How to Understand Your Social Environment

When I was a single man, I would get an idea for the culture of a place by eavesdropping.

I’d take notes for a few weeks.

Soon enough, the rhythm of the scene’s values would come to me.

Randall Collins has been doing that sort of thing for decades.

I can’t imagine how sharp his intuition has become from this simple practice.

1. Get into the habit of eavesdropping in public places.

2. Note down whatever you manage to hear.

3. Record descriptions of the people involved.