Modern Wisdom #973 - Rory Sutherland - Waymo, Texas Culture, Airline Lounges, OpenAI & Uber Eats
1230 snips
Jul 28, 2025 
In this chat, Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy Advertising and an expert in consumer behavior, shares his thoughts on the cultural significance of Buc-ee's and the quirks of Texas. He dives into innovations in food delivery and airport experiences, advocating for creative improvements in hospitality. Rory also discusses the impact of AI on marketing and consumer choices, contrasting traditional practices with modern technology. He humorously critiques airport inefficiencies and explores how perceptions of status shape transportation and dining decisions.
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Buc-ee's Texas Gas Station Anecdote
- Buc-ee's in Texas is a massive gas station with dozens of pumps and a huge store selling everything from barbecues to jerky.
- Their branding licenses the "Don't Mess With Texas" slogan to appeal uniquely to Texas culture.
Driving Teaches Social Skills
- Waymo driverless cars lack human social signals, causing other drivers and pedestrians not to yield to them.
- Driving teaches social skills through subtle cues like letting others merge and acknowledging courtesy.
Drive Often to Enjoy Driving
- Frequent driving is needed to enjoy and master driving; occasional city driving leads to stress and alienation.
- Enjoyment emerges when driving becomes an automatic, system one process through practice.
