Money (and Sex) Makes People Predictable
Money and Sex Dictate Our Lives?
“Money makes people predictable, at least.” This line from the movie Tequila Sunrise, uttered by Mel Gibson’s character, is one of those rare nuggets of truth that makes you stop and think.
How often do we see this play out in real life?
If you need a party to be a hit, just mention that Elon Musk or Brad Pitt will be there.
People will flock to it, driven by the allure of wealth or fame.
It’s not just celebrities.
Mention a billionaire’s presence at an event, even if they aren’t a household name, and people will show up, hoping for some benefit, financial or otherwise.
It’s the allure of money that draws people in, making their actions almost predictable.
The Power of Promise
Think about it. If someone promises you a chance to make a lot of money, aren’t you at least tempted to listen?
Con artists thrive on this.
They dangle the promise of quick wealth, and people jump onboard, often ignoring the old adage: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Always be wary when money is involved, and never give out personal information. It’s the world we live in, and we need to navigate it wisely.
Money is a powerful motivator.
It’s like a drug for some people.
Watch how fast someone calls you back if it’s about money.
I once owed a friend some money for a gift we bought together. I called her several times with no response.
Then, I left a message mentioning the money I owed her, and within minutes, she called back. Money makes people act in ways they wouldn’t otherwise.
Money Talks
Even in the world of comedy, money talks.
At the Laugh Factory, comedians would show up promptly if they knew their check was ready, even if it was just $25.
It’s a showcase club, so the real money is made on the road, but that $25 was enough to get them there quickly.
Here’s a funny story from the early 1990s. Spy Magazine sent $1.11 checks to 58 well-known millionaires, claiming it was due to a computer error.
Within two months, 26 of them had cashed the checks.
Notable names included Donald Trump, Michael Douglas, Faye Dunaway, and Cher.
Some didn’t cash the checks, like Billy Joel and Dustin Hoffman. It’s interesting to see who values even the smallest amounts of money.
When I was the general manager at the Laugh Factory, we would donate tickets to charities, setting an expiration date.
Without fail, people would come on the last night or the night before the tickets expired. They didn’t want to miss their free admission, even though they would spend much more on drinks.
Money, or the perception of saving it, drove their actions.
The Currency of Attention
If you want someone’s attention, talk about money. Why?
Because money is like a god in our society.
We need it to live, but it has become the be-all and end-all.
People want to be seen as wealthy because they believe it will make others think more highly of them and want to be around them.
Look at how money influences social interactions. I had a friend who would buy drinks for everyone at the bar.
I asked him if he knew if people liked him for him or just because he had money. He didn’t care; he just wanted to get laid.
Gold diggers are essentially high-priced hookers, and there are websites dedicated to these arrangements.
Even at my father’s building, tipping the doorman with Yankees tickets ensured he got a cab within seconds.
Money buys convenience and influences behavior in predictable ways.
Wedding rings are another example.
People spend exorbitant amounts on them, but often, they’re fake.
No one can tell the difference, much like NFTs. It’s all about the perception of wealth.
The Stinginess Spectrum
Cheapness is another aspect tied to money.
I remember a millionaire who stayed at our house and racked up a $200 phone bill.
He never paid for anything and returned our car with an empty gas tank. My father was furious and confronted him.
It wasn’t about the money; it was about respect.
Parking is a trivial example, but it’s telling.
People will spend a lot of time looking for a free parking spot rather than paying a small fee for valet service. It’s completely ridiculous.
People will do almost anything for money.
Remember Fear Factor?
Contestants did disgusting stunts for $50,000. Eating spiders, dunking their heads in cow’s blood, all for money.
Then there’s OnlyFans, where people do anything from mundane to extreme for cash.
The Family Feud
Contesting wills shows another side of our obsession with money.
Families break apart over inheritance disputes.
The Presleys are a recent example, fighting over Lisa Marie Presley’s estate after her death.
It’s sad to see how money can tear families apart.
The Sex Factor
Now, let’s talk about sex. Sex makes people predictable too.
The power of attraction is undeniable. On dating websites, women receive numerous messages, rarely needing to initiate contact.
Some men even send unsolicited explicit pictures, which is bizarre and gross.
Men and women are predictable when it comes to sex.
Men are visually driven, loving to see attractive bodies, which is why porn is so popular.
Women, on the other hand, might obsess over whether a guy has texted or called back, hoping it leads to a relationship.
The Power of Attraction
Sex drives behavior in predictable ways.
Men might do almost anything for the promise of sex. It’s the reason behind many irrational actions.
Think about the famous incidents of public figures sending explicit pictures. Anthony Weiner, Jeff Bezos, Brett Favre — they all got caught up in it.
Even in relationships, sex can be a driving force.
I know a woman with a difficult personality who remarried after a terrible divorce.
Her ex-boyfriend revealed that she was exceptional at a specific sexual act, which initially drew him in.
It worked for a while, but the rest of the relationship was hell.
The Gender Dynamics
Men often follow women in social situations, leaving their own families behind. It’s predictable.
Women tend to take care of their parents as they age, which is why having a daughter is seen as a blessing in this regard.
In love, men fall for women they are attracted to, and women become more attracted to the men they love.
It’s a predictable pattern.
Ultimately, we all seek love, and that’s what drives much of our behavior, whether it’s about money or sex.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
Money and sex make people predictable.
They drive our actions, influence our decisions, and shape our lives in ways we often don’t even realize.
Whether it’s the allure of wealth or the power of attraction, these forces are at the core of human behavior.
Recognizing this can help us navigate the complexities of life with a bit more insight and understanding.
