannabe tyrant, a spinner supreme, completely void of the least taint of tuning? Freedom just ain't what it used to be, David.
Independence under a wannabe tyrant, a spinner supreme, completely void of the least taint of tuning? Freedom just ain't what it used to be, David.
3
Then three cheers for Barnum and Bailey. Five more for those who make fire works on the 4th. No cheers for bird watchers or gardeners. Deduct 10 cheers for those sitting in sports stadiums or sunbathing. Quite a silly column
3
If I am Both, am I a " spooner"???
5
Type A and type B personalities. Old wine in new bottles?
3
There's another contemporary binary wherein TeenVogue tackles hard-hitting political criticism, and the USA newspaper of record's most prominent Republican apologist writes click-bait pop psych quizzes at a 4th grade (or presidential) reading level. Have a great 4th!
3
Here's a spin to tune into, David: America needs three-and-a-half times the current number of representatives in the House of Reps in order to get the PEOPLE'S input into the legislative process back to the level it was in 1911, when Congress FROZE the number of Reps at 435. By way of reference, the UK with 65 million population has 650 Members of the House of Commons. There, common man's input cannot bought out by Koch's, gerrymandered or ignored.
OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People means the Senate and the House should counterbalance each other: the sum of various groupings of individual mandates against territory; that's the way our Constitution was conceived. If the current situation persists---and worsens as the Country's population increases year over year---we will persist in spinning over helping after helping of America's common wealth to ravenous corporations and mentally starved gazillionaires. Tune in, would you, David, before the good old US of A becomes a COMPLETE autocracy?
OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People means the Senate and the House should counterbalance each other: the sum of various groupings of individual mandates against territory; that's the way our Constitution was conceived. If the current situation persists---and worsens as the Country's population increases year over year---we will persist in spinning over helping after helping of America's common wealth to ravenous corporations and mentally starved gazillionaires. Tune in, would you, David, before the good old US of A becomes a COMPLETE autocracy?
14
Wm Connelly-- Why do the dems not take this on as their leading cause? They could have passed this in 2009, when they had a majority. Instead political capitol was wasted on the ACA, which is the ultimate in bad sausage. Imagine if they had dealt with this most important issue -- dems would be dominant by now and medicare for all would be realistic. So the question we must ask (those of us like you and I who know and speak of this travesty)-- is why is this NOT the leading cause of the DNC? Could it be that the present system enriches them, removes them for the ugliness of the town square, makes them able to blame the GOP for their failures?
As someone who can contentedly wander alone with their own bucket, and yet is welcoming to others, I appreciate the analogy; but admit I still find it challenging to apply this to the daily goings-on in the Trump White House.
Never mind.
Time to tune out, and go to the beach.
Never mind.
Time to tune out, and go to the beach.
2
Less simplistic, more accurate:
In this Palace of Lies a truth or two will not hurt you.
Your friends are all the dullest dogs I know.
They are not beautiful: they are only decorated.
They are not clean: they are only shaved and starched.
They are not dignified: they are only fashionably dressed.
They are not educated: they are only college graduates.
They are not religious: they are only pew-renters.
They are not moral: they are only conventional.
They are not virtuous: they are only cowardly.
They are not even vicious: they are only "frail."
They are not artistic: they are only lascivious.
They are not prosperous: they are only rich.
They are not loyal, they are only servile;
not dutiful, only sheepish; not public spirited, only patriotic;
not courageous, only quarrelsome;
not determined, only obstinate;
not masterful, only domineering;
not self-controlled, only obtuse;
not self-respecting, only vain;
not kind, only sentimental;
not social, only gregarious;
not considerate, only polite;
not intelligent, only opinionated;
not progressive, only factious;
not imaginative, only superstitious;
not just, only vindictive;
not generous, only propitiatory;
not disciplined, only cowed;
and not truthful at all:
liars every one of them, to the very backbone of their souls.
Man and Superman, Don Juan in Hell, George Bernard Shaw
In this Palace of Lies a truth or two will not hurt you.
Your friends are all the dullest dogs I know.
They are not beautiful: they are only decorated.
They are not clean: they are only shaved and starched.
They are not dignified: they are only fashionably dressed.
They are not educated: they are only college graduates.
They are not religious: they are only pew-renters.
They are not moral: they are only conventional.
They are not virtuous: they are only cowardly.
They are not even vicious: they are only "frail."
They are not artistic: they are only lascivious.
They are not prosperous: they are only rich.
They are not loyal, they are only servile;
not dutiful, only sheepish; not public spirited, only patriotic;
not courageous, only quarrelsome;
not determined, only obstinate;
not masterful, only domineering;
not self-controlled, only obtuse;
not self-respecting, only vain;
not kind, only sentimental;
not social, only gregarious;
not considerate, only polite;
not intelligent, only opinionated;
not progressive, only factious;
not imaginative, only superstitious;
not just, only vindictive;
not generous, only propitiatory;
not disciplined, only cowed;
and not truthful at all:
liars every one of them, to the very backbone of their souls.
Man and Superman, Don Juan in Hell, George Bernard Shaw
12
Thank You
2
Wow. How can someone living in one of the most beautiful places on earth, be so depressed? Get out to the beach!
Things are not great and for many of us they are pretty lousy. But as long as you are still breathing, you are still in the game. In the words of Pope Francis, approach life joyfully.
Things are not great and for many of us they are pretty lousy. But as long as you are still breathing, you are still in the game. In the words of Pope Francis, approach life joyfully.
2
Congratulations you just rediscovered Introversion and Extroversion. Read Carl Jung on the same topic and you will see it is an old idea simplified. It is, like we are discovering about a lot of these categories, actually a spectrum.
9
Reading all the criticisms, I'm almost afraid to admit that I like this column. I don't think Mr. Brooks is claiming to have discovered the key to human psychology. I think he is personally searching for answers. That's a healthy thing, even if it seems amateurish. I personally am searching for answers also.
4
That's fine, but he's taking up valuable column inches that could be used for something outside his own skull. We, the readers, expect that from the NYT. This column does not deliver. It belongs with the crossword puzzles and other such diversions.
Why make personality types out of different forms of social behavior that any person can do at any time if they have the skills? You can be humorous and entertaining or intimate and self-revealing, inviting self-disclosure. A good storyteller like Mark Twain could also reveal our inner life. I don't agree that Shakespeare was simply spinning. Are you kidding...what a great observer of inner life!! On the other hand, great entertainers like Johnny Carson were known to be highly introverted and struggled with intimate relationships.
The Trump effect is worse than I thought---when David starts writing e-harmony columns we are in trouble.
17
He's newly remarried...
2
David loves abstractions. I like messy Reality.
