Submitted by Philosoclown on
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from http://Pixabay.com
"One who knows does not speak.
One who speaks does not know"
- Tao Teh Ching, Lesson 56
"Bear in mind that those who are finer and nobler are always alone - and necessarily so - and that because of this they can enjoy the purity of their own atmosphere." - Albert Einstein
As we travel through our current incarnation we come to recognize, time and again, that there are two sides to every idea, issue, and concept.
Furthermore, we also find that a trait which can present itself in a positive light in one person can present itself in a negative light in another person.
A trait is a tool. And, just like any other tool, a trait can be used to either create or destroy. For example: a hammer, by itself is simply a tool. However, a hammer can be used to either build (positive) or destroy (negative). Neither of these outcomes make the hammer a good tool or a bad tool. What makes a hammer appear to be either positive or negative is the way it is used.
This same truth applies to how we choose to use the traits which we incorporate into our personality.
With this introduction in mind, let us now take a look at the trait of arrogance and how it expresses itself through different people.
All things which exist within the realm of duality have a dual nature, or purpose. The same holds true for the trait of arrogance; it has a positive aspect and it has a negative aspect.
Arrogance can be described as aloofness, indifference, and the appearance of acting superior to others. Neither of these aspects, by themselves, are either positive or negative.
What does make arrogance either positive or negative is Intent. Negative Arrogance forces and imposes itself upon others, while Positive Arrogance simply distances itself from others.
Negative Arrogance:
Negative Arrogance is the kind of personality, or behavior, that we have come to associate with the term arrogance. It is by far the most common, and it is the type of arrogance which most of us are familiar with.
Negative Arrogance is nothing more than one huge and pompous "ego trip" in which a person behaves in a way that attempts to show to the world that he, or she, is "better" than everyone else. These are the petty tyrants and aristocratically minded persons who are forever attempting to dominate and impose their ways upon others through force, cunning, and deceit.
Those who possess Negative Arrogance generally make such a pest of themselves that others eventually let them "have their way" in the hope that they will go away satisfied. However, these types of people are never satisfied and are always coming back for more attention, accolades, and acceptance.
And though these persons eventually do attract an "entourage", they are the kind of people who, for the most part, are disliked, distrusted, and avoided by the purer and nobler minds.
Positive Arrogance:
Positive Arrogance is an extremely rare trait. And though the individuals who possess Positive Arrogance may appear to be aloof and indifferent, it is for an entirely different reason.
These individuals possess Insights into, and awareness of, ideas and concepts which are a total mystery to others. These are the rare few who, because they maintain a completely open mind, are the beneficiaries of insights, imaginings, visions, and creativity which are ignored by the average person, the mainstream "expert", and their egotistically arrogant "know-it-all" counterparts.
And because the visions, horizons, and dreams of these individuals are so wide and far-reaching, they simply have no time to waste, or interest to give, to all of the pettiness and fanfare which dominates society and attracts the masses.
The individuals who possess Positive Arrogance are the Lone Wolfs,Trailblazers, and the Wizards and Wanderers of their particular time in history.
These individuals are often frustrated that they can so easily "see" and understand the great abstract concepts which are far beyond the grasp of society and it mainstream "experts". Their Incarnations are often materialistically unrewarding but always spiritually rewarding. These Lone Wolfs choose to distance themselves from humanity and only mingle with society when it is absolutely necessary. And it is for this reason that these individuals, who truly are superior, appear to the world to be aloof, indifferent, and "arrogant".
Closing Thoughts:
Whenever we hear something spoken by a person who appears to be presenting themself, and their ideas, in an aloof, indifferent, superior, and "arrogant" manner, we should ask ourselves the following questions.
Is it an Arrogance that comes from an "ego trip" of someone who is attempting to dominate us and impose their will upon us? Or... Is it an Arrogance that comes from Wisdom, earned knowledge, and unwavering sureness; which are products of independent examination, experimentation, analysis, and discovery?
If what we are hearing comes from the former, it is Negative Arrogance and should be looked upon with extreme caution. If, however, what we are hearing comes from the latter, it is Positive Arrogance deserves our full consideration.
To know, and to be aware, are gifts which are bestowed upon those persons who can handle the singular, solitary existence. These are the true Individuals who are in pursuit of noble quests and who follow the lure of distant Horizons.
The wiser and more knowledgeable we become, the less we have in common with the rest of the world. This brings about frustration and impatience not only with the common masses, but with our perceived "peers" as well. These frustrations are what cause the truly superior person to appear aloof, alone, and indifferent.
These frustrations also cause these individuals to distance themselves from society and incorporate into themselves the trait of Positive Arrogance.
These Independent Thinkers and Lone Wolfs continue their Seeker's journey for truth and wisdom in the purer atmosphere of their own company. They Become the Hermits, the Wizards and Wanderers, and the Trailblazers of history, myth, and legend.
These legendary and historical Heroes pursue their lofty quests and distant horizons alone. And eventually they ascend, again alone, to their well-deserved higher planes of purer existence.
Joe Panek