‘Effective communicators’ there’s the rub!
‘Effective communicators’ there’s the rub; how does one communicate with an unseen audience that can be anybody in the world. In face-to-face communication there is so much information about the audience at hand that does not exist on the Internet.
Does one use language for the 12 year old, or the 18 year old, or the 25 year old, the educated, the non-educated? How to speak coherently to the 12 year old while not infuriating the 18 year old and how to mold an essay for the 30 year old without losing the 18 year old.
People who write books have editors to act as a third party who understands the material and understands the anticipated audience.
How do I, who have been studying the matter at hand for months and even years, know what words to provide a parenthetical definition that some may need but others may consider to be condescending?
Anti-intellectualism (opposing or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach) is so prevailing in the United States that almost every reader has a strong anti-intellectual bias that they are completely unconscious of. This anti-intellectual bias constantly inhibits their effort to read anything that smacks of being ‘intellectual’.
People might pay me money to lecture them on the proper way to swing a golf club but to lecture anyone on matters intellectual is pompous (excessively elevated or ornateâ€having or exhibiting self-importance).
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Unless a speaker knows for certain that he is presenting information to a group of intellectuals, I have found that to develop a style of presentation that can grab the attention of a wide audience, is not only an art, but an effective style of sharing. It has been my experience to find that most intellectuals are really not interested in having their speech understood by anyone other than other intellectuals. On the other hand, I have the good fortune to include in my circle of friends, some highly intellectual individuals.
These people are a pleasure to be with because they are very smart in many different ways. They have an ongoing interest in learning about life, and people. They are able to adjust the way they verbally share, according to who they are with. By doing this, I learn a lot about subjects I knew nothing about, and they are actually able to learn something new from me. If someones intellectual profile is so intimadating to anything but other intellectuals, what good is all the knowledge that does not have an audience? To be unaware of a presentation of concepts, or ideas is not able to be understood by most people, or to deliberately communicate in a way that excludes many listeners from understanding, I feel, is very selfish.
These people are a pleasure to be with because they are very smart in many different ways. They have an ongoing interest in learning about life, and people. They are able to adjust the way they verbally share, according to who they are with. By doing this, I learn a lot about subjects I knew nothing about, and they are actually able to learn something new from me. If someones intellectual profile is so intimadating to anything but other intellectuals, what good is all the knowledge that does not have an audience? To be unaware of a presentation of concepts, or ideas is not able to be understood by most people, or to deliberately communicate in a way that excludes many listeners from understanding, I feel, is very selfish.
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chonsigirl
- Posts: 33633
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:28 am
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
I do not think anti-intellectualism is as prevalent as you suggest in the United States. Otherwise, there would be a decrease in scholarly works, degrees beings obtained from college, and numerous other examples. If you only scan the mass media version of reading-junk magazine at the supermarket, commercialized TV, and other mundane modes of communication, then that is what is available. You can choose not to participate in it-don't buy that tabloid, or watch that media outlet.
My experience with editors is, that they will help correct grammatical errors, or a general train of thought that needs to be emphasized. They have never discourgaed the main point of the article/book. Instead, they have encouraged it. But then, my editors are from university presses, and want their written material to reach an intended audience.
My experience with editors is, that they will help correct grammatical errors, or a general train of thought that needs to be emphasized. They have never discourgaed the main point of the article/book. Instead, they have encouraged it. But then, my editors are from university presses, and want their written material to reach an intended audience.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Weeder
Well said!
Now, even though I recognize this is an imposition, will you tell me what your best intellectual friend would say about this OP of mine and or any of my OPs? If you would, you might even take a paragraph and rewrite it as you think it would be better.
Well said!
Now, even though I recognize this is an imposition, will you tell me what your best intellectual friend would say about this OP of mine and or any of my OPs? If you would, you might even take a paragraph and rewrite it as you think it would be better.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Chonsi
"Anti-intellectualism (opposing or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach)"
I see it constantly. The high school hero is an athlete and the intellectual is a nerd. I am constantly harangued for being intellectual or being pompous. I have never seen such comments made by anyone about anything except for intellectual matters.
I know you are a teacher and I hold teachers in high regard but our school system, being based on the 19th century German model, teaches our children this anti-intellectualism, I think. It permeates the air we breathe. Parents want their children to graduate and make money and not to waste their time being intellectual.
