Arrogance

[geniusndisguise]

So the other day I was telling someone that a teacher said about my sister, "I really admire her intellect." This person said, "What's intellect?" I rolled my eyes. How could someone not know what "intellect" means? I couldn't define it, though. So how could I look down upon someone who doesn't know the definition of a word if I can't define it either? This happens to me all the time. Even with concepts. The person says, "What do you mean?" and I get all aggravated because, damn it, if I could explain it any better I would! I'm not saying this means I'm smarter, that's the point. Does anyone else struggle with closet arrogance?

[Neppy]

Yes.

[Promethean]

I can definately be very arrogant.

[kuranes]

Ha Ha. I know what you mean. It can be hard to quickly come up with a good definition for a concept you're familiar with, because you want to try to use one that will be the most optimized and comprehensive etc. To say nothing of the ones you're less familiar with. That's one reason why people use this as a tactic in debates! Like most things, definitions can be over-used or under-used.

Sometimes you're thinking of the "use" of the word as a familiar tool used with X, vs. how that tool itself is "made", and these are probably different areas of the brain concerned. You have to scrounge in the archives to remember how you originally came up with the tool to begin with.

[kendoiwan]

I can relate. I pull one of these :blink: like how could you not know that...

[The Mathemagician!]

I have trouble defining words and concepts, too. I find it a lot easier to come up with analogies that show what I'm trying to say. But I tend to get lost in these elaborate analogous systems and then forget what the hell I was trying to say in the first place.

[the_stumpycat]

But I tend to get lost in these elaborate analogous systems and then forget what the hell I was trying to say in the first place.


I do that - particularly late in the day - with the result that most of the people that I work with know that after about 7pm, every other sentence that they utter to me will be along the lines of : "Can we get back on topic please".

[nottaprettygal]

A sense of arrogance occasionally sweeps over me when a person doesn't understand a concept that I find simple. I think the key to keeping it in check though is to realize that there is probably a laundry list of things that the person is vastly superior at compared to me.

Well...

No. I take that back. I am pretty phenomenal at everything.

[kendoiwan]

Well...

No. I take that back. I am pretty phenomenal at everything.

Except dating apparently :whistle:

[nottaprettygal]

Except dating apparently :whistle:

Oh...NO YOU DIDN'T!

It's them, not me. I'm an awesome girlfriend...maybe the best in the entire universe! Clearly, something is wrong with your portion of the species.

How's that for arrogance?

[kendoiwan]

Oh...NO YOU DIDN'T!

It's them, not me. I'm an awesome girlfriend...maybe the best in the entire universe! Clearly, something is wrong with your portion of the species.

How's that for arrogance?

On a scale of 1-10, I rate that an 8. :whistle:

[geniusndisguise]

But if you were to ask anyone who "knows" me, I don't believe anyone would say that I'm arrogant. Maybe it's just more arrogance that I think I don't show it.

Wow, I'm a jerk, huh?

[booyalab]

asking an NT what a word means is like asking an SJ why a rule exists.

so the next time you get pissed off because someone's asking what a word means, just imagine yourself as a big stupid SJ, because that is what you are.

[krakt]

I'm not arrogant. I'm just better than most (lol)...
"The Mathemagician!" mentioned analogies.
I try to use them on a daily basis to explain things to people that don't have an understanding for the subject, and they seems to work.
People also try to reciprocate by using analogies with things I don't understand.
Being customer service oriented, (believe it or not. lol) analogies are one of the best tools I have at my disposal...
:)

[cryokinetic]

<------ =
http://www.mylifeisbeer.com/beer/bottles/autopics/458.jpg

[The Mathemagician!]

asking an NT what a word means is like asking an SJ why a rule exists.

so the next time you get pissed off because someone's asking what a word means, just imagine yourself as a big stupid SJ, because that is what you are.

Exactly. These are the kinds of analogies that I was talking about.
:)

Back to the arrogance issue:
I've been called arrogant on a few occasions, but it's never by people I know or who really know me. It's always been an aquaintance who misinterprets my introverted nature. They think I'm just a jerk know-it-all who couldn't be bothered to talk to them.

Hmmm... in a way they're right.

But in another (more correct) way they're completely wrong.

[Snowflake]

asking an NT what a word means is like asking an SJ why a rule exists.

so the next time you get pissed off because someone's asking what a word means, just imagine yourself as a big stupid SJ, because that is what you are.

Words have so many definitions, that looking down on someone for having a different definition is rather stupid. Maybe they are using the definition that fits a certain context, or they just have their own opinion.

Personally, I dislike arguments of definition.

[vacant space]

I read the 'What is intellect?' Q in another way and assumed that other person was unclear about the arbitary qualities that encompass the term, intelligence.

i.e., academic intelligence, streets smarts, music, athletic...

Was there a misunderstanding about the context of the word?

[Nadiar]

When defining something I generally go straight to synonyms. Failing that, I go with analogies. Its easier for people to grasp packet = car, people = data, road = circuit, intersection = switch, Interstate = backbone, Interstate overpass = router.

Anyway, I have no closet arrogance.

I'm better than many other people because I'm willing to admit I could be wrong.