I am neither a tuner nor a spinner. Pretty content to be nobody. Or an eccentric old lady.
I wish you'd come down to earth, David.
I am neither a tuner nor a spinner. Pretty content to be nobody. Or an eccentric old lady.
I wish you'd come down to earth, David.
12
You are a tuner, David. I say that because I know we are fundamentally not of the same basic philosophy, as I lean more left than right from a centrist place, especially these days.
However your thoughtful insights on PBS each Friday night with Mark Shields and the way you listen to his comments and respond thoughtfully, proves the point. If you have indeed shown some of your own personal insights from self examination, as one reader says, good for you!
We should all be wondering who we are, and how we missed the boat that could have sailed the USA away from the shore of Trumpland.
However your thoughtful insights on PBS each Friday night with Mark Shields and the way you listen to his comments and respond thoughtfully, proves the point. If you have indeed shown some of your own personal insights from self examination, as one reader says, good for you!
We should all be wondering who we are, and how we missed the boat that could have sailed the USA away from the shore of Trumpland.
4
I thought was going to be about fidget spinners, but it totally wasn't. Very disappointed.
8
"There are two types of people in the world" reasoning? The process of dividing the world into two kinds of people whether introvert or extravert or what have you?
The most profound success of this type of mental process I have seen is in of all things a film, a Spaghetti Western at that: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Of course binary choices exist in many fields of art and science, but Tuco, played by Eli Wallach, in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly applied this type of reasoning correctly and with great success and humor. He would find himself in a particular situation and then with humor lay out two choices, most often with himself already having made the right choice of the two choices: "There are two kinds of spurs my friend (after getting the drop on Eastwood) those that come in by the door and those that come in by the window". Clint Eastwood gets into the game at the end: "There are two kinds of people my friend, those with guns and those who dig".
This binary type of reasoning seems to work best in a time dimension, when two or more choices need to be made, this way you can endlessly improvise in situation and often with great humor lay out your choices in speech before or after the act. This binary type of reasoning seems to operate with least effectiveness in a purely spatial situation, in fact often becomes grotesque: There are two kinds of people, cowboys and indians, blacks and whites, Jews and Germans, and so on.
You either understand this or you don't...
The most profound success of this type of mental process I have seen is in of all things a film, a Spaghetti Western at that: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Of course binary choices exist in many fields of art and science, but Tuco, played by Eli Wallach, in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly applied this type of reasoning correctly and with great success and humor. He would find himself in a particular situation and then with humor lay out two choices, most often with himself already having made the right choice of the two choices: "There are two kinds of spurs my friend (after getting the drop on Eastwood) those that come in by the door and those that come in by the window". Clint Eastwood gets into the game at the end: "There are two kinds of people my friend, those with guns and those who dig".
This binary type of reasoning seems to work best in a time dimension, when two or more choices need to be made, this way you can endlessly improvise in situation and often with great humor lay out your choices in speech before or after the act. This binary type of reasoning seems to operate with least effectiveness in a purely spatial situation, in fact often becomes grotesque: There are two kinds of people, cowboys and indians, blacks and whites, Jews and Germans, and so on.
You either understand this or you don't...
2
Oh, I get it, this is really a humor op-ed. It is knee-slappingly funny, and as hilarious as the unmaking of health care, destruction of net neutrality, dismantling of environmental protections, adding ignorance to the education curriculum, having Sessions as head of the Dept of Injustice, Trump's ministers of Miscommunication, wrecking of America's chances at leading in energy, and of America's leadership, period. The list is so much longer. But there is not much to write about.
What was I thinking? Oh, Yeah, have a great fourth of July weekend.
What was I thinking? Oh, Yeah, have a great fourth of July weekend.
9
Very interesting article. But I confess I misread the title to Toners and Spinners and initially thought David was writing about exercise.
1
I was struck by the remarkable personality similarities of Spinners and Tuners to the Yellows and Blues described by Taylor Hartman, Ph.D. in his 1987 book: “The Color Code.”
He admits that personality types are typically a rainbow, but that there are but a few key motivations and needs that drive each color. And these traits are innately biologic from birth.
The book's subtitle is “A New Way To See Yourself, Your Relationships, and Life.”
Of course, he asserts his descriptions are accurate and useful. But countless business organizations agree and have used his insights.
Yellow’s needs, similar to Spinners, are to be noticed, approved, popular, look good. They are the life of the party-“social butterflies.” Main motives are fun and play.
Blue’s needs, similar to Tuners, are to be altruistic, morally good (the do-gooders), understood, appreciated. Main motives are purpose and intimacy. To Blue's, being vulnerable is a small price to pay for emotional connection.
I have to mention the Red’s as it so easily recognized. We all have known and had to deal with Red's.
Trump is an excellent example. Red’s needs are to be right, respected, approval from a select few and to hide insecurities tightly.
Red's are fireworks in relationships. They have 2 rules in life.
Rule 1. Red's are ALWAYS right.
Rule 2. If (and that's a HUGE “if”) Red's are wrong, see Rule 2.
White’s are the peacemakers.
He admits that personality types are typically a rainbow, but that there are but a few key motivations and needs that drive each color. And these traits are innately biologic from birth.
The book's subtitle is “A New Way To See Yourself, Your Relationships, and Life.”
Of course, he asserts his descriptions are accurate and useful. But countless business organizations agree and have used his insights.
Yellow’s needs, similar to Spinners, are to be noticed, approved, popular, look good. They are the life of the party-“social butterflies.” Main motives are fun and play.
Blue’s needs, similar to Tuners, are to be altruistic, morally good (the do-gooders), understood, appreciated. Main motives are purpose and intimacy. To Blue's, being vulnerable is a small price to pay for emotional connection.
I have to mention the Red’s as it so easily recognized. We all have known and had to deal with Red's.
Trump is an excellent example. Red’s needs are to be right, respected, approval from a select few and to hide insecurities tightly.
Red's are fireworks in relationships. They have 2 rules in life.
Rule 1. Red's are ALWAYS right.
Rule 2. If (and that's a HUGE “if”) Red's are wrong, see Rule 2.
White’s are the peacemakers.
1
I forget to mention in my comment regarding Color Code personality needs and motives that Red's, like Trump, have just one basic rule to understand them; namely, they are always right.
And only one driving, all consuming motive-POWER.
And this power seeking and holding motive has many times been one of the most fatal of personality flaws for eons.
And only one driving, all consuming motive-POWER.
And this power seeking and holding motive has many times been one of the most fatal of personality flaws for eons.
1
I'm terribly fond of David Brooks. I don't agree with him often(because I'm a social,democrat and he is a conservative). However, he knows how to tell me things in a way that always feels kind, helpful and well meant.
