Awareness of one’s flaws is a sign of intelligence

It’s no secret that smart people tend to be haunted by self-doubt. Smart people understand their minds are superior, at times vastly superior, to those around them, but, at the same time, highly intelligent people have the capability to deeply self-reflect and see that, even with their marvelous minds, they can’t possibly fathom the universe. It’s a source of humility and wonder. Interestingly enough, in some esoteric circles, self-reflecton is one of the essential conditions to develop a soul. It’s believed that people who never self-reflect, who don’t think about their place in the universe at all, well, these people don’t kindle the divine spark in them. When they die, that’s it. They are gone, devoured by eternal darkness. Others disagree and assert we’re all imbued with the divine spark.

We all have flaws but that doesn’t mean we must be critical of ourselves all the time. Constantly criticizing others isn’t a sound strategy, either. Pointing fingers at people around us and saying, ”Oh, he’s a psychopath,” or ”She’s a crazy borderline,” the list goes on. That’s not the idea.

A bit more about the borderline personality disorder as BPD warrants more attention – I’ve heard so many things about this mental condition, so many warnings and opinions, it boggles the mind. Warnings and BPD-related stories from people across the social spectrum. So yes, I’m leery of BPD. I’d be lying if I said no. Having said that, as one website points out, ”It’s essential to understand that individuals with BPD are not defined solely by their diagnosis. Many are incredibly talented and intelligent; some even fall within the genius category.” Let’s not stigmatize these people because that just hurts them more and they don’t deserve that. There’s a lot of ignorance out there when it comes to mental health issues but the situation is changing for the better – though, as always, it all depends on a particular social circle.

Now, finger-pointing, stigmatizing and witch hunts are convenient excuses when we want to cut contact with someone and need a manufactured reason. ”Oh yes, he’s a psychopath, gotta cut ties.” Yeah, not the best idea, but a lot of people do that when it suits them to demonize someone. It doesn’t change the fact that going no contact ever again is a good strategy if one’s dealing with a real abuser. Let’s not forget to look in the mirror because what we see in others is sometimes what we are guilty of ourselves. We don’t exist in a vacuum (alright, some of us do) and we interact with all sorts of people. Being aware of various mental conditions, that’s definitely a good idea, but without walking around and labeling, stigmatizing people. Making a mental note, sure. Our awareness, not paranoia, is that sixth sense telling us, ”Be careful here, this guy seems off” or ”All good.” We don’t advertise our thoughts and conclusions.

Don’t go around like you’re the smartest person in the universe because Hashem can quickly teach you a lesson in humility. Be aware of your self-worth but don’t walk around like you know it all. Don’t turn into a caricature with no actual depth. A collection of memes. That’s how you can tell who’s actually smart and who’s rather stupid – is there any kind of self-reflection there or none at all? Self-deprecating humor? Smart people love it or maybe it’s just false modesty, who knows, depends on the person.

So if you come across someone spouting total nonsense and wondering, ”Come on, does this guy really believe that?” Alas, in many, maybe most, cases, the answer is – yes, absolutely. Being aware of your flaws, but not to the point of self-flagellation is key. That awareness is going to help you navigate the world better. And don’t argue with people who can’t grasp your train of thought. Mark Twain said it best, ”Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” Be judgmental, sure, all this never judge nonsense puts lives in jeopardy. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

I’ve never understood, even as a kid, all the authority, if not downright reverence, Polish Catholic priests still enjoy in Poland. Yes, to a much smaller extent, but even today, it’s there. I’ve never undersood how, with honorable exceptions, mediocre-minded men in black are supposed to speak for the Creator of the universe. And I’m supposed to tell them my sins in some medieval booth? I love learning from people smarter than me. Alas, this isn’t the setting conducive to learning. I might go to a confession. Been a while. More than a while. I wonder what the priest is going to say…

In Hebrew Hell, the damned develop impostor syndrome because Hashem doesn’t take their prayer that seriously anymore. Then, there’s the cha-cha and Electric Slide dancing. Chick lit is true torture, especially for intellectual types. No wonder a rebellion might be brewing. Maybe there’s going to be some kind of a concerted effort to dazzle the demons with violin prowess?

Here’s smart stupidity (smart but dumb) in action – an intriguing blend. The guy wearing glasses thinks he’s smart. He sort of is, and he’s also stupid because he doesn’t realize he has signed his own death warrant by mocking a notorious serial killer on live TV. Don’t be that guy. Be Patrick Jane. Notice how Patrick Jane compliments the smart-dumb guy by telling him, ”You were very good out there.” That’s a good tactic, too. When a mediocre-minded-moralist gets preachy with you, thank him or her for all these wonderful words and compliment him. Don’t argue because – well, Mark Twain quote earlier. The fool who thought he was smart – ended up dead in the alley not long after that program. Good riddance.