Ambigamy

Insights for the Deeply Romantic and Deeply Skeptical

Jeremy Sherman is an evolutionary epistemologist studying the natural history and practical realities of decision making. See full bio

November 18, 2008, Happiness

Comments on "Quick to temper and what to do about it"

Quick to temper and what to do about it

By Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D. on November 18, 2008 in Ambigamy

I find myself trying to channel a little Obama these days. Not his overall brilliance--that would be too much--but maybe one of the keys to it: that calm he exhibits in the face of a lame argument presented with conviction and confidence.

See, I have a tendency toward impatience and frustration when I'm talking to someone I disagree with. I'm outspoken in sometimes counterproductive ways.

Obamology

Submitted by Brian Blogger on November 18, 2008 - 5:26pm.

I hope for your sake and mine that Obama's charisma, which has clearly touched many including yourself, is a power used for good. I do not dispute his charisma. I dispute his positions. For me, his charisma does not cheer me. It frightens me. We shall see.

That we shall

Submitted by Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D. on November 18, 2008 - 5:34pm.

Though the future is never conclusive it does help resolve speculative disputes. I felt the same way as you after Bush's election. I'd say Obama is a more solid bet than Bush, but you're right we don't know how they'll turn out and sober progressives can't rule out the possibility that he'll break the bank, even if we don't bank on it.