# Coffee as Rebellion By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-08-21 Coffeehouses have an important place in our collective [intellectual development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffeehouse). At least in terms of the [[Enlightenment]], thinking is subversive. England’s Charles II described coffeehouses as “places where the disaffected met and spread scandalous reports.” Tapping into this scene is liberating. One might wonder what, if anything, this has to do with organizational analytics. Analytics is organizationally subversive insofar as it challenges the established system of authority. Relatively inexperienced analysts can openly discuss findings and implications with senior leaders on a near-peer basis. Analytic acumen provides a basis of authority that allows one to operate several strata above one’s position. Doing so effectively requires being able to not only perform the analytic techniques required but also to discuss them in a way that is understandable and compelling. Coffeehouses are ideal places for one to develop these skills. Coffeehouses are one of the last truly egalitarian spaces in [[American]] society. Within a coffeehouse, people congregate and discuss ideas. People will randomly say something in passing, or one will overhear a random snippet of conversation. Conversations in coffeehouses are uncontrolled and unpredictable. In navigating these [[discussions]], one develops the skills of attuning to the essence of the topic, formulating one’s thoughts freely and quickly, and putting it “out there.” These skills are not developed inside an office cubicle. Have a cup of coffee; free your mind! #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Coffeehouses]] [[Coffee]] [[Organizational Analytics]] [[Subversive]] [[Authority]] [[Intellectual]]