2
It feels like the rare Spinner-Tuners are born Spinners who are forced to deal with trauma in their own lives and engage their depressed selves from as Spinners ("Hey, who is this new guy at the party?"). Stephen Colbert was a Spinner who lost a father and two brothers all at once. Bill Clinton lived under the tyranny of an alcoholic stepfather. Oscar Wilde of course was betrayed by the society that had embraced him and then broken.
The Spinner-Tuner can host a great party, and then when the moment is right, slip into a corner and a moment of intimacy and let the Tuner peer out.
Life, though, rarely, if ever, demands of a Tuner that she become a Spinner (Maybe a politician's wife, like a Jackie Kennedy).
The Spinner-Tuner can host a great party, and then when the moment is right, slip into a corner and a moment of intimacy and let the Tuner peer out.
Life, though, rarely, if ever, demands of a Tuner that she become a Spinner (Maybe a politician's wife, like a Jackie Kennedy).
1
Mr. Brooks,
Perhaps I missed it, but I don't think I have seen your annual "best of commencement speeches" piece this year. Could you do that again? I look forward to it every year.
Perhaps I missed it, but I don't think I have seen your annual "best of commencement speeches" piece this year. Could you do that again? I look forward to it every year.
I am trying to imagine a social situation in which I would find myself actually discovering whether the celebrities name-dropped would be spinners or tuners.
On what basis are we to identify these celebrities with a personal quality, when it is their job to act out a role?
On what basis are we to identify these celebrities with a personal quality, when it is their job to act out a role?
8
You'd be kicked out of the cult right away. You'd probably one of the folks who pointed out the pick the person to throw out of the boat was morally depraved exercise intended to break down the moral standards of the fools letting themselves be part of it. definitely a tuner (-:
Brooks likes personality types, so he might enjoy describing Guardians and Idealists in MBTI lingo. Humanity evolved to include both sensory Guardians who tend to preserve society as is and protect it from threats, and intuitive Idealists who perceive how society can be better and fight for change. Without both types we would either be still stuck in the Middle Ages, or, in a state of chaos. Traits (like sensory vs. intuitive) leading to these two types tend not to be a function of personal choice; they are hard-wired at birth. Not surprisingly, Republicans tend to be Guardians (police officers/administrators), and Democrats Idealists (activists/academics). They could no sooner switch parties (as long as parties are in harmony with types) than spinners could become tuners.
Today's starkly polarized political scene results from Roger Ailes's Fox News which has spent a generation ginning up contempt for Idealist Democrats and their academics and scientists among Republicans. Their absence of respect is toxic to the natural give and take these personality types should play in healthy societies.
One critical example: sensory Republicans cannot see carbon pollution overheating the planet, and are hard-wired to defend the fossil-fuel status quo. To be effective and responsible leaders, Republicans would have had to respect Democrats and scientists' visionary models. Instead, Republicans disdain the science, deny the threat, and so defy their own Guardian natures.
Today's starkly polarized political scene results from Roger Ailes's Fox News which has spent a generation ginning up contempt for Idealist Democrats and their academics and scientists among Republicans. Their absence of respect is toxic to the natural give and take these personality types should play in healthy societies.
One critical example: sensory Republicans cannot see carbon pollution overheating the planet, and are hard-wired to defend the fossil-fuel status quo. To be effective and responsible leaders, Republicans would have had to respect Democrats and scientists' visionary models. Instead, Republicans disdain the science, deny the threat, and so defy their own Guardian natures.
2
There are two kinds of people in the world-- those who think there are two kinds of people in the world, and those who don't.
23
I've got a thing for bucket people. They can spin, turn, or just be still. Enjoy today.
1
When I saw the title I thought the essay was going to be about the old radio days where some people just spun the dial and listened to whatever strongest pop station it landed on and others carefully tried to tune the dial to a specific distant station playing unique music. I think my categories would have made a much more interesting article.
8
Wow. All that as context and no real punch line other than "be yourself". As one of David's "confections", this leaves a Splenda after-taste.
Happy fourth, all you "tuners" and "spinners".
Happy fourth, all you "tuners" and "spinners".
8
I think people often confuse a philosophy of life, which by its very nature must have coherence and applicability in every nook and cranny of life and must retain that coherence and applicability across any cultural cross-section you can imagine; and good observational realities to help make sense of singular situations. What David often presents are excellent observational realities and some readers try to dismiss them because they are not a philosophy of life (or at least one they would like). The point seemed to be go out, meet people, have fun on the Fourth, and chill out. And with the barrage of news lately, that seems like a good idea.
3
I'm a bit stunned by the hostility shown by the preceding comments. What Mr. Brooks is talking about is a fundamental psychological concept; that humans are each born with a strong tendancy toward a particular way of approaching social interactions. That is a profound and meaningful distinction that can provide insight and relief in the therapy setting and even, I imagine, when reading about it in a newspaper. And he concludes with good wishes to all. Lighten up, people.
18
I'm a psychologist and all I can say is: oh, lord!
6
I think the vitriole of Trump is insinuating its way into expectations. Yes--I too am taken aback by the meanness of the comments about this meditation on personality differences. Take a break from belligerence and enjoy this non-political piece.
No he did not. Yo inferred that and THAT is the point of such drivel to get you to infer things the speaker did not say. that is followed by inducing you to share that so the folks manipulating you have an idea of how to fine tune future rhetoric to better manipulate you.
More vapid reasoning from David Brooks. In America there are two kinds of people and one of them is trying very hard to destroy or, at the very least subjugate the other. We have the plutocrats whether they are big businesses or families and the rest of us. The rest of us are sometimes needy because we don't have the millions the plutocrats have.
In David Brooks' and the GOPs world, we are the undesirables because we demand to get paid, we complain about little things like access to decent health care, protection against scam artists, being forced to postpone our lives while the plutocrats and the GOP debate how to squash us further along the road to oblivion. I have no empathy for the very rich. I am tired of hearing how they suffer when they have to pay taxes on capitol gains, on investment income, or that they cannot deduct the mortgage interest on their second homes. I'm tired of the showy party our politics has become in DC and elsewhere.
I'm an ordinary citizen Mr. Brooks. I'm supposed to be the heart and soul of what makes America a great place to live. I'm not a tuner or a spinner. I'm a 58 year old woman looking for another job, knowing that while I and others kept the bargain with America, our politicians, particularly the GOP sect, did not. They are liars, cheats, braggarts, and cruel.