In my book an intellectual studies disinterested knowledge because of its intrinsic value. Studying that which is for extrinsic value only is not being intellectual it seems to me.
"Anti-intellectualism (opposing or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach)"
I see it constantly. The high school hero is an athlete and the intellectual is a nerd. I am constantly harangued for being intellectual or being pompous. I have never seen such comments made by anyone about anything except for intellectual matters.
I know you are a teacher and I hold teachers in high regard but our school system, being based on the 19th century German model, teaches our children this anti-intellectualism, I think. It permeates the air we breathe. Parents want their children to graduate and make money and not to waste their time being intellectual.
In my book an intellectual studies disinterested knowledge because of its intrinsic value. Studying that which is for extrinsic value only is not being intellectual it seems to me.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
coberst wrote: Weeder
Well said!
Now, even though I recognize this is an imposition, will you tell me what your best intellectual friend would say about this OP of mine and or any of my OPs? If you would, you might even take a paragraph and rewrite it as you think it would be better.
Tell me what an OP is, and I will happily comply. Now. you see, I automatically feel I am inferior to you intellectually, because I dont know what an OP is. But knowledge is all relevant to the circles we live in, or are interested in. And of course to learn, one always has to have the humility and the courage to ask for an explanation for anything not familiar. In the seventies I tried to go back to school as a student in the Adult degree program. There were a couple of professors who deliberately spoke so far beyond my ability to comprehend, and made it clear that they did not have time for questions... that there were a couple of courses I had to drop out of. Up until that point my inyerests had been Drama, Public Speaking, and Literature. I was attempting to explore the possibilities of a career as a psychologist. At that time, I simply thought I didnt have the mental capacity to understand them. It wasnt until years later that I realized how limited their abilitys to communicate effectively were. I also learned how far beyond them I was intellectually, because my capacity to absorb, and then to pass on new knowledge to others, was virtually unlimited. Because the gift is in the presentation.
Well said!
Now, even though I recognize this is an imposition, will you tell me what your best intellectual friend would say about this OP of mine and or any of my OPs? If you would, you might even take a paragraph and rewrite it as you think it would be better.
Tell me what an OP is, and I will happily comply. Now. you see, I automatically feel I am inferior to you intellectually, because I dont know what an OP is. But knowledge is all relevant to the circles we live in, or are interested in. And of course to learn, one always has to have the humility and the courage to ask for an explanation for anything not familiar. In the seventies I tried to go back to school as a student in the Adult degree program. There were a couple of professors who deliberately spoke so far beyond my ability to comprehend, and made it clear that they did not have time for questions... that there were a couple of courses I had to drop out of. Up until that point my inyerests had been Drama, Public Speaking, and Literature. I was attempting to explore the possibilities of a career as a psychologist. At that time, I simply thought I didnt have the mental capacity to understand them. It wasnt until years later that I realized how limited their abilitys to communicate effectively were. I also learned how far beyond them I was intellectually, because my capacity to absorb, and then to pass on new knowledge to others, was virtually unlimited. Because the gift is in the presentation.
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'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Diuretic wrote: Sometimes the best academics make the worst teachers simply because of an inability to teach and even simply communicate with people not their academic peers. But that could be due to a structural problem with universities where there is rightly an emphasis on research but which leaves the professors to learn about teaching from experience (which is always a bad way to learn in that environment). And of course promotion is gained by research and publication, not by teaching.
I hope I can find the right words to reply to you because what you have said about promotion being gained by " Teachers" not by teaching, has such impact on the continual investigation regarding why students do not learn. and the exploration of what is wrong with our educational system. I fully understand what your saying, but my response is what an injustice not only to students, but to whoever is paying for the education. I have to think of a really good parallell example. A person brings there car into an auto body shop to have a damaged fender painted. The bill is 1,800.00. The bill is paid. 60 days later the paint peels off the fender. This is the explanation the consumer is given. " The guy who painted your car, is studying to be an illustrator of childrens books. In order to receive his art degree he had to do an internship painting metal. Unable to choose the correct mixture of paint for your vehicle, he decided to use acrylic paint. We are so sorry, but that is
the policy of Boomtown Art Institute, and we do try to help these students get their degrees. I know this sounds laughable, but the concept carries through in many of lifes arenas. The criteria for a teacher to attain promotion, needs to be adjusted or altered. And believe me, I am well aware of the obstacles faced by teachers, and often, the lack of respect and unacceptable compensation they receive.
