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"Ew, A stupid person is looking at me."
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Note: These things have been on my mind for a while, but I only recently decided to put it in soapbox form. Although, the spot on which it belonged was a bit confusing, so I decided, "It's about me. I'll put it on the Users spot."
I've been thinking a lot about how I come off around here, and in general. I recently finished a very verbose post over at the debate spot concerning evolution, and upon posting it wondered if I had been too condescending. I realized that I have probably irked a few people in that spot with my language, particularly in the evolution debate. First of all, I am naturally long-winded. This is obvious, everyone who knows me here should know that. As a consequence, my posts seem to be very information-heavy, and not all of it sticks or sinks in. That's my own fault, and I recognize it. I need to work on being succinct. I shall try.
However, there is another consequence to my verbosity. I tend to come off as a jaded, arrogant professor, lecturing to her class of freshmen students. You obviously don't know what I know so I am going to tell you, whether you want to hear it or not. And as a result, the "students," who feel disrespected, tune out and ignore the professor, which tends to disadvantage both parties.
I suppose my purpose for writing this soapbox is this: I acknowledge that I am condescending and arrogant. But I don't care. I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that I assume everyone shares, and so I often spill the irrelevant (and often dull) details of things that I have learned to anyone who will listen and find that no one finds it as fascinating as I do. From the history of avant garde art to the peculiar behavior of chimpanzees, I have been known to rant on many-a-subject that I have recently been devouring information on. And I am used to the typical, "Yeah, we don't care" response, and it is a response I can respect. But I have decided I am not apologizing for these rants, because I'll bet someone may get as excited as me about it, and it will improve their life and general knowledge just a little bit. While I encourage curiosity, I hold no grudge against those who would rather not expand their horizons. I may feel a little sad at their loss, and this may come off as pity or condescension, but so be it.
Mostly, though, when it comes to knowledge, I encourage everyone to not be afraid of the response "I don't know," to any question posed. I have said it many times all over this place, and have asked for information on things that I do not know. While I may regurgitate information, I also ingest it. I actively seek it out. I become excited when I find a topic I have not explored, especially in the debate spot, where there tend to be very polarized opinions that give me very interesting insights to the topic.
All in all-- I am young. I am naive. I am arrogant, and I am stupid. Stupid, because I still think that I am invincible. That I can go out and conquer the world with what I know. That I can change it. That everyone is worth meeting, and that everyone has a new perspective to share.
One day, when I'm older, I may grow bitter. But today I am content to remain arrogant and stupid. Because I am still better and smarter than you.
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i think from what comments i have seen from you, i read them all because i like to know everything and probably the word i say most is 'why?' just because i like to know more. ♥
I was unaware that people liked hearing that someone else was smarter than them. ;o)
I do not think this is worthy of five stars. But I thank you anyway.
In seriousness, though, I find your posts fascinating at best and aggravating at worst...and when I'm aggravated, I want to explain the errors in the situation, which makes me feel arrogant. 4 out of 5 dentists agree: I tend to pontificate.
I'm glad there's more than one of us.
And just for the record, I never thought you sounded condescending.
<does victory dance>
<realizes that 'self is not smart>
<hangs head in shame>
lol
That right there deserves a prop by its ownself ;>
"All I know is that I know nothing." - Socrates
But, in all seriousness, you are extremely intelligent and you should never apologize for being yourself.
being intelligent is one thing, but putting your brains to good use is another. your posts are always smart, informative, and if they happen to contain some underlying loftiness it's usually pretty damned justified.
this is TOTALLY 5 star worthy & two thumbs up! [] [] (those are thumbs!)
Good for you! ;)
Yeah, the photo's hilarious!
And yes. I am also surprised that people have rated this five. But I think the rating it's at now is more appropriate. So I suppose the fives and ones have balanced out.
And I don't think that I JUST said I was better than someone. I did say that, but I didn't JUST say that.
;o) ;o)
Love all of you. Particularly Nadia, who is oodles of fun to talk to over at the debate spot.
Nadia's just been on my mind because she's been messaging me recently.
You may be a whole lot smarter than some, but to me, it certainly doesnt make you better.
ShadowFlame, you're hilarious.
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