People like to feel superior over other people. This isn’t a cynical way of looking at things, it’s just a reality. Nietzsche was one of the first people to bring this idea into popularity, when he stated that humans have a “Will to power”, or a drive to assert yourself, dominate, and feel superior.
But we’re not here to go in depth about the philosophies of superiority, instead we are here to discuss a social strategy that I’ve seen work countless times. It’s called the “I’m a dumbass” method.
The more you reflect on the past the more you find it’s truth. Remember back when you got a really good grade on a test, and for some reason it pissed some people off? Or maybe you were the one that got pissed off (HAHA! *we all point and laugh*)… either way, an imbalance was created and it caused issues.
Take my original “Guy and the Smart Dumbass” dilemma to put it into perspective:
You’re in the company of another person, we call him Guy, when a problem presents itself. You know the way the way to fix this problem fastest, and you’re pretty sure Guy does not. You take control of the situation, and continue to successfully fix the problem by yourself. Guy now feels inferior, and does not like you. You lose.
Now back up a little. You’re in the company of the same Guy, and the problem has presented itself again. This time, you employ the “I’m a dumbass” method. You crack a joke about how hard the problem is, and Guy pisses himself laughing. Then you start asking questions, many of them so dumb Guy can hardly believe you’ve made it this far in life! It is clear to Guy that you need his help, and so he gets to work. You help Guy solve the problem successfully, but be sure to let him lead as the intelligently dominant individual. Guy now feels superior, and likes you. You win.
In both scenarios, the problem is completed successfully. But in one of them, Guy likes you, which will bring you more success down the road.
When you’re able to let people think you’re less intelligent than them, you immediately prop them up, making them feel better about themselves, but more importantly giving them the illusion of being better than you. Once that happens, a psychological shift kicks in. With the sense of competition gone, they naturally become more comfortable and even more fond of you.
So the next time you’re wondering how to win someone over, whip out the old “I’m a dumbass” method and make them feel superior.