In David Brooks' and the GOPs world, we are the undesirables because we demand to get paid, we complain about little things like access to decent health care, protection against scam artists, being forced to postpone our lives while the plutocrats and the GOP debate how to squash us further along the road to oblivion. I have no empathy for the very rich. I am tired of hearing how they suffer when they have to pay taxes on capitol gains, on investment income, or that they cannot deduct the mortgage interest on their second homes. I'm tired of the showy party our politics has become in DC and elsewhere.
I'm an ordinary citizen Mr. Brooks. I'm supposed to be the heart and soul of what makes America a great place to live. I'm not a tuner or a spinner. I'm a 58 year old woman looking for another job, knowing that while I and others kept the bargain with America, our politicians, particularly the GOP sect, did not. They are liars, cheats, braggarts, and cruel.
113
Hn3ry...I got a lot more out of your post than I did Brooks column today. Like you, I worked hard and played by the rules, only to have the rules changed late in the game. Meanwhile, Brooks and others fiddle and twiddle, while the country is a tinderbox waiting to go up in flames.
2
Bravo hne3ry! You tell him. Couldn't agree with you more!
Well said, hen3ry. Godspeed finding a good job. Fortunate will be the employer who hires you.
I am one of those who find Mr. Brooks columns more interesting over the past two years. I don't think he is trying to offer us any insights, but is using his column to work/think out his own life. He is at the stage where the old ways aren't working anymore, but he doesn't know where, or what direction, to go next. It is a very painful place to be and he doesn't have a clear path yet. I look forward to his columns to see where he is on his journey. We all have to make the journey, but Mr. Brooks is sharing it with us. I find what he is doing very brave indeed.
51
I'm not interested in Brooks' own life. I didn't think that was what he is paid to write columns for. Maybe the NT Time should find someone else.
1
This was a good column - it gave us a break from politics, let us think but not too hard, and didn't try to convince us that life was better in the 19th century.
Thanks David.
Thanks David.
9
Is spinner/turner another way of saying extrovert/introvert?
12
Yes.
1
Is it true that conservatives like to impose a classification system on an inherently messy world because they have a need for order. That would be a turner right? Just kidding around.
10
As Robert Benchley said, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't.
400
@Larry
I essentially said the same thing down thread but you got the gold mate
(((clapping )))
Obviously, I concur.
I essentially said the same thing down thread but you got the gold mate
(((clapping )))
Obviously, I concur.
5
Then there's those who don't care--the saints.
Interesting. But has Mr. Brooks not heard of Myers-Briggs and Enneagram? Classifying and thinking about personality types is, of course, a "tuner' type of activity, and an excellent way to get some insights into yourself and your friends and family over the Fourth of July weekend.
10
David, it's a long weekend. You need the time off.
64
You had me 'til you mentioned Faux President Trump! Otherwise, thanks! Some food for thought, say, Appetizer Lite.
1
This one really seemed to be coming out of left field until I neared the end of the essay and learned our intrepid columnist had been at the Aspen Ideas Festival. I've been hearing and watching interviews and excerpts from the festival all week on C-Span and public radio, and all I can say is, if these are what pass for "ideas" then civilization is decomposing even faster than the polar ice sheets.
18
".......every social typology has to have a slot for Donald Trump."
Correction. I think David meant: " .... every social pathology has to have a slot for Donald Trump."
Correction. I think David meant: " .... every social pathology has to have a slot for Donald Trump."
45
can't choose ... whistles past graveyard , fiddles while city burns, ignores elephant in room
26
I'd say you're both, Mr Brooks: you've attempted to get your readers to tune out today's headlines by spinning a meaningless Dear Abby column, rather than facing the fact that the President you told them not to "get carried away" over just 10 days ago is clearly mentally ill.
Try some soul searching—maybe a column about what's led your party and the conservative movement to make excuse after excuse for a man so beneath the dignity of the office he holds. Demand better of them, and yourself.
Try some soul searching—maybe a column about what's led your party and the conservative movement to make excuse after excuse for a man so beneath the dignity of the office he holds. Demand better of them, and yourself.
166
Does David Brooks ever tire of stereotyping and pigeonholing? This latest bit of useless generalization is unusually vapid, even for Mr. Brooks. Categorizing celebrities' personalities? Really, Brooks? I suppose this is the beginning of another lazy -- very lazy -- summer.
162
Mr Brooks
Lighten up, oh articulate one. You need a few hours in a working class bar in The Bronx, maybe Strength Island.
Lighten up, oh articulate one. You need a few hours in a working class bar in The Bronx, maybe Strength Island.
1
But he is so earnest when he does it. I suspect he thinks that makes him honest as well.
3
What are you talking about? What are you trying to say?
12
With all the important stuff going on nationally & internationally you choose to write a column sprouting your own brand of pop psychology? Please. It might be summer but my brain is still working.
38
So, of which variety are those about to be laid off, downsized, bought out and washed up at the ever-aging, lost in the cacaphony ny times? Rarely has so much schadenfreude been enjoyed by so many over the fate of so few victims of liberal hypocrisy.
1
This reads like "I like clipper ships" from Little Man Tate.
3
I once got an A in English writing a comparison & contrast essay on thermometers and thermostats.
You see, some people are thermometers and register the temperature around them.
While other people are thermostats who register the ambient temperature and then go about CHANGING it....
Clever, no? But that was in high school. I'm now much older and a little bit wiser and smarter. A little more sophisticated in my thinking.
You see, some people are thermometers and register the temperature around them.
While other people are thermostats who register the ambient temperature and then go about CHANGING it....
Clever, no? But that was in high school. I'm now much older and a little bit wiser and smarter. A little more sophisticated in my thinking.
74
Thank you Al. I'm in stitches, and the laughter feels so good in the midst of reading today's news.
Shallow milquetoast. Brooks has an op-ed page by-line and this is all he can come up with? The nature of our times demands more.
142
Shallow as ever, David.
9
Myself? I'm a drinker. That guy in the corner passed out, not listening to any of this nonsense.
17
Unusually trivial for Mr. Brooks. Do we really need neologisms for introverts and extroverts (or shades thereof)?
5
He's describing some of the differences between extroverts and introverts on the MBTI scale. A series of books by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger explain the concepts in depth and very clearly.
4
When I first saw "spinning and tuning" my immediate thoughts conjured the White House press staff. So this was a softball surprise.
2
Some advice for Mr. Brooks: First, become a Democrat. You can’t rationalize your Republican tendencies forever. You’re a tuner and the current iteration of the Republican Party doesn’t have an empathetic bone in its collective body. You don’t fit, and you can't change it from within. Second, skip the latest fad in pigeonholing people and reread Jung and Freud if you want to understand the human psyche with any depth. Third, the Myers-Briggs matrix for personality typing is far better and more descriptive than the overly simplistic idea of spinners and tuners. If you want to espouse social psychology theories at least give your readers enough credit that they can get beyond pop psychology. Fourth, recommend to your fellow Republicans that they give Mr. Grump the latest MMPI test. I imagine the results would be very telling.
