“My kind of
weird” begins with the basic qualities of compassion and kindness. These two
qualities cover thoughtfulness and consideration. Tick those boxes and we can
play and see if the other qualities are compatible. If those boxes can’t be
ticked, it doesn’t matter what other qualities a person has, he/she will not be
“my people.” I find these basic qualities necessary as I work on the premise
that we are all victims and come from a broken place. Compassion and kindness are
preservation and survival tools.
After
compassion and kindness, it’s important to have the quality of true
intelligence. What is true intelligence?
In ‘Utopia,’ while commenting on the role of intellectuals in politics, Sir Thomas More concluded that at
best, intellectuals could, by their counsel, prevent some evil from being done.
Most then would agree that true intelligence would be the ability to solve the
problems of our times. True intelligence is when you can be a part of the
solution and not a part of the problem.
It is said
the classics teach us to think and that there’s no better way of sharpening
one’s intellect. If you agree with this line of reasoning then, being
intellectual must mean that intellectuals are able to think for themselves; to
question what they read and what’s been said to them. Short of quoting
the Buddha when he said that no man
should accept anything on faith. Every person should question what he hears
even if it’s from the Buddha himself. And it’s important to read because
reading hones the thinking process.
And what
about the bit about: “Intelligence having
to be developed together with the heart or else there will be an imbalance in
the personality?” It is said that intelligence minus the heart can justify any
evil.
To
answer the questions: What’s “my kind of weird?" And, who are “my people?” The
short answer is, “my people” are compassionate, kind and truly intelligent. “My
people” are faithful, loyal and grateful (hence dogs are my people too). “My
people” are self-empowered, insightful, dynamic problem solvers who are
predominantly solution oriented. If you’re selling those qualities, I’m buying.
Finally, “my people” either like or love me. They buy what I’m selling. Yes,
they do.