I want to reveal a secret that I use to generate ideas for my posts, for writing a script, and even for doing research or whatever you may think of.
I say for every trend there is an opposite trend. In finding an opposite trend I stand on a new discovery waiting for exploration.
The best is to reveal by example.
Suppose I want to write episodes for a TV program and I need to find an idea that may allow me to build rising tension in the manuscript.
One idea is to show a man who has a strong desire to become rich. He starts with a small business and becomes very successful. He builds an empire. He becomes very influential and uses his money to bribe and get illegal businesses. The richer he becomes the more he desired money. He falls into the trap of Veblen’s Good effect. This effect results when the higher pricing of a product increases demand for it. He buys clothes at very high prices. Money for him is a sign of success, power, and social and political authority.
The man believes that happiness is in making more money regardless of the means. He falls into the trap of being lesser happy for he finds no time to enjoy life. He forgets the pleasure of life.
Increasingly he becomes richer and less happy than before. His lack of happiness makes him a repulsive person. Suddenly the employees erupt against him like a volcano. His corruption files and bribes become known.
One day he ends up in jail with no friend to visit him.
The opposite effects of extreme desire to make money are the tools that help in the building of tension in a story.
Always look for the opposite trend.