Your opinion on yourself

[Samcanuck]

I'm an awfully contradictory fellow, really.

I'm full of fail, but I can clearly trace my failings to various flaws in society at large, so apparently my failures are because I'm more awesome than society can handle.

I used to believe being a target for snide remarks meant that there was something wrong with me. Later, I figured out that it's because they can't understand me because I'm on a whole other level.

I humored the accusation that I'm a giant, arrogant prick... but under close logical evaluation that seem to pan out, so I guess I'll just have to humbly accept that it's the fate of free thinkers to be hated by idiots.

Granted, I am a terrible procrastinator, and that explains my presence here... nobody's perfect, I suppose. (But then, what is perfection, if not an arbitrary label?)

It's strange that in our society the most percieved as normal are percieved in the most abnormal way. The brightest, smartest and most charasmatic are placed on a pedistal and admired for their display of quintessentially human traits and theirfor success...normal. It's when they are seen as making mistakes, like everyone does, that they are cast aside and seen as abnormal...like the rest of us.

The way I see it, if they were really the brightest or smartest, they probably wouldn't have been placed on a pedestal.

People prefer somebody they can relate to, somebody they can control, somebody who does whatever task they put before them and never talks back: that's our definition of "genius" in society, formidable tools whose capability to be human calculators or no nonsense problem solvers makes them quite useful.

True genius is volatile thing. The other side of the same coin is insanity. They generally end up getting scorned, swept under the carpet, unless perhaps they produce an exceptional artifact. Like AC power [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla]. Even then, they're fairly likely to die a neglected recluse, whose sketchbooks may be wondered at only well after their time.

Note, I didn't mention charismatic - it's tricky business, charisma is a smart of sorts, so that's another thing entirely. The thing I don't like about charismatic geniuses is they're generally quite crooked. There's a lot of harm to be wrought in influencing impressionable masses just because you've a knack for it.

Ah so perfection and normalicy are not percieved as the same thing in a societal way? Better is actually not better. Limelight is a bad thing. Genious is a negative thing? 'zat what you mean? (could be right, I just dont get what you mean)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that "genius," like any other word, is a label we apply to things that we feel match the description. However, lacking the means to see beyond our own perception of these things to the heart of the thing being labeled, any such application of labels is an arbitrary judgment that can only be done at face value.

What we label genius, we do not refer to the power of a mind because we cannot witness it, instead we refer to a capability to solve our problems.

What we label perfection, we can not refer to perfection because it does not exist, but rather traits which we consider to be perfect - noticeably unblemished skin, the capability to produce flawless results (regardless of how protracted the process to produce them may have been).

What we label normal is just as ambiguous as what we would label perfect.

When it comes to fame, it very much an observable trait: how many people know of this person? However, is fame a trait of merit? Exactly what did Paris Hilton do to garner her fame? Or Jack the Ripper? I don't like the limelight, it's nothing of merit: it's mass hysteria.

Maybe so, but what DO we label as perfect, or normal is my question. As relative, situational and circumstantial as that word is. Jack the Ripper was one of the best at what he was....a serial killer. Paris Hilton best used her families fame to gain influence and appeal. Thats why we put them on a pedistal. We aspire for their heights and fame. That is what is normal and natural, correct. Desire, Envy, Hope. Right?

 

[geldonyetich]

I'm an awfully contradictory fellow, really.

I'm full of fail, but I can clearly trace my failings to various flaws in society at large, so apparently my failures are because I'm more awesome than society can handle.

I used to believe being a target for snide remarks meant that there was something wrong with me. Later, I figured out that it's because they can't understand me because I'm on a whole other level.

I humored the accusation that I'm a giant, arrogant prick... but under close logical evaluation that seem to pan out, so I guess I'll just have to humbly accept that it's the fate of free thinkers to be hated by idiots.

Granted, I am a terrible procrastinator, and that explains my presence here... nobody's perfect, I suppose. (But then, what is perfection, if not an arbitrary label?)

It's strange that in our society the most percieved as normal are percieved in the most abnormal way. The brightest, smartest and most charasmatic are placed on a pedistal and admired for their display of quintessentially human traits and theirfor success...normal. It's when they are seen as making mistakes, like everyone does, that they are cast aside and seen as abnormal...like the rest of us.

The way I see it, if they were really the brightest or smartest, they probably wouldn't have been placed on a pedestal.

People prefer somebody they can relate to, somebody they can control, somebody who does whatever task they put before them and never talks back: that's our definition of "genius" in society, formidable tools whose capability to be human calculators or no nonsense problem solvers makes them quite useful.

