Of course it is. You know that. I know that. We know that. Everyone knows that.
That’s why it’s important to start from there. Start from ridiculous.
(Note: This applies to any good idea that happens to look ridiculous from an outsider’s perspective.)
As people, we’re more easily swayed by those that share a similar perspective as we do. Common experiences, thoughts, opinions and world views act as the lubricant for ideas to move from person-to-person, brain-to-brain.
The opposite is also true: We’re more than likely going to resist any new idea shared by someone whose perspective on the world is radically different than our own – even if that idea happens to be sound and logical. Notice, if you will, how well Republicans and Democrats listen to each other’s ideas.
So trying to convince someone that gondolas can be used as public transit when they’ve never considered the possibility in the first place is going to be next to impossible. Chances are they’ll think the idea is – you guessed it – ridiculous.
So don’t start with gondolas as urban transit. Start, instead, from the perspective that urban gondolas are ridiculous. Of course they’re ridiculous. We’re talking about using ski lifts as public transit!
Start from where the other person already is then lead them to where you are. Of course urban gondolas are ridiculous. Now let me show you why they’re not.
(Again: This goes for any idea outside the mainstream. Accepting that you’re outside the mainstream will get you halfway to where you want to be because it allows you to better align yourself to those you’re trying to convince.)