I hope I can find the right words to reply to you because what you have said about promotion being gained by " Teachers" not by teaching, has such impact on the continual investigation regarding why students do not learn. and the exploration of what is wrong with our educational system. I fully understand what your saying, but my response is what an injustice not only to students, but to whoever is paying for the education. I have to think of a really good parallell example. A person brings there car into an auto body shop to have a damaged fender painted. The bill is 1,800.00. The bill is paid. 60 days later the paint peels off the fender. This is the explanation the consumer is given. " The guy who painted your car, is studying to be an illustrator of childrens books. In order to receive his art degree he had to do an internship painting metal. Unable to choose the correct mixture of paint for your vehicle, he decided to use acrylic paint. We are so sorry, but that is
the policy of Boomtown Art Institute, and we do try to help these students get their degrees. I know this sounds laughable, but the concept carries through in many of lifes arenas. The criteria for a teacher to attain promotion, needs to be adjusted or altered. And believe me, I am well aware of the obstacles faced by teachers, and often, the lack of respect and unacceptable compensation they receive.
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'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Diuretic
I had to look it up before I could decide if your comment was a dig or a gotcha or a complement. I really still do not know but in that you have always displayed very good judgment I must assume that I must say thank you for the compliment.
I had to look it up before I could decide if your comment was a dig or a gotcha or a complement. I really still do not know but in that you have always displayed very good judgment I must assume that I must say thank you for the compliment.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Weeder
OP means Original Post--just Internet speak. Like I said when we are in a situation for a long time we forget that not everyone comprehends these words.
OP means Original Post--just Internet speak. Like I said when we are in a situation for a long time we forget that not everyone comprehends these words.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Weeder
I think that scholars are placed as teachers because our society has this anti-intellectual attitude and will not support scholarship because scholarship is a waste of time because you cannot make money from it.
I think that scholars are placed as teachers because our society has this anti-intellectual attitude and will not support scholarship because scholarship is a waste of time because you cannot make money from it.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Coberst, There is no need to rewrite a paragraph from your OP, because it was quite understandable. As a matter of fact, I felt, when I read it that you actually had adjusted your style of presentation. I was happy to see that,as it enabled me to reply without trepedation. Im also pleased that you realized I was not insulting you. You will find that I am always much more inclined to compliment, than to criticize. I am generally nasty about once a year, and the experience is like poison to my physical body.
I will share with you the personality profiles of two of my friends who I consider to be intellects, and tell you how I interact with them, and what I have learned from them. One is male, and one is female. Both are physicians.
Each hold two PHDs in addition to their MDs and both are completely unassuming, without a pretentious bone in their bodies. When they are with me, they just speak to me like regular people. They are not condesending in any way. They are both very good listeners. They do force me to exercise my capacity to stretch my understanding as it comes naturally to them to speak about issues that are meaningful, and thought provoking. Neither one identify themselves as doctor,in social settings.
Pseudonyms 2005 Over Lunch Conversation with Doug. Family Physician.
" Doug, what the heck is this thing on my arm? Tell me, and Ill trade you a diagnosis of the sick trees, I see in your yard" He pokes, and prods at the thing... He stays close to me, as if it is a gesture of protection, but does not sugar coat his words when he says.. " That is a cancer on your arm. You must go home to Georgia, and have it removed immediately" I do not think it is the worst cancer... but if it is, that would be Melanoma. Melanoma, is a cancer that grows downward. If it goes beyond one millameter, it has the potential to invade other organs, by travelling through your blood stream. The treatment needs to be agressive, and it needs to be immediate. ( It was melanoma) His presentation was straighforward, uncomplicated, easy to understand and conveyed the urgency required for immediate attention. He saved my life. Another time I said " Doug, Im not kidding around I am very concerned because I have a great diet, and yet I am gaining weight. I am over 50 and know the ramifications of menopause and age.. but.......