77
There are three kinds of people. Those who think they understand quantitative reasoning, and divide everything and everyone into two groups, and those who don't.
www.remember-to-breathe.org
www.remember-to-breathe.org
6
"Now, of course, all social categories of this type are vast generalizations and really just a form of conversational game playing."
And yet a significant percentage of your columns Mr. Brooks default to this either/or framing. It is a cheap, easy, and woefully inadequate writing crutch.
Stop. Please stop. With all your experience, you are presumably capable of far more nuanced writing about the complex world in which we live. And if you no longer are, you should gracefully relinquish your seat to a writer who is.
And yet a significant percentage of your columns Mr. Brooks default to this either/or framing. It is a cheap, easy, and woefully inadequate writing crutch.
Stop. Please stop. With all your experience, you are presumably capable of far more nuanced writing about the complex world in which we live. And if you no longer are, you should gracefully relinquish your seat to a writer who is.
2
Oh, what a tangled tune we spin! I'm looking at you, David Brooks.
2
I really tried to tune in to what Brooks was talking about, but I needed a fidget spinner to get through this article.
12
Dear Mr. Brooks:
This is the type of article that does two things for me: it makes me wish I had your job, and it points out how inadequate my writing is.
I envy the place you are in your career, being able to read incessantly, to attend things like an Ideas Festival (!) I very much appreciate your efforts to simply share interesting stuff that strikes you as relevant or helpful in understanding a world that is becoming more and more difficult to fathom.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughtfulness.
This is the type of article that does two things for me: it makes me wish I had your job, and it points out how inadequate my writing is.
I envy the place you are in your career, being able to read incessantly, to attend things like an Ideas Festival (!) I very much appreciate your efforts to simply share interesting stuff that strikes you as relevant or helpful in understanding a world that is becoming more and more difficult to fathom.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughtfulness.
3
Shakespeare, Einstein...and Isaiah Berlin? Are you serious? That's like saying Mozart, Beethoven and John Philip Sousa.
5
I thoroughly enjoyed this column. And, of course, I am a tuner. But if you also enjoyed it, then be certain to read up, take, and use the Myers Briggs personality assessment. I always find nuggets of useful wisdom in understanding both myself and others from Myers Briggs.
1
Nice Column! New ideas.
Tuners and Spinners.
There are two types of people in the world.
Those that think there are two types of people in the world...
And those who don’t.
Welcome to the first type Mr. Brooks.
There are two types of people in the world.
Those that think there are two types of people in the world...
And those who don’t.
Welcome to the first type Mr. Brooks.
6
Don't touch that dial!
2
Someday, in the not-too-distant future, Americans will have the luxury again of contemplating the various types of social personalities and how they interact.
It is not going to happen this Fourth of July weekend, because one very sick and nasty person is obsessed with ruining this and every other weekend for any American who is not Donald Trump.
It is not going to happen this Fourth of July weekend, because one very sick and nasty person is obsessed with ruining this and every other weekend for any American who is not Donald Trump.
9
Bravo! "Introvert" and "extrovert" are much misused terms that don't get at several important differences in how people interact socially. Brooks, you're a great armchair social psychologist.
4
At first glance I thought the title read, "Turners and Spinners." I've been a wood turner for years, making things on a lathe. A friend of mine spins her own yarn then knits it into clothing. I was looking forward to David's take.
Ah well. Maybe next time.
Ah well. Maybe next time.
4
That would have been more interesting than the column that was published.
5
Would prefer the writer labels himself, not everyone else. The interest in assigning labels, especially either-or labels based on a kind of pop psychology, is kind of a waste of time, no? It would be of interest if he would just do some extended introspection himself and maybe explain how an otherwise sensitive, intelligent man can still pretend to Repblicanism (albeit his own fanasty version, where there are ideals beyond simple greed and cruelty, unlike in the real world).
But then, the piece reminds me of trying in 8th grade to use graphology make sense of personality -- essentially simplistic, juvenile, shallow and futile.
But then, the piece reminds me of trying in 8th grade to use graphology make sense of personality -- essentially simplistic, juvenile, shallow and futile.
8
Law professors are not always ideal sources of insight about personality categories, because they may not be knowledgeable about all of the thought that preceded their pronouncements. The distinction between 'extroverts" who are the life of the party, and "introverts", who are more quiet and observant, was made by Carl Jung more than a century ago. Subsequent researchers demonstrated that extroverts crave stimulation, and are more motivated by the prospect of reward, whereas introverts are sensitive to be over-aroused, and are motivated by the threat of punishment. Individuals who are constantly anxious and focused on threats, however, are called "neurotic". Donald Trump is an extroverted neurotic who loves crowds and turns his personal anxiety into both self-promotion and hostility to critics.
6
Nice column. I guess the POTUS, the GOP, the Congress are all doing so well that collectively they are not worthy of any discussion. NOT!
2
Extrovert vs introvert.
Mr Brooks seems to delight in parsing people into distinct types, but this is little more than offering more labels that lack explanatory value. Other than cluttering discourse with more psychobabble terms terms, it is a practice that induces a false sense of understanding complexities.
6
There are 10 kinds of people in the world:
Those that understand Binary
Those that don't.
Those that understand Binary
Those that don't.
5
There are two essays in The Times that explain a lot about conservatives and liberals. Paul Krugman rightly and clearly points out the unmitigated cruelty of modern Republicans. He demonstrates how the Republican health care bills slash insurance for the members of our society who need it most, creating a "nightmare" for them.
Conservative David Brooks, however, while the assault on health insurance for the poor is in full swing, goes off on a pointless, nonsensical screed about "tuners and spinners." Brooks fiddles while America burns.
Paul Krugman points out how shockingly cruel the Republicans are; Republican David Brooks shows how cruel Republicans are by completely ignoring his party's cruelty, and trying to divert us with silly drivel about "tuners and spinners."
Revealing.
Conservative David Brooks, however, while the assault on health insurance for the poor is in full swing, goes off on a pointless, nonsensical screed about "tuners and spinners." Brooks fiddles while America burns.
Paul Krugman points out how shockingly cruel the Republicans are; Republican David Brooks shows how cruel Republicans are by completely ignoring his party's cruelty, and trying to divert us with silly drivel about "tuners and spinners."
Revealing.
313
Have you been paying attention? Mr. Brooks wrote a column attacking the cluelessness and heartlessness of the Republican healthcare plan just three days ago. You are, of course, right in pointing out that Mr. Krugman has written essentially the same column two to three times a week since November. But it's hard to blame an intelligent writer for wanting to diversify a bit, isn't it?
