What provides a more productive builder of charactor? Popularity or obscurity.

[kvnchrist]

What provides a more productive builder of charactor? Popularity or obscurity.

 

I know I was a loner and an outsider, when I was growing up. I learned very quickly just how differently those who stood out and those who didn't where treated. I was wondering what you guys thought of these two social extreams and if either was best suited for chactor building.

[HeyYou]

I think popularity is counter-productive for building a good character........ although, being of good character will make you more popular.....

[RGMage2]

It might also depend on the individual and how they deal with their circumstances. A lot of the events in a person's life that have the power to build a person up and make them mentally and emotionally stronger, also have the power to destroy a person.

[Aurielius]

It might also depend on the individual and how they deal with their circumstances. A lot of the events in a person's life that have the power to build a person up and make them mentally and emotionally stronger, also have the power to destroy a person.

Shades of Nietzsche?

[RGMage2]

Shades of Nietzsche?

Who? naw. I'm not much on philosophy. More like shades of Amy Grant and the lyrics in a song I used to like.

 

"The same sun that melts the wax can harden clay

And the same rain that drowns the rat will grow the hay

And the mighty wind that knocks us down

If we lean into it

Will drive our fears away"

 

I was thinking about how such a simple thing like becoming a father can change a man's life, and how most men will rise to the occasion, and how it can motivate them to make something of themselves in this world, and that simple thing becomes a defining event in the makeup of their character. And then there are other men who fear the responsibility, so they run from it, and in doing so it starts a downward spiral in their lives, and that defines their character and who they are.

 

Or you could even look at it as how celebrities handle fame that comes early in their careers. Some will continue to rise to even greater heights while others will self destruct.

 

Anyway, Nietzsche was wrong. God isn't dead. He just grew up, got tired of playing with his toys and moved on.

Edited October 25, 2014 by RGMage2

[Nintii]

Neither one builds character ... you could either be popular or obscure and have a good or bad character.

[Hyacathusarullistad]

I've thought about this a lot over the years, and could probably go on about it for a lot longer than anyone would care to read. So I'll keep it brief.

 

I consider myself to be a "good person" by most definitions of the term. I was rather popular in my particular circles throughout my youth, though these particular circles were generally considered to be the lowest of the social order. So based on my own experiences, I'm going to say that it takes a healthy dose of both to become a fully formed, well adjusted person. Someone who's only ever catered to socially is of course going to grow to be selfish and conceited, both in social situations and elsewhere; while someone consistently forced to the sidelines is likely to become pessimistic and overly sensitive. I don't care to spend time with either type of person, generally speaking. I'd rather interact with people who want to get along with me, but aren't going to placate or condescend to me for the sake of it.

 

Bottom line: no "social outcast" is a better person for it than the "popular people", and vice versa. You can be misunderstood and persecuted and still be an asshole, just as you can be adored and admired by people for no real reason and still be a caring, intelligent person.

[edgeburner]

I tend to agree with Hyac.

I worry more about the people who are doing the judgment. Far too often (at least here in the US) being popular, or "cool" is more important than being genuine.