| | Although I always like to get whatever tidbits of validation others feel like giving me (call me codependent if you like), let me be clear on Martin's "arrogance" claim about my manner:
First of all, perhaps "arrogance" was the best word that he could think of, although I need to clarify something...
The Webster's website defines arrogance as "a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims".
Now, I can't debate the first part of that definition, as concerns the "feelings or impressions of superiority", because that's the inalienable right of anyone who reads my words, to conclude for themselves...
And, perhaps my manner seems overbearing... If so, that's not my purpose... If it comes across that way, oh well, but the truth is that I speak with passion and sincerity on issues that I believe I'm right about. And on occasions where I've been in error -- as when I debated Irfan Khawaja -- I eagerly initiated a full apology and admission of error.
What may come across as overbearing, basically stems from an feeling that I'm fighting my battles alone, and therefore I have to be utterly resolute.
Now, as for the half of the definition that attributes the superiority to "presumptuous claims", well, I do try my best, as I've said, not to be premature and in error, but it does happen and I do try to take responsibility when that happens.
I would hope that I am more frequently guilty of seeming overbearing than presumptuous, but then again, I could be mistaken.
|
|
