Diablo 3: Winning by Losing Arguments

Diablo 3 has much to teach us about the human experience.  Last night the game provided me with a valuable life lesson.  Despite what I learned, I'd like to share the bit of wisdom I gained.

While running Inferno Whimsyshire with some online friends, we started talking about gear stats.  Specifically, we discussed what constitutes an optimal piece of loot and how we planned to outfit our characters for end-game content.  Online friend said that he planned to create two sets of gear for his Demon Hunter.  One set of gear would focus upon Magic Find (MF).  His other set would focus upon Damage Dealing (DPS).  The idea, as he presented it, was to use his DPS set while killing monsters, and then put on the MF set while opening chests in Whimsyshire.  Or, he could DPS the monster down in one set of gear, and then quickly switch to his MF gear right before the monster died.

In reply to his plan, I stated that my intention is to create one gear set that optimizes both MF and DPS.  He said that was a stupid idea and I was stupid for thinking it.

When he told me that my idea was stupid, two thoughts arose in my mental space:

1:  I need to argue my point.

My first inclination was to debate.  I think the ideal situation is for a character to wear only one set of gear that maximizes all stats.  I have reasons for thinking this.  I think that my plan is the best plan.  So, when he said I was stupid, I initially primed for argument.  I intended to call him stupid, in turn, and explain why he was being moronic.  But then a beautiful, wonderful second idea arose:

2:  I benefit from him disagreeing with me.

He and I both play Demon Hunters.  He plans to construct two sets of gear.  I plan to collect one.  Since we have different goals, we seek different items.  Currently, we do not compete for gear.  But if I argue with him, explain my position, and manifest a situation in which he agrees with me?  Then I have created competition for the gear I seek.

If I convince him that I am correct, then he bids against me on the Auction House.

So, I told him that he was right.  I said that getting good DPS/MF gear is impossible.  I said that switching gear is the best strat.  I said that every Demon Hunter ought to collect two completely different sets of gear, and the attempt to obtain DPS/MF gear is an inefficient use of gold that stunts progress and item acquisition.  Only morons strive for one gearset.

I then got on the Auction House, and bought a best-in-slot belt with 20% MF and high DPS stats for an absurdly low price.

I think this was a valuable life lesson.  Too often I focus upon arguing with other people, poking holes in their positions, and correcting person's mistaken assumptions about reality.  I am overwhelmed by an urge to call shitheads "shithead".  When someone calls an idea I maintain idiotic, I am compelled to defend it.

But sometimes, it seems, it's good for people to think that I am stupid.  I benefit from their mistaken positions.  If I took the time to correct my online friend, then he would realize that my gearing plan is the best gearing plan, and he would be in direct competition with me.  His inefficient gearing choice benefits me.  His idiocy prevents him from buying the gear I want.

To achieve my goal, I need to convince my online friend, and as many other Demon Hunters as I can, that their mistaken preconceptions about reality and flawed arguments are correct discernments of the best way to play Diablo 3.

I'm pretty sure this is the sort of thing Roger Ailes figured out years ago.  I wish he'd shared it.

The problem, of course, is that this is one of those life lessons you're supposed to keep to yourself.