A psychologist considers the conductor as influencer

We are haappy to publish a new essay by the Chicago psychologist Dr Gerald Stein on the varied forms of influence suggested by the conductor Carlo Maria Giulini to achieve his musical goals.

Here’s a sample:

Beware the tip-toe advance of advice or attempts to influence you. Subtle or clumsy, wise or unwise, helpful or misguided. Perhaps just a matter of selling a product.

I don’t think Carlo Maria Giulini, the famed conductor, would have approved since he was interested in loftier things. But more about him later on the subject of conviction and convincing.

First comes sex, appearance, and seduction. So-called influencers use their faces and bodies to market products. Many seek your attention, attempting to make you believe you can be as popular as they are.

Several categories of such guidance are available in everyday life. They include responses to the question of what to do, unrequested suggestions, and lists of things not to attempt.

The idea is to capture your decision-making when they begin by saying, “If I were you,” though no one else can be you…

Read on here.