My Take On Us

Introduction

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

The Two Groups: Smart and Dumb

It's important to note that "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, and even dangerous form of dumb.

The Two Value Systems: Self- and Community-Centered

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.

Breaking It Down

So at the most basic level, everyone falls somewhere within this chart:

Broken down further:

*It is not wise to be self-centered.

And for easy reference:

Some Ways This Plays Out

• People in quadrant 1 rarely seek power; people in quadrants 2 and 4 often do.
• It ranges from extremely difficult to impossible to help people in quadrants 3 and 4 see that they are (a la Dunning-Kruger and the like).
• People in quadrants 3 and (especially) 4 are easy for people in quadrant 2 to manipulate.
• People in quadrant 1 are likely to choose humility; quadrant 2 and 4 people are not.
• Those who are/could be part of the problem far outnumber those who are/could be part of the solution.

So What Do We Do?

As a lifelong Trekkie, I would LOVE to believe (and did for a very long time) that we have a future ahead where we all finally come together as one; I know now, however, from Scripture, that this is never going to happen (2 Timothy 3: 1-5).   Of course, if we all followed Jesus, all the world's problems would absolutely be solved; but again, this will never happen (Matthew 7:13-14). So, for me, I resolve to walk with God, trusting that He will guide me through His Spirit as I strive to be a light in my own life and trust Him with the rest. It seems to me that this is the best -- and frankly, only truly good -- way to live.