# Creating Joy and Truth via the Absurd By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-04-07 Here is an experiment to try when someone openly wonders why something occurred. First, flip a coin. It doesn't have to be a real coin. It would be better if the person were unaware of the coin flip. Second, if the "coin" comes up heads, proceed to explore the reason why based on available information as one usually would. If the "coin" comes up tails, fabricate a counter-intuitive reason with just enough realism to be plausible. For example, if someone wonders why the server is taking so long, say that you've read online that this restaurant has intentionally decided to go slower to encourage patrons to reflect on their meal and enjoy the company of others. Go on to explain that the theory of this restaurant is that this engagement builds loyal customers because they have a great time together. Third, monitor the level of engagement and intrigue of those present. Fourth, compare the strategies. Which one resulted in more interesting discussions? A potentially fictional, counter-intuitive strategy almost always results in more interesting and engaging discussions. This comes down to curiosity and the injection of the absurd. It throws people off their social scripts and requires a bit of improv. However, what strategy resulted in uncovering the truth, as the first is based on evidence and the second is fabrication? Again, I suspect the fictional, counter-intuitive strategy will uncover more truth for the same reasons. It pushes one to examine something outside of their assumptions. Finally, ask oneself what is the point of data-driven decision-making if life is more interesting and revealing when one plays on the edge of data and the unknown. It is clear that for the fabricated counter-intuitive strategy to work, one must base it on some data. Still, the most interesting and insightful part is in the creativity of spinning a new web of imaginary data. Creativity is important in science, analytics, life, and being an enjoyable dinner guest. Of course, one can go too far into outright and dangerous lies and should consider the ethical implications. Still, society has ways of dealing with this to keep checks and balances in place. So enjoy the edge of what is possible, or at the very least, be absurdly interesting on occasion. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Truth]] [[Society]] [[Discussions]] [[Joy]] [[Absurd]] [[Decision-making]] [[Insights]]