Did you read his June 27 column?
David,
I generally enjoy your columns and respect you very much as a writer (though rarely agree with you). As a psychologist, the only thing I can say about this column is that it sounds like you wrote it while already on your July 4th vacation.
I generally enjoy your columns and respect you very much as a writer (though rarely agree with you). As a psychologist, the only thing I can say about this column is that it sounds like you wrote it while already on your July 4th vacation.
12
Yay! All people are great. Wow, what a revelation.
But to your point: 2 party systems are terrible. There is no mediation. We need to change to a parliamentary system based on population districts NOT property. Property and corporations must not be given rights.
The personalization evolution requires deep connection to hope and humanity. I think this is an evolutionary "fits and starts" trial of where humans will go. I think T is a fit back to classic social behavior of follow the leader. But many hands are pushing on the balloon in all directions.
We need more women leaders.
But to your point: 2 party systems are terrible. There is no mediation. We need to change to a parliamentary system based on population districts NOT property. Property and corporations must not be given rights.
The personalization evolution requires deep connection to hope and humanity. I think this is an evolutionary "fits and starts" trial of where humans will go. I think T is a fit back to classic social behavior of follow the leader. But many hands are pushing on the balloon in all directions.
We need more women leaders.
Sometimes David Brooks writes for the NY Times. Sometimes he does segments on NPR with E.J. Dionne. (Sometimes he does other things, too, but mentioning them destroys the binary nature of my copycat-his-column comment). And I am both a reader and a listener... but this isn't about me.
When he writes for the NY Times, he often cites other people's research as a launching pad for his pieces. When he appears on radio, he typically engages in conversation, and relies on his own thoughts and opinions.
Dear David, lately I like your radio work better.
When he writes for the NY Times, he often cites other people's research as a launching pad for his pieces. When he appears on radio, he typically engages in conversation, and relies on his own thoughts and opinions.
Dear David, lately I like your radio work better.
2
Happy Fourth of July celebrations for you, Mr. Brooks.
I don't think the binary spinner/tuner really describes human relations. There is likely abit of each characteristic in most people. And just to clarify a comment about a 'spinner' cited, as a student of Isaiah Berlin,he was both spinner, tuner and so much more. He was a superb listener (and teacher), empathetic, with a finely tuned sense of those he encountered. And he was one of the best listeners and empathetic, generous persons I've ever met.
I don't think the binary spinner/tuner really describes human relations. There is likely abit of each characteristic in most people. And just to clarify a comment about a 'spinner' cited, as a student of Isaiah Berlin,he was both spinner, tuner and so much more. He was a superb listener (and teacher), empathetic, with a finely tuned sense of those he encountered. And he was one of the best listeners and empathetic, generous persons I've ever met.
1
Oh, yes, it was.
David,
I enjoy your columns, but this has got to be the 876th time you've read a book or an essay and tried to define the entire world by the one or two insights you found there.
Reading is good. Gaining new insights is good. But please cut it out with this 'one idea that explains everything' silliness.
I enjoy your columns, but this has got to be the 876th time you've read a book or an essay and tried to define the entire world by the one or two insights you found there.
Reading is good. Gaining new insights is good. But please cut it out with this 'one idea that explains everything' silliness.
10
The sociologist David Reisman wrote about "inner directed" and "outer directed" Americans in his book, "The Lonely Crowd" back in 1950. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lonely_Crowd).
So, David, you and Sunstein have not come up with any new formulation here.
So, David, you and Sunstein have not come up with any new formulation here.
2
Sir Isaiah Berlin wrote about monists and pluralists In his wonderful essay, The Hedgehog and the Fox (from a fragment of Archilochus: “[On the one hand] the fox knows many things; on the other hand, the hedgehog knows one great thing.” He suggested that Leo Tolstoy was “a fox by nature who believed in being a hedgehog…”
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I have to disagree (rather vehemently) on Isaiah Berlin. You may be playing "the hedgehog or the fox" on this, but the deeper views even in that essay (leaving aside his other writings) on Tolstoy reflect the same kind of duality in Isaiah Berlin.
1
I enjoy a good theory about further classification of the human species.
However, we continue unabated with this human construct. We class AND separate people by color, race, background, male and female ( and a whole host of other classifications that seems to expand daily ) socio\economic backgrounds, left and right . It is no wonder we are so divided.
We are all human beings with the same red blood pumping through our veins. We cry, laugh and make mistakes. Generally, all of us will do the right thing when the circumstances present themselves.
If one is a tuner or spinner or any other such thing, it is not your responsibility to just sit back and classify, it is your duty to offer help and learning one way or the other.
Just a thought.
However, we continue unabated with this human construct. We class AND separate people by color, race, background, male and female ( and a whole host of other classifications that seems to expand daily ) socio\economic backgrounds, left and right . It is no wonder we are so divided.
We are all human beings with the same red blood pumping through our veins. We cry, laugh and make mistakes. Generally, all of us will do the right thing when the circumstances present themselves.
If one is a tuner or spinner or any other such thing, it is not your responsibility to just sit back and classify, it is your duty to offer help and learning one way or the other.
Just a thought.
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Aren't these just alternative terms for "extraverts" and "introverts"?
3
Spinners and tuners and a slot for "... there are some projectors whose primary attachment is to some psychosis, some emotional or narcissistic wound. They project outward from that. I add this distinction because every social typology has to have a slot for Donald Trump."? and that's it?
What about the thinkers and doers, the healers and the helpers, etc.? Spinners and tuners is kind of like categorizing all as either Ted Bundys or Mother Teresas. And leaves out entirely our poisonous GOP Congress, akin to a pack of scorpions...
What about the thinkers and doers, the healers and the helpers, etc.? Spinners and tuners is kind of like categorizing all as either Ted Bundys or Mother Teresas. And leaves out entirely our poisonous GOP Congress, akin to a pack of scorpions...
4
You too Mr. Brooks! Have a great 4th of July. The tuners need a break from all the spinners, and the spinners need a break to recharge.
Mr. Brooks: How silly can you get? Why do you write this drivel?
10
This reads like a parody of a David Brooks column. I guess Trump's latest tweets have finally driven Mr. Brooks around the bend. Is Brooks angling for a new gig at Cosmopolitan?
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Broooks has reached rock bottom.
A column utterly and completely devoid of content,
It would be impossible to write am emptier, more pointless, more embarrassing piece of garbage,.
A column utterly and completely devoid of content,
It would be impossible to write am emptier, more pointless, more embarrassing piece of garbage,.
10
Ouch. It's not that bad, but ...
