“DAVID CORBIN’s ‘ILLUMINATED INFLUENCE FILTER’
ILLUMINATE!
Face It. Follow It. Fix It.”
David M. Corbin
Purpose:
To help you recognize influence in real time so you can think clearly, decide wisely, and avoid being unintentionally misled.
STEP 1: FACE IT
“Am I being influenced right now?”
Ask yourself:
– Is this message creating doubt or distrust in something I previously believed?
– Is there a clear villain being identified (a system, food, group, or industry)?
– Am I feeling a strong emotional reaction such as fear, anger, relief, or excitement?
– Is the message using absolute language like “always,” “never,” “everyone,” “no one,” or “they don’t want you to know”?
If the answer is yes to several of these, pause. Influence is likely happening.
STEP 2: FOLLOW IT
“What is the sequence being used on me?”
Track the pattern:
1. Distrust
What am I being told not to trust?
2. Confusion
What feels unclear, overwhelming, or contradictory?
3. Certainty
What simple answer is being offered?
4. Identity
Who am I being invited to become if I believe this?
Then ask:
– Am I being given one cause for a complex problem?
– Is this based more on stories (anecdotes) or patterns (evidence)?
– Am I applying the same level of scrutiny to this as I would to the “other side”?
– Does the confidence of the speaker feel like proof?
This step reveals the mechanism behind the message.
STEP 3: FIX IT
“How do I respond intelligently?”
– Slow down and avoid deciding in the moment of emotion
– Separate what is useful from what is overstated or absolute
– Look for missing variables or alternative explanations
– Test ideas when possible rather than adopting them blindly
– Avoid extremes—neither blind trust nor blind rejection
Replace reaction with thoughtful evaluation.
THE GOLD STANDARD QUESTION
What explanation accounts for the most outcomes with the fewest assumptions?
FINAL REMINDER
THE EDGE
