Anecdotally re: Angelia Jolie & the CFR, her appointment was greatly debated by the powers that be and is one that was primarily done because they’re having a hard time garnering interest among the younger demo (/need cash now). Amongst celebrities, it seemed that Jolie was the best pick, though rest assured that behind closed doors it was hotly contested within the CFR.

IMHO it would have been more effective for the CFR to hire a translation engine and/or throw a party like the Whitney Art Party — attended by hot cosmopolitanites. “The Council on Foreign Relations wants you to experience some foreign relations.” etc. etc.

Anyone who allows themselves to be fully dynamic and vibrant can exhibit such range and staying power. It is because they are flexibly responding to the shifting nature of “reality”. Those who have a fixed mindset do not allow themselves to fully respond to their universe, and thus, are their own captors and continuously box themselves into a narrow definition of self.

Still, it was a nice observation on your part. but i’d be more interested in the ways this happens more often than we think, not less often.