1
I started reading this, and felt like I was immersed in a women's weekly. Scroll down and find: David Brooks? In the Self Help section?
You can decide to categorize people into any set of dichotomies you want: selfish/generous, religious mystic/earthbound secular, giver/taker. grown-up/ aging toddler.
David is struggling, and it is painful, with what appears to be the visible disintegration of dignity and moral grounding in society. He needs to go on out a bit and discover that the Kardashian ethic, the lazy millennial meme, the godless bathroom wars, the death of civility are over stated. They are all rampant on TV and on Facebook posts.
But when you go out and look, it really is just a numbers game. You remember the road-rager, but not the thousand careful drivers. You remember the ugliest, but not the millions carefully going on with living.
I don't care if a person is a spinner or a tuner. I just care that they go about their days trying to be a bit more valuable each day.
You can decide to categorize people into any set of dichotomies you want: selfish/generous, religious mystic/earthbound secular, giver/taker. grown-up/ aging toddler.
David is struggling, and it is painful, with what appears to be the visible disintegration of dignity and moral grounding in society. He needs to go on out a bit and discover that the Kardashian ethic, the lazy millennial meme, the godless bathroom wars, the death of civility are over stated. They are all rampant on TV and on Facebook posts.
But when you go out and look, it really is just a numbers game. You remember the road-rager, but not the thousand careful drivers. You remember the ugliest, but not the millions carefully going on with living.
I don't care if a person is a spinner or a tuner. I just care that they go about their days trying to be a bit more valuable each day.
2
Huh?
I'm taking my bucket and looking for a place to hide. Too embarrassed to celebrate what the fourth stands for.
I'm taking my bucket and looking for a place to hide. Too embarrassed to celebrate what the fourth stands for.
3
I say let's make sure every kid gets a bucket....
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A useful fleshing out of what Max Weber called "ideal types," and a useful update of those provided by David Riesman in The Lonely Crowd (the inner-directed, the other-directed, the autonomous), but too often we forget Riesman's now seemingly out-dated reference to an extreme form of other-directedness that he called the "mass communication zombie," who almost constantly walked around with earphones on. It's outdated because it has now largely displaced all other forms--the zombies are ubiquitous. Everybody, it seems is needy for someone else's bucket that they think they can get through earphones.
David must have a big holiday weekend planned, because this column is totally mailed in. But the earlier one this week about the GOP & Healthcare was so good that it doesn't matter. He can take one off.
2
Find any lint in that navel, David?
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"So my lesson of the week is: Go into every social occasion with your own bucket. Be a spinner when life’s going good, a tuner when things go down, and have a great Fourth of July weekend."
With all due respect to Prof. Sunstein and to Mr. Brooks, the only thing that makes any sense, to me at least, in this entire exercise in spinning and tuning is: "have a great Fourth of July weekend."
With all due respect to Prof. Sunstein and to Mr. Brooks, the only thing that makes any sense, to me at least, in this entire exercise in spinning and tuning is: "have a great Fourth of July weekend."
4
As one of my favorite Republicans, it's mildly interesting to learn what the social scientist muses over as he packs his bags and coolers for the 4th of July weekend. Social stuff - People, marriage, Trump. Go recharge those batteries Mr. Brooks - and come back swinging.
I'd suggest The Dude (aka the Big Lebowski) as the archetype for the rare person who is "strong at both ends".
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Uh, the spinners are the ones who create "drama" and not the fun kind. The tuners clean it up. just say'n.
7
Oh please! I can read this stuff in the magazines I pick up while waiting to see the dentist and don't encounter it, thankfully, at other times. Because it's based on the idea of a Harvard law Professor doesn't make it anything more than pop psych. Mr Brooks I disagree with your politics but mostly don't care about this stuff. It's just impossible to come to grips with fluff!
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A whole new bunch of categories for cogitariat to cogitate about.
6
Cogently crafted, compadre.
6
When it comes to the ultimate spinner among American writers it has to be Hunter S. Thompson, whose pre addled Gonzo journalism, was ablaze with spinning. His brilliant "Midnight on the Coast highway" is iconic, untainted spin. Tom Wolfe's " Electric Kool- Aide Acid Test" is a tuner masterpiece, where Wolfe chronicles the epic cultural mix between the Hells Angels, and Ken Kesey's psychedelic "Merry Pranksters"
2
Not sure how this is any different from extrovert and introvert; our culture and attention span favors the "spinners", but we all know that when you need someone to listen and pay attention to details we need the introverts.
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People who remain largely silent but fully engaged in a professional meeting or a social gathering rather mysteriously tend to draw others to them. Suddenly the person steering the conversation will turn to the silent one and ask, "What are you thinking?" And all eyes turn expectantly to hear what she has to say. On the other hand, we often need "spinners" to get the ball rolling. And omitted in this column are the necessary prodders - people unafraid to raise difficult topics and ask uncomfortable questions.
14
When a quiet, august person seems to many to be thinking important and insightful thoughts, s/he is probably thinking about lunch.
5
Thanks David.
I was not a fan of yours in the past - i read the columns, but usually disagreed. But I really have enjoyed your keen insights over the last year plus. Happy 4th to you. i think you have evolved into a Tuner.
I was not a fan of yours in the past - i read the columns, but usually disagreed. But I really have enjoyed your keen insights over the last year plus. Happy 4th to you. i think you have evolved into a Tuner.
7
Yeah, David has certainly had new insights into the human race. Really deep stuff...
5
If only he owned up to his own, deep responsibility for helping to enable the Republican vilification of our core national institutions. I'm not taking lessons in morality from this ideologue turned life coach.
5
And, yet, we are all having to listen to him and his thinly-veiled angst. I'm still waiting for the admission that what passes for conservatism in the US is really plutocratic greed. And he helped.
2
DB if anything gives us "stuff" to talk about and debate if he does anything. This I appreciate in him even in the days when his politics were more of a rough fit with my own than now. The simplification of human traits pushes us to consider the influence of people within the social words in which we circulate--even if we would prefer not to; this I like! The "truth" is that in all but a very small few of us the tuner v spinner traits are on a sliding scale of some sort--we are in fact some type of both. I believe that most who know me well, would push me into the tuner box but have seen the life of the party aspect of a spinner surface in some social situations and perhaps are as surprised as I am when it does--yet if truth be told I aspire to find the spinner in me in such situations. Travel for me has for most of my life been preferably solo in part because I thought the learning was better when I did and DB is right in that the interactions with people are more frequent and enlightening when I do. Yet, at the 60+ period in my life solo travel seems less interesting than it did and slightly more dangerous than I ever thought it was for the past four decades. Is this the spinner side of me surfacing or the practical and hopefully wise that tends to grab a voice in us as we move into the last third of our time on earth. Perhaps it is simply finding my spot on the range between spinning and tuning that I believe we are to a degree constantly searching for in our lives.