[Kilby]

Addressing the word situation, it does seem difficult when others don't know words you have mastered. I like to think that no one word is more important than another. So "chagrin" is no more important than "chalk." Since everyone lives a different life and is exposed to things which are unique to their existence, I believe this is only fair.
However this belief I hold does presuppose that no common knowledge exists.

About knowing the definitions of words, learn them, get mad about it, that's good, use your anger about being unable to define the word as motivation. I have found that the will to prove yourself to yourself and others has been one of things which has propelled me through difficult points in sports, school, etc. Learn the words. Be the smartest you can be. It is not arrogance, it is frustrated self-confidence.

[Snowflake]

I'm better than many other people because I'm willing to admit I could be wrong.

Yeah, right, you're not arrogant, right... :sobs:

[Nadiar]

I said I didn't have closet arrogance. I freely admit it, and acknowledge it.

[geniusndisguise]

I read the 'What is intellect?' Q in another way and assumed that other person was unclear about the arbitary qualities that encompass the term, intelligence.

i.e., academic intelligence, streets smarts, music, athletic...

Was there a misunderstanding about the context of the word?

Unfortunately, no, there was no misunderstanding. Just a complete lack of understanding. I would have gladly gone into a discussion about what intelligence actually means. Hmmm, I guess I could have just said intellect means intelligence. That would have worked. Oh, well.

[eyebyte_atWork]

I am not even going to read this thread - it;s beneath me.

I will however give my opinion as if you asked me for it - I think arrogance gets a bad rap.

THere you have it - good as gold.


-EYEBYTE the great. ;P

[Braggi]

Does anyone else struggle with closet arrogance?
I struggle with nothing.

[Snowflake]

I said I didn't have closet arrogance. I freely admit it, and acknowledge it.

Sorry, heh.

And yeah, I'm arrogant too. :)

[Spartan26]

I've done a lot of tutoring over the years, middle schoolers, ESL, and the like, and I always enjoy the challenge of explaining what a word or concept means. So it really doesn't bother me too much. (Although there have been a couple dates I've had to explain something and I've thought 'Uh oh, this isn't going to last too long.' Occassionally it's a little draining and I feel like I'm on $25,000 Pyramid. 'OK, this last thing you put in your mouth when you eat at a fancy restaurant...'
"Your finger?"
'No, you often find these lying on your pillow when you stay at a hotel'
"A sorority girl?"
'No, it doesn't move!'
"A quadriplegic?"
'No, no. A lot of times people will put this in iced tea.'
"Rohypnol?"
'Arrrggghh! No, no. Think: [Blank] ____Condition.'
"Stable?"
'Think: a lot of money'
"Critical Condition?"
'Green leaves that have a pleasant, unique smell'
"Canni..."
'Scratch that! There are a few branches across the US. It's the only place the federal government authorizes to make money.'
"Halliburton!"
'You usually suck on some right before you kiss your date goodnight.'
"Pepper spray?"
'Sometimes in mens rooms, you'll see machines on the walls that...'
"You mean those white pucks in the urinals? Oh yeah, mint flavored! Mint! Mint! You mean mint right?!"
'Umm, yeah -'

[MistWraith]

Does anyone else struggle with closet arrogance?

Yep, lol. Though often, I have a hard time keeping it in the closet.

[geniusndisguise]

I've done a lot of tutoring over the years, middle schoolers, ESL, and the like, and I always enjoy the challenge of explaining what a word or concept means. So it really doesn't bother me too much. (Although there have been a couple dates I've had to explain something and I've thought 'Uh oh, this isn't going to last too long.' Occassionally it's a little draining and I feel like I'm on $25,000 Pyramid. 'OK, this last thing you put in your mouth when you eat at a fancy restaurant...'
"Your finger?"
'No, you often find these lying on your pillow when you stay at a hotel'
"A sorority girl?"
'No, it doesn't move!'
"A quadriplegic?"
'No, no. A lot of times people will put this in iced tea.'
"Rohypnol?"
'Arrrggghh! No, no. Think: [Blank] ____Condition.'
"Stable?"
'Think: a lot of money'
"Critical Condition?"
'Green leaves that have a pleasant, unique smell'
"Canni..."
'Scratch that! There are a few branches across the US. It's the only place the federal government authorizes to make money.'
"Halliburton!"
'You usually suck on some right before you kiss your date goodnight.'
"Pepper spray?"
'Sometimes in mens rooms, you'll see machines on the walls that...'
"You mean those white pucks in the urinals? Oh yeah, mint flavored! Mint! Mint! You mean mint right?!"
'Umm, yeah -'


LOL! You must be an angel. I would never have that much patience. After two tries in explaining something, I'm like, "FORGET IT! It's not important" and then, under my breath, "idiot!"

[Madrigal]

Hmm, I never get frustrated when somebody doesn't understand something. Nope, never.

I don't roll my eyes at people's lack of knowledge. I don't have trouble explaining concepts to people, and I'm pretty good at breaking things down for them if it's necessary. I gained a lot of practice through political militance.

The only times I get annoyed are when people think they know something, when they really don't have a clue. And they won't listen to reason. That's when I roll my eyes and then stop talking to them.

For me, ignorance is not only about what you know/don't know, it's the attitude you have towards learning.

So anyway, no, I'm not arrogant towards inferior people at all. :P