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You know how people in job interviews, when asked about their worst traits, always give totally phoney flaws as examples?
Like: “My worst character trait is probably my perfectionism. If a job isn’t done perfectly I just can’t relax.” Or “I drive people ‘round the bend because I’m always the first one to arrive at the office.”
JA RIGHT. We all know that’s your biggest flaw.
But it cuts both ways – have you noticed how these days certain character flaws – flaws that are actually pretty horrible – are completely accepted? So much so that people actually brag about them? How many times have you heard people say things like:
“I’m sorry, but I’m just SUCH a snob!” or “I have ZERO tolerance for stupid people,” or “I have little to eff-all patience.”
I have been guilty of saying all of those things.
In my defence, almost everyone I know does. I mean just have a gander at your friends on social media. No one can hardly even and everyone simply despises humans and the rest just literally CAN’T anymore.
Imagine if we were really like that? Society would crumble in a matter of weeks. (Although looking back at this year in the news I think we’re perilously close to it anyway.)
But when did being an impatient, intolerant, high and mighty egotist become a good thing?
Celebrity culture has something to do with it, I’m sure. But it goes back further than that.
In her book Quiet, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain explores the rise of the loud-mouthed, brash extrovert in the 20th century.
A lot of it had to do with the hard-sell values of American business culture (and later self-help culture) which taught us that the power and fulfilment of the individual is not only important, but also a moral good even greater than societal harmony or the making of sacrifices for those around us.
Over time the idea of ‘looking out for number one’ became more than just sensible, rather cynical advice – it became gospel.
Only now many of us are finding that being a powerful and fulfilled individual in a society that’s falling apart at the seams is a strangely hollow kind of victory.
So maybe it’s time to stop bragging about our antisocial flaws, and to start working on the tried and tested virtues that make this world a better place. Integrity. Accountability. Humility. Kindness. Fortitude. Self-control. Gratitude.
I can’t help but feel that if these traits were celebrated above things like popularity, entitlement and power, we might all like the world we live in just a little bit more.
Of course, I’m the great-grandaughter of missionary grandparents from BOTH sides, so I do tend to be a little over-idealistic at times. But don’t you think it’s worth a try?
What are your best and worst character traits, honestly now?
Love
Like: “My worst character trait is probably my perfectionism. If a job isn’t done perfectly I just can’t relax.” Or “I drive people ‘round the bend because I’m always the first one to arrive at the office.”
JA RIGHT. We all know that’s your biggest flaw.
But it cuts both ways – have you noticed how these days certain character flaws – flaws that are actually pretty horrible – are completely accepted? So much so that people actually brag about them? How many times have you heard people say things like:
“I’m sorry, but I’m just SUCH a snob!” or “I have ZERO tolerance for stupid people,” or “I have little to eff-all patience.”
I have been guilty of saying all of those things.
In my defence, almost everyone I know does. I mean just have a gander at your friends on social media. No one can hardly even and everyone simply despises humans and the rest just literally CAN’T anymore.
Imagine if we were really like that? Society would crumble in a matter of weeks. (Although looking back at this year in the news I think we’re perilously close to it anyway.)
But when did being an impatient, intolerant, high and mighty egotist become a good thing?
Celebrity culture has something to do with it, I’m sure. But it goes back further than that.
In her book Quiet, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain explores the rise of the loud-mouthed, brash extrovert in the 20th century.
A lot of it had to do with the hard-sell values of American business culture (and later self-help culture) which taught us that the power and fulfilment of the individual is not only important, but also a moral good even greater than societal harmony or the making of sacrifices for those around us.
Over time the idea of ‘looking out for number one’ became more than just sensible, rather cynical advice – it became gospel.
Only now many of us are finding that being a powerful and fulfilled individual in a society that’s falling apart at the seams is a strangely hollow kind of victory.
So maybe it’s time to stop bragging about our antisocial flaws, and to start working on the tried and tested virtues that make this world a better place. Integrity. Accountability. Humility. Kindness. Fortitude. Self-control. Gratitude.
I can’t help but feel that if these traits were celebrated above things like popularity, entitlement and power, we might all like the world we live in just a little bit more.
Of course, I’m the great-grandaughter of missionary grandparents from BOTH sides, so I do tend to be a little over-idealistic at times. But don’t you think it’s worth a try?
What are your best and worst character traits, honestly now?
Love