4
The best description of tuners was given years ago by Gordon Lightfoot in the song "Rainy Day People"
11
Excellent. I love that song.
2
I have always been a spinner and my husband a tuner - I think that is why we were attracted to one another in the beginning. And after 27 years together we have evolved into a little bit of both through osmosis. Or is it just aging wisely? Not sure but I feel lucky to have him in my life.
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Same here. My wife is the life of the party where she shows off her joke telling skills. I look for the person who is in a profession I know nothing about, so I can learn. Happily married 34 years.
1
Interesting if a bit simplistic. I think if you spoke with people who don't know me they would say I was a spinner. And there are probably people who do know me who would see enough of the spinner in me to agree. But people tell me their problems and I listen. And they would probably tell you I don't make them about myself. I have actually had people say to me, I've never talked to anyone where I felt less judged. BUT, I am the kid on the beach. As someone else mentioned I too love to travel alone because of the people I meet as much as the freedom to do as I choose.
So I don't think things are quite this simple. But to drag Mr. Brooks back to politics, I find many conservatives either insist things actually are this simple or they are bent on trying to force them to be.
So I don't think things are quite this simple. But to drag Mr. Brooks back to politics, I find many conservatives either insist things actually are this simple or they are bent on trying to force them to be.
18
Another facile analysis, another two dubious categories to generalize the entire human race. I guess this was not too damaging, and word slingers have to put food on the table like the rest of us.
But instead of describing another invalid pair of descriptors for human behavior, why not give some advice on how to acquire and use these characteristics for good?
But instead of describing another invalid pair of descriptors for human behavior, why not give some advice on how to acquire and use these characteristics for good?
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"They’re fine to play alone, but they’re welcoming if anybody wants to join them. They have a mixture of self-sufficiency and sociability"
This is said to describe 4-year-olds, but is it not the perfect balance throughout life? I find that the most contented people are just that - welcoming to others, but also comfortable with their own company for extended periods. Such people often have a depth of internal resources which keep them busy and engaged both in the presence of others and when spending a day alone.
This is said to describe 4-year-olds, but is it not the perfect balance throughout life? I find that the most contented people are just that - welcoming to others, but also comfortable with their own company for extended periods. Such people often have a depth of internal resources which keep them busy and engaged both in the presence of others and when spending a day alone.
126
Thank you, Mr. Brooks. It would be interesting to see how our founding fathers would have fit into these categories, or better yet, the elected "elites" of our government.
2
Nope--an either/or oversimplification. P.S. If Shakespeare claims anything after all is said and done, it's that experience is an infinitely rich "and," not "either/or." ("And that's true too.")
16
Sorry if I can relate to David here. I find I fit quite nicely into the tuner description and as a matter of fact recently in describing myself to a new friend not as a "tuner" but as even flowing steady through life with little display of extreme happiness, drama, etc. or of the "spinner" traits. Drama in life I even find hard to tolerate the older I get.
Having recently retired and moved successfully into a new life and area of the country I find the steady tuner type I am has been a draw for new friends that are easy for me to relate to as a very liberal, but easy going person.
I fine my ability to deal with spinners is much more of a challenge each year at the same time, keeping things stirred up so often is just about them and to gain attention. I do need connection, but I do not need attention and prefer to not draw attention, but to do for others and my community for the good of all, leaving the fan fare for the spinners.
Having recently retired and moved successfully into a new life and area of the country I find the steady tuner type I am has been a draw for new friends that are easy for me to relate to as a very liberal, but easy going person.
I fine my ability to deal with spinners is much more of a challenge each year at the same time, keeping things stirred up so often is just about them and to gain attention. I do need connection, but I do not need attention and prefer to not draw attention, but to do for others and my community for the good of all, leaving the fan fare for the spinners.
12
There are blue skies and grey skies. Sometimes there are puffy white clouds.
371
This is such a PERFECT example of David's columns!
Bravo!
Bravo!
4
rofl
thanks
thanks
2
I observed the kid with the bucket alone on the beach years ago, I have always been willing to travel the planet alone and always noticed that when I was alone in some far corner of the world that more people were attracted to me than when traveling with a group or just one other person.
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@Chris
Isn't that about "availability"?
Isn't that about "availability"?
1
Yep, some people are spinners and some are tuners. And some people are a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll. But if you spin the dial on your tuner, you can change your station in life. All people fall into two categories: those who put people into two categories, and those who don't. I tend to fit into the category of people who can't be put into a category.
Sorry. Ever since David Brooks stopped writing his indefensible screeds lauding Republicans and started getting into this social psychology thing, I don't know how to respond. It was so much easier when he attacked the people who occupied Wall Street, or when he said that raising the minimum wage would hurt the poor. A person knew how to respond to that.
Conservative opinionators are supposed to make you mad, not confused. They're not supposed offer marriage advice, although if you're a tuner they really like the wedding of AM with FM. Two AMs or two FMs should never get together in their book. It makes them queasy to think about it, which is why they always carry a bucket.
I'm for tuner equality, personally.
Sorry. Ever since David Brooks stopped writing his indefensible screeds lauding Republicans and started getting into this social psychology thing, I don't know how to respond. It was so much easier when he attacked the people who occupied Wall Street, or when he said that raising the minimum wage would hurt the poor. A person knew how to respond to that.
Conservative opinionators are supposed to make you mad, not confused. They're not supposed offer marriage advice, although if you're a tuner they really like the wedding of AM with FM. Two AMs or two FMs should never get together in their book. It makes them queasy to think about it, which is why they always carry a bucket.
I'm for tuner equality, personally.
551
What to do when you have never been able to come up with a label for yourself that you can be comfortable with? Lets take a look at the bell curve theory. If people and personality types are the base line, then those in the middle are more numerous, and therefore easier to find a label that fits. The farther out at the extremity's the fewer the numbers, but those traits that put them at the extremity also make them harder to define with a simple label. Depending on which end of the curve you are on, you will tend to be either defined by a single trait or so complex that the number of traits are to numerous to lump into a single label. As you might imagine from this exercise, I have never been able to find a suitable label for myself, which is neither a boast or a complaint.
7
David Brooks recently wrote an essay on the affinity that Americans have for labels. It is one that I would take to a small international speakers club where we leave labels outside the door. Perhaps it takes a bit of everyone to make the world we live in.
11
I read Brooks' piece and thought, "Goodness, what was THAT about?" And then read your post and laughed out loud. Your comments are always good; this one was a treat.
13