" Weeder, the human body is like a computer. Its memory is its cells. They store information. The memory wants to go where it has gone before, which is to the highest place it has been. When you attempt to go down, it will fight you and want to go to a familiar place. You must feed the memory new data. Burn and play, a new CD. The diet is a mission, not a hobby. I lost 15 pounds. He has the ability to make you understand.
My female friend is an anesthesiologist. Ten years younger than me. She speaks three languages. She plays at least 6 musical instruments. She bakes her own bread. She gardens and is an expert knitter, animal lover, activist and mom. She practices an old middle eastern religion. Believe it or not she is a pretty much self proclaimed recluse. She does, however, make time for me. She calls me her gardening guru. She understands and acknowledges that we all have our own callings in life. That we are put in particular places because our role in life is to enlighten someone else, or teach them something. She is a great believer in sharing, fighter for the underdog. And yet, she has very little patience for the lazy, slovenly, or narrow minded people in this world. She has described medical procedures to me ( when I ask) in words that I can understand. Has given me information regarding the management of pain.... She talks to me about tribes of indians whose rituals influenced concepts of early medical practices. I contribute information on soil management, my feelings of rage when I am confronted by small minded, or bigoted people. I love both of these friends. Not only because of obvious reasons like laughing with them, or being made to feel accepted by them.
I love them because they are two shining examples of people who were blessed with the ability and the opportunity to be educated, and to be leaders in society, and still remain approachable. By mastering the art of communication they are able to teach, influence encourage, and generally boost awareness of people they come in contact with socially and professionally. There is a huge gap between communicating from the intellectual plane, and barely having enough command of language to convay concepts at all. There is a fertile, and special place in between. I do not think that that place can be arrived at by anyone who studies, and lives in isolation. Without the influence of eye to eye contact, and a lifetime of observing the body language, and shifts in eye movement that words provoke, this middle ground is a neglected , often overlooked, heaven inhabited by only out of the ordinary seekers of personal growth. There are, obviously, many scholars and teachers and just people, period who have no desire to explore the experiences required for effective, and fufilling communication, and interaction with others. But then that subject would lead us into a topic on narcissists, and sociopaths.
I will share with you the personality profiles of two of my friends who I consider to be intellects, and tell you how I interact with them, and what I have learned from them. One is male, and one is female. Both are physicians.
Each hold two PHDs in addition to their MDs and both are completely unassuming, without a pretentious bone in their bodies. When they are with me, they just speak to me like regular people. They are not condesending in any way. They are both very good listeners. They do force me to exercise my capacity to stretch my understanding as it comes naturally to them to speak about issues that are meaningful, and thought provoking. Neither one identify themselves as doctor,in social settings.
Pseudonyms 2005 Over Lunch Conversation with Doug. Family Physician.
" Doug, what the heck is this thing on my arm? Tell me, and Ill trade you a diagnosis of the sick trees, I see in your yard" He pokes, and prods at the thing... He stays close to me, as if it is a gesture of protection, but does not sugar coat his words when he says.. " That is a cancer on your arm. You must go home to Georgia, and have it removed immediately" I do not think it is the worst cancer... but if it is, that would be Melanoma. Melanoma, is a cancer that grows downward. If it goes beyond one millameter, it has the potential to invade other organs, by travelling through your blood stream. The treatment needs to be agressive, and it needs to be immediate. ( It was melanoma) His presentation was straighforward, uncomplicated, easy to understand and conveyed the urgency required for immediate attention. He saved my life. Another time I said " Doug, Im not kidding around I am very concerned because I have a great diet, and yet I am gaining weight. I am over 50 and know the ramifications of menopause and age.. but.......
" Weeder, the human body is like a computer. Its memory is its cells. They store information. The memory wants to go where it has gone before, which is to the highest place it has been. When you attempt to go down, it will fight you and want to go to a familiar place. You must feed the memory new data. Burn and play, a new CD. The diet is a mission, not a hobby. I lost 15 pounds. He has the ability to make you understand.
