Rendezvous Quotes

“My study has suggested revolution happens more often when a subjugated population believes they are equal to their rulers rather than when truly horrible treatment convinces them they may as well be a different species. The wider the gulf you create between two groups’ perception of self-worth, the less likely those who are ruled will feel capable of changing the situation. Treat a man like an animal, and it won’t take long to thoroughly domesticate him. With that in mind, sir, I think it’s time”
― Jerry Aubin, Rendezvous

“Even better was the way the woman had surfaced her idea. She hadn’t just blurted it out, but instead had sought his validation about her perception of the problem. She then only offered her solution when asked for it.”
― Jerry Aubin, Rendezvous

“Many heads nodded vigorously as expected. Having worked among brilliant engineers all his career, the thought processes of his audience were a known quantity and Adan knew how to reinforce their implicit biases. Acknowledging how the old system was broken and then talking about iterating across different possible ideas until an optimal solution was identified was designed to hit all of their logical pleasure centers.”
― Jerry Aubin, Rendezvous

“Back to Cortez. The man was an explorer in the sixteenth century who sailed across the Atlantic to conquer newly discovered lands. Despite his force being technologically superior, most of Cortez’s men had never experienced battle and were tempted to flee home in the face of the ferocious natives they encountered. Cortez burned his fleet to present his men with a simple choice—fight or die. They fought and they won.”
― Jerry Aubin, Rendezvous

“Now I know you’ve run many successful companies, so I’m not trying to suggest you’re new to the concept of leadership. From my perspective, though, that type of private sector experience doesn’t always translate into governmental success. If anything, it will often get in the way of it.”
― Jerry Aubin, Rendezvous

“The Captain’s mindset appeared to soften as he listened to Alpha’s rationale. “OK—I see the potential now, but will it be possible to undertake such a major societal change right after purging ten million people?” “I can’t think of a better time, Captain. Everyone who will remain on board after you’ve vented the Ship will be well aware of why you were forced to take such a drastic action. The recent experience of a major shock is an ideal condition for manipulating a populace into making a significant change.”
― Jerry Aubin, Rendezvous