The only rule that ever made sense to me I learned from a history, not an economics, professor at Wharton. Fear, he used to say, fear is the most valuable commodity in the universe. That blew me away. Turn on the TV, he'd say. What are you seeing? People selling their products? No. People selling the fear of you having to live without their products. Fuckin' A, was he right. Fear of aging, fear of loneliness, fear of poverty, fear of failure. Fear is the most basic emotion we have. Fear is primal. Fear sells.
The quote emphasizes the powerful role fear plays in human behavior and the economy. A professor at Wharton articulated a profound truth: fear is not just an emotion but a commodity that drives people's decisions and consumerism. Instead of merely marketing products, companies often focus on instilling fear about what life would be like without their offerings. This perspective challenges traditional economic assumptions, suggesting that primal emotions can influence purchasing behavior far more than logical reasoning.
Additionally, the reference to various fears—aging, loneliness, poverty, and failure—highlights how these universal anxieties govern much of human experience. The author, Max Brooks, draws on this idea in his work, indicating that fear is a fundamental aspect of life. It resonates deeply with everyone, making it a compelling force in storytelling and marketing. By acknowledging fear as a motivator, we can better understand consumer behavior and the strategies employed by businesses to tap into this essential emotion.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
