THE INFECTIOUSNESS OF THE UNCONFLICTED MAN
A closer look at what makes some people irresistible
I grew up watching movies. For me, cinema was a transporting experience where I saw myself reflected in larger-than-life characters whose confidence and swagger provided a kind of ‘male ideal’, a quality of presence I wished to emulate. But what was it exactly that made these leading men so infectious, so irresistibly watchable?
The answer came to me in a wonderful video essay by a YouTuber called Like Stories Old, called HOW NOT TO BECOME A SPACE MONKEY. In it, he dissects the irrepressible Tyler Durden, Brad Pitt’s iconic central character from Fight Club, and explains the irony of that film, where Tyler Durden screams at those around him to “free their minds” and "stop following false icons”, but does so with such bravado—such unconflicted irreverence— that you can’t help but stand in line behind him!
Again, paradoxically, the more he lectures to those around him to THINK FOR THEMSELVES, the more infectiously his allure turns them into gobsmacked followers.
The video goes on to explain the concept of “the infectiousness of the unconflicted person” which blew me away… It seemed like the archetype personified by every leading man who ever graced the screen, from James Dean, to George Clooney, Paul Newman to Brad Pitt.. that swagger, that effortless ease that made them stars. I was fascinated!
This inspired me to create my own video exploring this topic — and you can see it below!
What makes some people so irresistible? We all need a role model, a HERO, someone to whom we can identify ourselves. Someone who can bring out the TRUTH. Someone like our one and only MENTOR. Thank you for sharing this one. "People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead. J. Baldwin. Love and blessings💛🙌😇👑💝💖🌟♾️
Yes! Totally … The actors / actresses that are the most charismatic literally light up the screen with their energy and passion. I love watching them! I think because they are very authentic and warm which is then reflected through their eyes… a rare gift. They are mesmerizing and so are you! Loved this, thank you 🌺