People sometimes call me arrogant. I suppose that’s because I’m almost always right (that’s a joke, folks). Hey, I do see some truth in it and don’t back away from it. To me, arrogance is a confidence… with attitude. I realize arrogance might just as easily come from being presumptuous and snobbish, but this just doesn’t fit me.
I equally believe, in a large part, it’s not just making one’s position known and belittling those who disagree. It’s possessing the superior expertise and authority to defend and support it. It involves insulting another’s intelligence on a given subject, when necessary. It’s not polite, but sometimes discrediting another’s knowledge is proper (and flat-out fun). Granted, it doesn’t strengthen an arrogant individual’s given position, but it creates distance between opposing arguments.
I took this approach in a post earlier this week, Pull the Plug. I used arrogance to reject arrogance. Mine comes from superior knowledge of coma patients. Meanwhile the people I spoke about had arrogance coming from being presumptuous. In other words, they are ignorant to the subject, yet acted like an authority. Wrong! I pick my battles. For instance, I will always minimize those who incorrectly spout off about what’s right for caregivers. On the other hand, I can assure you I would never come across as arrogant on knowing what women want. I’m not even sure they know what they want! Oh boy, I’m sure I’ll be hearing from the women on that comment. Just be careful not to come across as arrogant (not that I would even know it anyhow). Men… now that’s easy.
Hey, I’m not too hung-up when people dislike me, but I’m not naturally disagreeable. Unless, that is, you’re married to me. Obviously, I prefer being liked. Still, there are some people that I just don’t care about. Taking this a bit further, there are some that I truly hope hate me with a passion.
When people call me arrogant I know they are trying to insult me. But, like most flaws in debate and argument, they foolish try to shift the focus from the topic to the opposition. From my position, this is their white flag of surrender. They have nothing more to offer other than grotesques assertions. The beauty about this is they can be equally grotesquely denied. For example:
Them: You’re arrogant.
Me: No, I’m not.
But… I’d probably look down my nose at them while responding.
Would not call you arrogant. Personally would never even come to mind to use that word.
Sending strength and prayers your way.
Hi Ken,
When I finished reading today’s post, it reminded me of a columnist I used to read in the Washington Post — but I’ll have to think of his name. Very witty with many points made and kinda hard to argue with 🙂 Great writing as usual, and I think your ability to process and apply new and complex information is exceptional. It takes a lot of work and brain power to master in such a brief time concepts that take skilled medical professionals years to learn. I guess super smart people can sometimes come across as being arrogant. It’s better than being “simple” for Pete’s sake 🙂
Hoping you and your family are having a nice weekend together, and sending love, hugs, and prayers today, tomorrow and always
Paula
“Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to change.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
Ken, I see no way in which you are “arrogant”. Like you said ,you tell it like it is
And I don’t believe there are too many people who have researched so thoroughly as you have, with everything to do with Ryan and trying anything that will help him. Thanks for all the information. We’ve all learned a lot from you Always here! Love Gail
Ryan is benefitting greatly from your “arrogance”, and that’s all that matters. Thank God you research everything involved in his care as extensively as you do, and the majority of your followers appreciate the knowledge you share with us in the process.
Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talented writer, guts… …
I know, I know — over did it a bit, but I get ticked when labels that don’t fit are stuck on people like you. If possible, hope they get to know you better. And I don’t want anyone to hate you — sends really bad vibes that none of the Divineys need, especially Ryan. Love
I don’t know who these people are who think you are arrogant. Nothing could be further from the truth! I would even go so far as to say that you are one of the most humble, compassionate and considerate people that I know (I could go on — how about trustworthy). So, please, lets just trash arrogant along with snobbish, presumptous and pompous! If these folks will read your every post, they will soon learn the kind of man you are. Not attempting to fluff your feathers, Kenneth; just tellin it like it is.
Heard any good jokes lately? Me neither, but you will be the first I share it with when I do. 😉 Always here with love and prayers.
People who speak glibly about a subject which they have little personal experience of would be much easier to tolerate, if their ignorance were not so, well, let’s just say, yes, “disdainable.”
[Me, when I behold such efforts, so intense, so numerous, so sacrificial, so seemingly unending, well, I become MUTE with awe…]
And I pray that you may continue to acquire special information–even from Divine sources–that may aid you in your struggle…
And I say, NOT GLIBLY AT ALL, “God Bless”.
(…And apologize for not being as constant in my prayers about this subject as I ought to be….)