Just the other day, I saw an interview that left me shaking my head. The podcast in question was fairly popular, one with plenty of solid interviews in the past. This time however, the guest had penned a book, claiming to hold the key to eternal focus, promising a life free from distractions.
That’s quite a bold claim, wouldn’t you agree? Consider my curiosity piqued. You see, the podcast host is supposed to be Mr Entrepeneur, showing up on the famous tv show Dragons’ Den. So you’d think he’d make sure his guests aren’t spouting nonsense. Right? Well, maybe not. Turns out, the topic of this book delves into the realm of psychology… and that will turn out to be a problem. Let’s look at how the interview unfolded.
After spending the first hour and a half preaching what everyone should be doing in their everyday lives, the subject shifted to ADHD. At this point, it’s relevant to point out that the author holds a degree in business and has spent most of his professional life in the corporate world. When asked a question on ADHD, the sensible move here would’ve been to say, “I’m no expert on that. My book is meant for the vast majority without ADHD.”
Did he do that? No. Instead, this author decided to compare ADHD to a broken bone, suggesting it could be fixed with some sort of “recovery plan.” He followed that up by taking a swipe at “the pills” – “They’re just amphetamines! Skills before pills!” – ending with some vague conspiracy theories, “It’s all those greedy drug companies’ fault!”
Now, a superficial thinker would be lapping up these statements, readily nodding along, and demanding immediate action! But someone who delves a little deeper? They’d wait a minute before agreeing. Perhaps they’d first look for a video of a medical expert, explaining the different types of medications available, how they actually work, and why they can be beneficial for the right individuals. Sure, they might stick to their initial opinion, but at least they’d look at the information and not just dismiss it outright. And if the evidence was strong enough, they’d change their mind. Isn’t that something? Being open to changing your mind based on new information?
To be fair to our author here, we could indeed have an interesting conversation on the topic of ADHD and how we handle it as a society. But making the comparison to a broken bone? That tells me you’re not well informed enough to have this discussion. This isn’t something you can just “recover” from. Anyone who’s spent five seconds reading or watching something from an expert, would know that. But alas, that wasn’t the case here. This conversation felt not much better than conversation you’d expect at the local pub.
Let me add one more thing. Isn’t it downright sad to peddle this type of nonsense in pursuit of more cash? ‘Cause let’s face it, ADHD is a legitimate medical issue (one that’s been extensively studied), and it can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Going around and selling opinion as fact, without the necessary medical expertise? That’s just plain wrong. And let’s not forget about Mr Entrepeneur, the podcast owner, who’s yet to respond to the criticism leveled at this interview.
In any case, here’s my message for you today: keep reading, keep seeking, keep listening, keep questioning. Don’t let yourself become one of those shallow thinkers. Strive to go deep… but remember, it’s a journey that takes time, not an overnight transformation.
Regards,
Vincent J. Dancet