Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin
Norms and rules (E)
Jan 17, 2024
Seth Godin, bestselling author of 20 books, explores rules and norms in sumo wrestling, literature, and everyday life. He discusses the impact of norms and rules on behavior, society, and culture, and the benefits of breaking norms. He also explores the advantages of Kickstarter and Patreon for independent creators.
26:31
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Quick takeaways
- In different domains, such as sumo wrestling and art, breaking established norms can lead to innovative and influential work.
- Rules and norms often interact and sometimes conflict with each other, requiring a delicate balance in rule enforcement and cultural evolution.
Deep dives
The Importance of Norms in Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is a sport with few rules but many norms. While there are specific techniques that are not allowed, such as pulling hair or hitting with a closed fist, there are also unstated norms that guide the behavior of participants. One example is the frowned upon practice of using a move called a 'henka', where a wrestler quickly moves out of the way to let their opponent pass and push them out of the ring. This technique, while legal, goes against the cultural norm of fair competition and is often avoided at the highest level of sumo wrestling.
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