The Benjamin Franklin Paradox – Why You Should Stop Giving and Start Asking

From an eighteenth-century anecdote in Philadelphia to modern laboratory experiments: how asking for a small favour disrupts the logic of give-and-take and creates emotional closeness By: Israel Namdar In 1737, in pre-Revolutionary Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin found himself in a situation that could have derailed his public career before it had even begun. At the time, …

Micro-Case Study: Stanley Cups — Explosive Popularity Through TikTok & Community Hype

What Happened? Stanley, a 110-year-old drinkware brand once associated with camping and older demographics, suddenly became one of the most talked-about lifestyle products worldwide. Their insulated “Quencher” tumbler became a viral sensation in 2023–24, selling out repeatedly and generating long queues, resale markets, and “drop culture” similar to sneakers. Why the Brand Gained Popularity TikTok …