[the attention cartel: how to become unignorable in a distracted world]

There was a time when attention was given freely. Now, it’s hoarded, sold, and traded like a rare commodity. The world isn’t just noisy—it’s a battlefield where the most valuable currency isn’t money, but focus. Those who command it, control the culture. Those who waste it, vanish into irrelevance.

Every day, we are bombarded with thousands of voices demanding our attention. Brands, influencers, algorithms—each fighting for a moment in our mind. And yet, some rise above the chaos, while others fade into digital dust. The difference? Some people understand how attention actually works.

The Algorithm of Human Nature

Attention isn’t random—it follows rules. The same way an algorithm decides what content you see, your brain has its own filters: novelty, emotion, and utility. We engage with what surprises us, what makes us feel, and what serves us.

That’s why a single tweet can launch a career, while a 300-page book can go unread. Why a meme can do more for a brand than a million-dollar ad campaign. Why controversy spreads faster than nuance.

The trick isn’t just to be seen—it’s to be remembered.

The Attention Hierarchy

Not all attention is created equal. There are levels to this game: