Dave Chappelle's Salt Trap Parable

I was watching Dave Chappelle being interviewed by Gayle King about his ordeals in the entertainment industry, especially about being taken advantage of.

To make his point, he narrated a lesson he learned from watching a nature documentary about bushmen in Africa.

When water is scarce, bushmen use their knowledge of animal behavior, specifically baboons, to track new water sources.

They know that baboons love salt, so they drop some salt into a cage with holes that are just small enough for the baboon's hand to fit through.

The baboon slides its hand in, grabs the salt in a fist, but then is unable to pull its fist out of the hole.

All it has to do is let go of the salt and it can easily free itself and run away.

But no… it’s hooked.

It wants what it wants… NOW.

The bushman walks up and grabs the baboon, then puts it into the cage where it can have all the salt it wants.

He sits and waits patiently while the baboon eats to its fill.

And then…

He sets it free.

Why?

Because the bushman knows that salt makes baboons thirsty, and this means that the baboon would immediately race to its secret water source.

As the baboon runs off, the bushman follows in hot pursuit.

They both reach the water source and drink to their fill.

Riveting, isn’t it?

I learn a lot about human nature by observing animals.

Our patterns aren’t so different after all.

The salt is to the baboon what social media is to the modern human.

Mark Zuckerberg isn’t selling “social networking” anymore.

That was the product of the 2000s.

He has since learned from TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat what his real product ought to have been - DOPAMINE - and has adjusted by buying Instagram and copying everything else from TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Dopamine is the reason you make a post and keep refreshing to see how many likes and comments you’re getting.

It's the reason a troll tries to get a reaction from someone they deem above them.

It’s the reason you post to your story and keep checking to see who viewed it.

The more views and reactions you get from these strangers, the more you’re incentivized to keep posting.

And it gets deeper - ideas that ought to be proprietary, plans that are still in the works, key relationships that make you or your business.

Can’t let go of the salt, can you?

You’re addicted to the praise of these avatars but do you not see how you open yourself to sabotage?

Words come easily to a lot of people. It is not always a true reflection of reality.

Do not be naive. It's not all love and light on these streets.

The bushmen of the internet are watching you with keen intent.

They will follow your trail to your water source and take what is yours without payment, honor, or attribution.

Your thoughts and words are treasure troves, but you do regard them as such.

But the bushmen do, and they’re counting on your indiscretion.

Let go of the salt. You don't need the dopamine shot from their praise.

The number of people whose validation truly matters in your life is likely not more than three to five.

Leaders are not flippant.

They know that Kingdoms are built by diligence, but are kept by secrets.

And oh, I dug around and found a 5-minute clip of the original documentary for your study -> Watch it here.

Talk Soon,

John Obidi