Therefore I am
The original* is philosophical not specific, I know that, borrowing the words not the thoughts for this blog.If I think I am happy, I am surely happy? I think.
but ....
If I think I am sane, am I sane?
They do say only the mad think they are sane.
Split the difference. I’ll accept interestingly eccentric, albeit financially challenged. 
If I think I am the most drop-dead gorgeous creature on CS, well, I am free to think that, but what others think does have to play a part.
So how much does what others think I am, affect what I am? If I value someone’s opinion, and suddenly find out they think I am an idiot, does their opinion still have value?
My builders thought I was rich and gullible, and to be fleeced of every possible cent.
My daughter thinks I am going through a midlife crisis, starting with the books I’ve written, especially the Clarissa ones, now with moving abroad, and wishes I would settle down and take up crochet. Talking of Clarissa, a younger friend of mine now thinks I am deliberately torturing him by refusing to become his domme until he is submissive enough. Dyeing my hair green and getting purple and blue slashes tattooed on my face, well, I didn't, but so far as I can see no-one reads long paragraphs. I have a friend who thinks I am in denial about being old and need to start with the blue rinses already. Actually, more than one. I think they’re all wrong.
(There are some who see me the way I want to see myself - even some who see me as braver, cleverer, more talented, more capable than I am.
There are the special few who, whatever they think, support and help me on my way.) I think I’m right, therefore I am.
*Cogito ergo sum is a Latin philosophical proposition by René Descartes usually translated into English as "I think, therefore I am".
Comments (29)
Shhhhh don't say anything. We're safe, people rarely read comments, so many blogs, so little time
Sum id quod sum.
About the Nats again, just as they used the railway pension fund to finance the war. The fund then sued the current government to get that money back and the court ruled in their favor. The have to pay and my father expects about R 3 million in compensation. Only they don't get to pay; maybe when Zuma steps down.
That, I'm the best thing ever happened to him
Zuma stepping down? That WOULD be wow!
He was given until Wednesday to resign of face another 'no confidence debate'. And this time he won't survive.
I try to think ;
"Therefore you are not"
but here you are !
So much for mind of what does not matter
Just kidding Biff,
And you raise a whole new point, what others think of the ones you love, we all want someone who we think is the best to be seen as the best by everyone. We've all introduced friends to our other friends, or our chosen one to friends / family, and it's annoying when they don't instantly agree that this person is the absolute goods!
laughing merrily as I feed your fingers into a meat grinder
love you too, babe, bigly. And yay, minced fingers for supper
Just kidding Non
Did that help, do you forgive me, do you like me again?
.............
I'm not struggling with any angst here. I think I'm right, therefore I am.
But Cat raised an excellent point about Zuma, who also thinks he's right, and has united most of the country in disagreeing
One point I wanted answered was what happens when someone whose opinion we value doesn't agree with our view of ourselves. No-one even noticed that one in the flood of words.
I always take on board what people say, especially those I respect, and then make my own informed decision after that.
Do you still respect the opinion - not of a decision, of you as a person - when it is totally unlike your own view of yourself, and not in a good way?
Do you completely reverse your judgement of them and their opinions, or do you examine yourself to check your selfview isn't completely off-kilter?
Well, not that serious a question. Call it interest, though.
I would ask them the basis for their judgement, then have a hard think about it.
If I thought they had a good basis, then I would take it on board, and try to improve on it if it were an issue.
For the record, I never ask people their opinions of me as a person, although I will take advice before I make big decisions. I may not follow it, but I will listen carefully
There will always be those who give their opinions unasked, and sometimes it can get under the skin and sting a bit if you respect that person
Moi? less than perfect?
they're wrong! They're morons!
I flinch away from unwanted truths, close the door on them firmly, then spend a few nights at 3 in the morning fretting.
Very mature.
It's so easy to be 'smart', to judge, criticize and throw 'truths' at people. It's much more difficult to show understanding and compassion.
After all, we all struggle in our lives this way or the other and try to live our best with what was given to us, both personally and in our environment...
Another I like is 'criticism should be constructive not destructive'
Do as you would be done by
Be done by as you did