True genius is volatile thing. The other side of the same coin is insanity. They generally end up getting scorned, swept under the carpet, unless perhaps they produce an exceptional artifact. Like AC power [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla]. Even then, they're fairly likely to die a neglected recluse, whose sketchbooks may be wondered at only well after their time.

Note, I didn't mention charismatic - it's tricky business, charisma is a smart of sorts, so that's another thing entirely. The thing I don't like about charismatic geniuses is they're generally quite crooked. There's a lot of harm to be wrought in influencing impressionable masses just because you've a knack for it.

Ah so perfection and normalicy are not percieved as the same thing in a societal way? Better is actually not better. Limelight is a bad thing. Genious is a negative thing? 'zat what you mean? (could be right, I just dont get what you mean)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that "genius," like any other word, is a label we apply to things that we feel match the description. However, lacking the means to see beyond our own perception of these things to the heart of the thing being labeled, any such application of labels is an arbitrary judgment that can only be done at face value.

What we label genius, we do not refer to the power of a mind because we cannot witness it, instead we refer to a capability to solve our problems.

What we label perfection, we can not refer to perfection because it does not exist, but rather traits which we consider to be perfect - noticeably unblemished skin, the capability to produce flawless results (regardless of how protracted the process to produce them may have been).

What we label normal is just as ambiguous as what we would label perfect.

When it comes to fame, it very much an observable trait: how many people know of this person? However, is fame a trait of merit? Exactly what did Paris Hilton do to garner her fame? Or Jack the Ripper? I don't like the limelight, it's nothing of merit: it's mass hysteria.

Maybe so, but what DO we label as perfect, or normal is my question. As relative, situational and circumstantial as that word is. Jack the Ripper was one of the best at what he was....a serial killer.

Best in terms commiting the most murders? He's not even in the top [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_serial_killers_by_number_of_victims#Serial_killers_by_number_of_victims] 100. Best at escaping being captured? Sure... assuming the Jack the Ripper really were committed by the same guy. He's folklore in that we don't really know.

Paris Hilton best used her families fame to gain influence and appeal.

Actually, the way I hear it, Paris Hilton was just another rich heiress and fashion designer in New York... until a sex tape featuring her leaked out, causing a gigantic scandal, and this is how she became famous. She's been involved in several legal actions resulting from drug abuse and other crimes since. What an aspiring role model.

Thats why we put them on a pedistal. We aspire for their heights and fame. That is what is normal and natural, correct.

I hope you understand now what's so silly about this.

This sentiment of popularity is mass hysteria. Lies. Popular lies, but lies nonetheless.

Perfection and normality? Same thing, really, in that it came about the same way our celebrities did: arbitrary labels applied by our sadly limited capability to truly perceive the universe.

 

[saladin.q]

I contain multitudes.
Anyone who can tell me where that is from without looking it up has my utmost respect.
Seriously though, I think I am self conscious about my self confidence. I don't think I am a jerk, I try my hardest to respect everyone around me, but I think I may be too aware of my own blessings. I am exceptionally intelligent (or at least intellectually curious),good looking, a top level athlete,and extremely ambitious. Everyone around me seems to be so unsure of themselves, willfully ignorant, or lazy. I don't really know how I fit in. I know that sounds very douchy, but I'm not trying to put others down. Sometimes I feel like I just appreciate beauty on a different level than my peers. Ill go see a play and it will blow my mind, amaze me at the perfection of the universe. But if I manage to get my friends to go they will yawn, acknowledge that the fight scene was cool, and move on. I sometimes have trouble tolerating willful stupidity, but I am working hard to correct this, we are only human after all. What really pisses me off is self important, cynical, and essentially meaningless defining of terms demonstrated by some people earlier. It seems like a terrible waste of intellect in ego stroking.

 

[ResiEvalJohn]

My opinion of myself is "underrated". I am consistently amazed by the nice things people say about me and by my reputation as well-liked by those who know me. I'm just an ordinary guy in an ordinary place with no particularly noteworthy qualities worth discussing, but somehow I can make people smile...and I praise the gods every day that this is so, because it's more about them than me.

Dude, it's cuz you're chillin with a hamster on your shoulder in your profile pic! Aww, who can't like you? I already wanna be your friend, lol... or just befriend you to steal the hamster.

 

[Pifflestick]

I'm an optimistic childish gay man who disguises himself as a pessimistic mature straight man. I pretend to be a strong, willful person who takes orders from no-one when on the inside I'm a submissive, loyal person who would rather be someones pet than be on my own.

 

[saladin.q]

I'm an optimistic childish gay man who disguises himself as a pessimistic mature straight man. I pretend to be a strong, willful person who takes orders from no-one when on the inside I'm a submissive, loyal person who would rather be someones pet than be on my own.

