humble arrogance

Humble enough to admit arrogance.
Ever since I started reading, and reading like crazy, I have developed an arrogance that is difficult to control. It becomes difficult to enter into conversations and arguments which are so shallow. I have suddenly become the quiet guy in the animated conversation, as I refuse to give ‘expert opinions’ unless I have the benefit of some knowledge on the subject through readings or experience. Also I really don’t bother winning arguments (big change from 5 years back) as one realizes that most of the time the other guy is not anywhere near well read or knowledgeable on the subject. There is no point arguing a strong opinion. I relish talking to a subject matter expert. Reading has made me realize the value of someone’s experience and study. So its either I am completely absorbing what the other guy is saying or just turning off. I mean – whats the point of talking on the basis of newspapers / TV channels. I recommend to anyone that one should keep newspaper / magazine reading to a minimum and completely shut off TV channels, specially the news channels. The quality of reporting is going further and further down. Its better not to have an opinion basis the news. And any such conjecture developed in the brain must be kept there. The more I read the more quiet I get….. I dunno…are opposites reconciling again? Conversations that stimulate me are normally slow, less animated and where there is reception on either side. How many of us can actually listen. Its an art that is very difficult to master. I too struggle a lot on this. One has to be free from thoughts while assimilating and then be able to quicly put it all together, run the argument in your head a couple of times and then slowly blurt it. but given todays speed, we might just as well bolt the stables after the horses have fled… or the better option – shut up.

Yesterday I saw Omkara. Learnings… its best not to let someone lead your opinion on some one else. You will have to judge for yourself on someone. That guy might be a dickhead to the world but if he is good with you then that’s that. Allways be on guard, form opinions but remember – always temper down the extremes that you hear from others. It’s something I have tried in office many times. Reasonable success. And it’s a good thing I saw the movie on DVD. I would not have understood anything in the theatre – never knew English subtitles would be such a great idea for a hindi film.