My Take On Us

Introduction

It seems to me that we all can be divided into two overarching groups and we each live out of one of two overarching, and competing, values. And I believe everything that happens -- everything -- can be understood and explained if we understand this perspective.

The Two Groups: Smart and Dumb

At the most basic level, everyone falls somewhere within this graph:

In addition, "smart" and "dumb" can (and should) be broken down into subcategories:

Knowledgeable: The lowest form of smart. This is simply knowing facts, like the fact that 1+1=2.

Intelligent: The ability to figure things out using knowledge and intuition.

Wise: The ability to put it all together and make the best choices possible in each situation. The highest form of smart.

Ignorant: Not an insult, it is simply (and literally) the lack of knowledge. We are all ignorant of so many things because no one knows everything. Easily "cured" by knowledge, the least harmful form of dumb.

Dumb: The inability to process concepts, ideas, and truth on a higher (or deeper) level.

Stupid: Willful ignorance (Proverbs 12:1). This is the worst, most harmful form of dumb. Dangerous, in fact.

So now the chart looks like this:

and for easy reference:

The Two Values: Self and Community

Self-centered: At the end of the day, you are what matters most (or only). You tell yourself that others (e.g., family) matter, but it's pretty obvious to everyone else that you are the center of your universe. At pretty much any cost.

Community-centered: While not necessarily -- and definitely not always -- putting self last, you understand the value and power of truly working together and usually choose accordingly.

How This Plays Out

• People in quadrant 1 rarely seek power; people in quadrants 2 and 4 often do.
• People in quadrants 3 and (especially) 4 are easy for people in quadrant 2 to manipulate.