My female friend is an anesthesiologist. Ten years younger than me. She speaks three languages. She plays at least 6 musical instruments. She bakes her own bread. She gardens and is an expert knitter, animal lover, activist and mom. She practices an old middle eastern religion. Believe it or not she is a pretty much self proclaimed recluse. She does, however, make time for me. She calls me her gardening guru. She understands and acknowledges that we all have our own callings in life. That we are put in particular places because our role in life is to enlighten someone else, or teach them something. She is a great believer in sharing, fighter for the underdog. And yet, she has very little patience for the lazy, slovenly, or narrow minded people in this world. She has described medical procedures to me ( when I ask) in words that I can understand. Has given me information regarding the management of pain.... She talks to me about tribes of indians whose rituals influenced concepts of early medical practices. I contribute information on soil management, my feelings of rage when I am confronted by small minded, or bigoted people. I love both of these friends. Not only because of obvious reasons like laughing with them, or being made to feel accepted by them.
I love them because they are two shining examples of people who were blessed with the ability and the opportunity to be educated, and to be leaders in society, and still remain approachable. By mastering the art of communication they are able to teach, influence encourage, and generally boost awareness of people they come in contact with socially and professionally. There is a huge gap between communicating from the intellectual plane, and barely having enough command of language to convay concepts at all. There is a fertile, and special place in between. I do not think that that place can be arrived at by anyone who studies, and lives in isolation. Without the influence of eye to eye contact, and a lifetime of observing the body language, and shifts in eye movement that words provoke, this middle ground is a neglected , often overlooked, heaven inhabited by only out of the ordinary seekers of personal growth. There are, obviously, many scholars and teachers and just people, period who have no desire to explore the experiences required for effective, and fufilling communication, and interaction with others. But then that subject would lead us into a topic on narcissists, and sociopaths.
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chonsigirl
- Posts: 33633
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:28 am
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
coberst wrote: Weeder
I think that scholars are placed as teachers because our society has this anti-intellectual attitude and will not support scholarship because scholarship is a waste of time because you cannot make money from it.
True scholarship is not done for money, coberst. I do not make a fortune off of writing-in fact, I made $17.81 cents last year from publications. And I didn't ask for that!:wah:
But I did publish 6-7 articles last year.
Not to brag, but to tell you where my mindset is.
True scholars write and share their knowledge, so others can expand and share about it.
I see this discussion jumping from pre-and post level college comments. Since I teach in both worlds, I will address the coments made so far.
Diuretic: "Sometimes the best academics make the worst teachers simply because of an inability to teach and even simply communicate with people not their academic peers. But that could be due to a structural problem with universities where there is rightly an emphasis on research but which leaves the professors to learn about teaching from experience (which is always a bad way to learn in that environment). And of course promotion is gained by research and publication, not by teaching."
There is validity in this reply, some professors do not have classroom experience before entering a college level teaching assignment. They should have some period of time, like teachers at the lower levels, of teaching in a classroom. Some universities are supportive of an intern system, some are not. There is an emphasis on full time professors is on publication, and staying current in their field. This shows that they are not stagnant, but continue to research and write in their subject areas. There are pros and cons to this. Some do it for scholastic reasons, some for monetary, which is rare. Their works would have to sell very well for that. I have written in another thread, as a scholar, you only get a box of books the first print, money comes after the second edition. The writing emphasis is mainly to keep them current with their peers, and not stagnant in their thought processes within their subject area.
Coberst: "I know you are a teacher and I hold teachers in high regard but our school system, being based on the 19th century German model, teaches our children this anti-intellectualism, I think. It permeates the air we breathe. Parents want their children to graduate and make money and not to waste their time being intellectual."
I do not think this is true at all, that teachers make children anti-intellectual. Parents may want their children to get a good job, and select a major in college that would enhance this possibility. The student themselves decide what they take in college. When they have reached 18, they are of age, they should decide for themselves. I have never selected a major field for any of my 4 children. And if a child feels presssured to do so by a parent, then they are old enough to make up their own mind. It is then their choice what they take-it may be harder alone, but that is one of the tests of life they must figure out for themselves. Blame should not be assigned to the teachers, at all about this. As a personal comment, I say shame on the parents for forcing a major on a student who might desire another option.
I think that scholars are placed as teachers because our society has this anti-intellectual attitude and will not support scholarship because scholarship is a waste of time because you cannot make money from it.
True scholarship is not done for money, coberst. I do not make a fortune off of writing-in fact, I made $17.81 cents last year from publications. And I didn't ask for that!:wah:
But I did publish 6-7 articles last year.
