They say a sucker is born every minute. According to my math, over the course of a lifetime, that formula would account for about 40 million suckers or roughly ten percent of the U.S. population. I don’t know, but that seems a bit light to me.
Think about it. Vitamins, dietary and nutritional supplements, loony diets, diet pills, colon cleansing, exercise systems, miracle cures, cold cures, homeopathic medicine (an oxymoron if I’ve ever heard one), male enhancement and libido products, anti-aging products, self-help books, leadership and performance seminars, coaching, yada yada.
Do you have any idea how big those markets are, put together? Me neither, but I’m sure they’re enormous. If you’re into some of that stuff, don’t feel too bad. Everyone’s a sucker for something. Those are just some of the things that, with rare exception, I happen to think are a complete waste of time and money.
The sad truth is, we’ve become a Kool-Aid culture.
Here’s the thing. I’ve never been on a diet. I’m not a vegetarian. I don’t take any vitamins, supplements, or any of that stuff. I’ve never even opened a self-help book or attended a seminar. And the only medicine I take is actual medicine that’s scientifically proven to actually do something and regulated by the FDA.
And get this: I’m healthy and in good shape. So what’s the catch? There is none. I just try to be reasonably intelligent about what I put in my mouth and do with my body.
I stay active, run a couple of times a week, eat a pretty balanced diet of reasonably healthy foods, have a few vices that I try not to abuse all at once, wash my hands and shower once in a while, and go to the doctor and get shots when I have to.
I guess you could say I take care of myself, but the truth is, it doesn’t take any real time or cost anything. So I ask you, what’s all that nonsense about? Don’t get me wrong. I know why companies make that stuff and perform those services; to make money off suckers. What I mean is, why do so many fall for it when it does absolutely no good? Why do so many drink the Kool-Aid?
Before you flood me with angry comments, I know there are a few obvious exceptions, so please don’t tell me about probiotics, calcium, or Vitamin C and D. I get it. I’m talking about all the other nonsense. You know what I’m talking about.