I have always wondered about this, because sometimes I feel I act differently (or am viewed differently) than how I actually feel. If I act in a certain way does that define me? Or is it how I feel I want to act? Also, if you are gay, Id wouldn't coop that up inside of you, its not healthy.

 

[Heathrow]

An optimistic cheerful guy with low self esteem; difficult to motivate.

 

[SimuLord]

My opinion of myself is "underrated". I am consistently amazed by the nice things people say about me and by my reputation as well-liked by those who know me. I'm just an ordinary guy in an ordinary place with no particularly noteworthy qualities worth discussing, but somehow I can make people smile...and I praise the gods every day that this is so, because it's more about them than me.

Dude, it's cuz you're chillin with a hamster on your shoulder in your profile pic! Aww, who can't like you? I already wanna be your friend, lol... or just befriend you to steal the hamster.

That ain't no hamster. That's a rat. Rats are awesome.

 

[SilentStranger]

I dont like myself, I barely like anyone else, and if I could afford it, I'd try to drink myself into an early grave rather than putting up with this crap much longer.

 

[ShotgunShaman]

Could lose a little weight and has zero sense of what looks attractive, but overall a good guy.

 

[CuddlyCombine]

I'm an optimistic childish gay man who disguises himself as a pessimistic mature straight man. I pretend to be a strong, willful person who takes orders from no-one when on the inside I'm a submissive, loyal person who would rather be someones pet than be on my own.

Not to poke too deeply, but do you put up this mask because you feel you have to?

Personally, I feel very free when I'm being myself; others may judge me, but I know that I'm at least giving them respect by affording them the courtesy of being honest. I was terrified of letting down my mask a few years back, but after a lot of thought I gave it up, and I've been pretty content since.

 

[dannyboi1236]

well from my own perspective i mostly like myself, i could do with a bit more muscle as i am on the lean side, however i am trying to fix this.
from a 3rd person perspective i think i might come across as a slightly arrogant prick, but judging from people reactions one that they usually like.

 

[Duck Sandwich]

I live for the thrill of conquering a good challenge - whether it's from managing to do a weightlifting circuit with relative ease when a month ago it would have put me through agonizing pain, or finally beating that boss in a game that's kicked my ass 20 times.

I'm addicted to staying in shape. Every day, I feel like I must work out, or the day will be a complete waste. I keep spreadsheets detailing what I eat, how much protein, fat, etc. everything I eat has. I weigh myself every day, measure my waist, record the results.

I'm an absolute glutton. I eat like a champ. 3000 calories a day is pretty much my "maintenance" because of the training I do. Grocery bills are a pain in the ass, though. I'm pretty much the epitome of "skinny bastard who eats a lot."

My greatest downfall is my social ineptitude. Often, I tend to not think of the right thing to say in a spur-of-the-moment type situation until long after the situation has passed. Then later on I dwell on the situation and start brooding. I can't ad-lib worth shit. Because of this, I sometimes doubt that my choice to pursue a career as a radio announcer was a smart idea.

If only real life had an edit button like this forum does....

 

[ResiEvalJohn]

My opinion of myself is "underrated". I am consistently amazed by the nice things people say about me and by my reputation as well-liked by those who know me. I'm just an ordinary guy in an ordinary place with no particularly noteworthy qualities worth discussing, but somehow I can make people smile...and I praise the gods every day that this is so, because it's more about them than me.

Dude, it's cuz you're chillin with a hamster on your shoulder in your profile pic! Aww, who can't like you? I already wanna be your friend, lol... or just befriend you to steal the hamster.

That ain't no hamster. That's a rat. Rats are awesome.

Oh, my bad

 

[GreyEarth]

"Ambitious, but rubbish"

 

[Caligulove]

Its a day to day process. Most days I like myself, other days I love myself and rarely am I really mad or hate myself anymore. I think I mostly outgrew that

 

[RanD00M]

I´m that social outcast that people don´t like talking tr even looking at.

 

[Kae]

I'm uhm, weird... I tend not to trust people, not even people that I live with, I am not very confident in myself, I'm lazy, I'm sort of smart but not much, I have no faith in anything, I am very ecceptic, my morals are apparently questionable, I talk too much when I'm home but 90% of what I say when I'm home makes no sense but when I'm out of my home I'm practically mute, I tend to give bad impressions to people, and I tend to daydream a lot...

 

[RatRace123]

I'm god's gift to the earth and the 3rd incarnation of Abraham Lincoln.

 

[Disaster Button]

I'm a lonely, insecure, childish, impossible to motivate, paranoid, desperately unhappy, yet extremely apathetic teenager, who's mood, outlook and sometimes even personality, seems to change over a couple of days, who covers all of this up with charm, wit, sarcasm, humour and false confidence.

and that's just scratching the surface