Not to brag, but to tell you where my mindset is.
True scholars write and share their knowledge, so others can expand and share about it.
I see this discussion jumping from pre-and post level college comments. Since I teach in both worlds, I will address the coments made so far.
Diuretic: "Sometimes the best academics make the worst teachers simply because of an inability to teach and even simply communicate with people not their academic peers. But that could be due to a structural problem with universities where there is rightly an emphasis on research but which leaves the professors to learn about teaching from experience (which is always a bad way to learn in that environment). And of course promotion is gained by research and publication, not by teaching."
There is validity in this reply, some professors do not have classroom experience before entering a college level teaching assignment. They should have some period of time, like teachers at the lower levels, of teaching in a classroom. Some universities are supportive of an intern system, some are not. There is an emphasis on full time professors is on publication, and staying current in their field. This shows that they are not stagnant, but continue to research and write in their subject areas. There are pros and cons to this. Some do it for scholastic reasons, some for monetary, which is rare. Their works would have to sell very well for that. I have written in another thread, as a scholar, you only get a box of books the first print, money comes after the second edition. The writing emphasis is mainly to keep them current with their peers, and not stagnant in their thought processes within their subject area.
Coberst: "I know you are a teacher and I hold teachers in high regard but our school system, being based on the 19th century German model, teaches our children this anti-intellectualism, I think. It permeates the air we breathe. Parents want their children to graduate and make money and not to waste their time being intellectual."
I do not think this is true at all, that teachers make children anti-intellectual. Parents may want their children to get a good job, and select a major in college that would enhance this possibility. The student themselves decide what they take in college. When they have reached 18, they are of age, they should decide for themselves. I have never selected a major field for any of my 4 children. And if a child feels presssured to do so by a parent, then they are old enough to make up their own mind. It is then their choice what they take-it may be harder alone, but that is one of the tests of life they must figure out for themselves. Blame should not be assigned to the teachers, at all about this. As a personal comment, I say shame on the parents for forcing a major on a student who might desire another option.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Weeder
You are indeed blessed to have such wonderful friends. Many people go through life without one such friend and you have two. I would say that you have been graced perhaps beyond your deserts and thus owe to society much in return.
I have been browsing these forums for several years and it is a rare thing to receive a compliment. I see evidence that most forum members are young people and it appears to me that many young people think that negative is cool. Of course I guess we can excuse the young.
You are indeed blessed to have such wonderful friends. Many people go through life without one such friend and you have two. I would say that you have been graced perhaps beyond your deserts and thus owe to society much in return.
I have been browsing these forums for several years and it is a rare thing to receive a compliment. I see evidence that most forum members are young people and it appears to me that many young people think that negative is cool. Of course I guess we can excuse the young.
'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
Intellects being shunned, or avoided is a very valid reality. And it is a shame.
There is an air about them that makes them seem unapproachable, and peculiar.They often give the impression of being removed from the more mundane aspects of living. I have met intellects who are so involved with whatever subject they have chosen as their lifes work, that they do not even show concern for eating, or grooming.( These are not personal criticisms, just observations) I have always felt that this elite group of individuals simply had more important things on their minds than myself, or people I surrounded myself with. I, obviously do not fall into the catagory of intellectual. I have been called upon to teach. The subjects have been those that I make my living doing. Fearful of not being analytical enough to be an effective teacher, I was forced to explore methods. My methods are teaching by example, and inspiriing enthusiasm by being entertaining.
Just the other day, one of the friends I mentioned above, and myself were discussing our feelings regarding people who spend so much of there time searching for sexual gratification. We were measuring our level of interest, or disinterest to the " Norm" or what is perceived as the norm. She shared an interesting philosophy with me that came from a psychiatrist well known to her. These people are people who failed to discover interests that stimulated the pleasure points in their brains. They never have experienced the long lasting pleasure of looking at a picture painted, hearing the strains of a violin long after the music was heard.... havent felt the exhiliration of making any one of a trillion discoveries. Fascinating. And yet, not an indisputable theory, as there are people who fall everywhere on the scale of any behavior we might chose to measure, or evaluate.
