IQ is a commodity, data is a commodity. I’m far more interested in watching people interact at a restaurant with their smartphone. We can all read ‘Tech Crunch,’ ‘Ad Age.’ I would rather be living in the trenches. I would rather be going to Whole Foods in Columbus Circle to watch people shop with their smartphones.

Clive Bell

 

The Quote in Other Words

Intelligence and information are easily accessible resources. Instead, I find observing how individuals use their smartphones in social settings, such as restaurants or grocery stores, to be more intriguing than reading about technology or advertising in publications like ‘Tech Crunch’ or ‘Ad Age.’ I prefer to immerse myself in real-life situations.

 

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the importance of observing human behavior in real-life situations rather than relying solely on data and IQ. The speaker suggests that while intelligence and information are valuable, they are becoming increasingly commoditized and therefore less unique. Instead, the speaker finds more value in observing how people interact with technology in their daily lives, particularly in social settings like restaurants or grocery stores.

By observing these interactions, the speaker suggests that we can gain a deeper understanding of how technology is shaping our behavior and social norms. This can be particularly valuable for businesses and marketers who are looking to understand consumer behavior and preferences. Rather than relying solely on data and analytics, observing real-life interactions can provide a more nuanced and holistic understanding of human behavior.

Overall, this quote encourages us to look beyond the numbers and data and instead focus on the human experience. By observing how people interact with technology in their daily lives, we can gain valuable insights into how technology is shaping our behavior and society as a whole.