I just ordered this book from amazon.com. Read an interview with the author, David Allyn, in yesterday's New York Times, which was most amusing and enlightening.
His credo is that "There is too much caution in the world." More: "People are managing their images all the time. They're scared of making fools of themselves. I would rather you say something stupid than be too cautious. I'm all for embracing embarrassment."
I've always believed that the best formula for a good life is, "No shame + no pride = no limits." But it's really, really difficult for most people to not mind making fools of themselves in front of others. I've had more than one relationship end because the girl couldn't stand my propensity for making an ass out of myself in public. I love being a jerk.
Article comments
1 - jadester
hear hear! My friends have become more than used to my propensity to be a jerk from time to time. However i do tend to be more cautious around people i don't know that well but are likely to see again sometime in the near future.
2 - timski
That's great! Take away your pride and you can do anything. Also, people will hang out with you a lot more because everyone loves to watch someone make a fool of themselves. Here's to shamelessness! (but not in the wrong kind of way)
3 - duane
I have a comment about this topic, but it's probably too dumb for you to waste your time on.
4 - timski
Go for it, duane!
5 - Eric Olsen
There are "jerks" and jerks, as in shameless vs mean. I assume you guys mean "shameless" because you seem too nice to be jerks of the mean variety.
6 - Jeff PEtermann
This has nothing to do with the quality of the book, but I heard the author on NPR and he sounded like a real wank
7 - Eric Olsen
I heard him too, and wank he was
8 - Jim Carruthers
I just saw the first two episodes of this season's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and it is the funniest, most cringeworthy paramount of embarrassment. You have to laugh because Larry David compiles embarrassment upon gaffe.
This week's New Yorker has a full profile on Larry David.
9 - Eric Olsen
I hereby retract my "wank" concurrence - I heard from the author and he is a swell, if senstive, fellow. I apologize and hang my head.
As I explained to him, the "wank" factor was that I am not terribly keen on seeing a bunch of introverts suddenly busting loose and creeping me out, which I freely admit is selfish.
I also only actually heard a few minutes of the show, which was not sufficient time for me to have formed any kind of opinion anyway.
I have to remember that people actually read this stuff - note to self.
10 - Cike
I heard the author on NPR and didn't think he was "wank" at all (whatever that's supposed to mean). It was especially interesting to hear all the people calling in and confessing their worst moments of embarrassment. I'm going to pick this book up when I have a chance.
C
11 - Eric Olsen
I am certain Mr. Allyn will be pleased to hear that. I only heard a few minutes and should have never said anything.
12 - JR
Weren't you just acting on Mr. Allyn's advice?
13 - Dwaine AKA Scooter AKA D.J.
People, people, just live your lives. Don't worry about being a shameless jerk. Look at me, people call me Scooter. If someone trips on ice in front of you, laugh at them! If you fall on ice, make sure you didn't break anything and laugh it off. Hold up, what the fuck am I talking about? Oh yeah, life is like a box of chocolates....