There is an air about them that makes them seem unapproachable, and peculiar.They often give the impression of being removed from the more mundane aspects of living. I have met intellects who are so involved with whatever subject they have chosen as their lifes work, that they do not even show concern for eating, or grooming.( These are not personal criticisms, just observations) I have always felt that this elite group of individuals simply had more important things on their minds than myself, or people I surrounded myself with. I, obviously do not fall into the catagory of intellectual. I have been called upon to teach. The subjects have been those that I make my living doing. Fearful of not being analytical enough to be an effective teacher, I was forced to explore methods. My methods are teaching by example, and inspiriing enthusiasm by being entertaining.
Just the other day, one of the friends I mentioned above, and myself were discussing our feelings regarding people who spend so much of there time searching for sexual gratification. We were measuring our level of interest, or disinterest to the " Norm" or what is perceived as the norm. She shared an interesting philosophy with me that came from a psychiatrist well known to her. These people are people who failed to discover interests that stimulated the pleasure points in their brains. They never have experienced the long lasting pleasure of looking at a picture painted, hearing the strains of a violin long after the music was heard.... havent felt the exhiliration of making any one of a trillion discoveries. Fascinating. And yet, not an indisputable theory, as there are people who fall everywhere on the scale of any behavior we might chose to measure, or evaluate.
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'Effective communicators' there's the rub!
coberst wrote: Weeder
You are indeed blessed to have such wonderful friends. Many people go through life without one such friend and you have two. I would say that you have been graced perhaps beyond your deserts and thus owe to society much in return.
I have been browsing these forums for several years and it is a rare thing to receive a compliment. I see evidence that most forum members are young people and it appears to me that many young people think that negative is cool. Of course I guess we can excuse the young.
Yes, I am very, fortunate and I do feel that I have an obligation to contribute to society. FG was literally my first experience not only on a computer, but with the internet as well. In the beginning I was astounded at the opportunity to " meet" people from all over the world this way. I gradually, also saw it as an opportunity to contribute. It took me a long while to realize that many contributors have lead very restricted lives, and have not had the opportunity to consider viewpoints that conflicted with their own. I do agree that many users are young, and I do agree that many of their outlooks are negative. I find this generation to be an angry, negative,
vengeful, and lacking empathy in general. ( I have 2 sons 21 and 25) Quite frankly, my quiet acceptance has evolved into fatique and depression , recently. I have become quite reclusive myself, preferring to comfort myself with memories of feelings for life that existed " back in my time". Posts of mine from as far back as almost two years ago stated how passionate I was about the power of words. I was always very excited to share my awareness
regarding the most accessable tool we all have to utilize. Unfortunately, the depth of my awareness has done me in. I am unable to read chosen words, with a disregard for feelings or attitudes that they reveal to me. And so, what began as pure joy, gradually evolved into despair. You see, I surely am not an intellect, however I am somewhat of a suffering scientist.
You are indeed blessed to have such wonderful friends. Many people go through life without one such friend and you have two. I would say that you have been graced perhaps beyond your deserts and thus owe to society much in return.
I have been browsing these forums for several years and it is a rare thing to receive a compliment. I see evidence that most forum members are young people and it appears to me that many young people think that negative is cool. Of course I guess we can excuse the young.
Yes, I am very, fortunate and I do feel that I have an obligation to contribute to society. FG was literally my first experience not only on a computer, but with the internet as well. In the beginning I was astounded at the opportunity to " meet" people from all over the world this way. I gradually, also saw it as an opportunity to contribute. It took me a long while to realize that many contributors have lead very restricted lives, and have not had the opportunity to consider viewpoints that conflicted with their own. I do agree that many users are young, and I do agree that many of their outlooks are negative. I find this generation to be an angry, negative,
vengeful, and lacking empathy in general. ( I have 2 sons 21 and 25) Quite frankly, my quiet acceptance has evolved into fatique and depression , recently. I have become quite reclusive myself, preferring to comfort myself with memories of feelings for life that existed " back in my time". Posts of mine from as far back as almost two years ago stated how passionate I was about the power of words. I was always very excited to share my awareness
regarding the most accessable tool we all have to utilize. Unfortunately, the depth of my awareness has done me in. I am unable to read chosen words, with a disregard for feelings or attitudes that they reveal to me. And so, what began as pure joy, gradually evolved into despair. You see, I surely am not an intellect, however I am somewhat of a suffering scientist.
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