5Cultivating Our Better Angels

Human nature is the problem,but human nature is also the solution.

STEVEN PINKER

“Let your principles be few and simple,” advised the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “so that you may refer to them at a moment’s notice.” The mindset and skills we explored in the last two chapters provide just that—a user-friendly set of principles for working in the sweet spot under pressure. The skills are simple:

1. Candor skills

image Advocate your position clearly and succinctly.

image Illustrate your position by sharing the thinking behind it ...

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