The Continuum of Human Attitude

Top of the morning to you!

There is a 12oz glass containing 6oz of liquid on a counter in front of you. Is the glass half full or half empty?

A) It's half full of course!
B) It's half empty.
C) Is there really a glass in front of me?
D) Who drank half of my fucking whiskey?!?

If you answered (A), you're probably an Optimist or a Humanist. If you preferred (B), most likely you're a Cynic or perhaps even a Misanthrope. If (C) suits you; the cold logic of Existentialism, Empiricism, or Rationalism may be your bag. However, if you answered (D), well, you're just an alcoholic...

You define me....
Just so we're all on the same page here are some definitions; courtesy of Dictionary.com:

Optimist: a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of
events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome. The belief
that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.

Humanist: a person having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values,
and dignity. A student of human nature or affairs

Existentialist: a philosopher who emphasizes freedom of choice and personal responsibility but who regards human existence in a hostile universe as unexplainable

Empiricist: The view that experience, especially of the senses, is the only source of
knowledge

Rationalist: The principle or habit of accepting reason as the supreme authority in
matters of opinion, belief, or conduct

Cynic: A person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness. A person whose
outlook is scornfully and often habitually negative.

Misanthrope: One who hates or mistrusts humankind

Born into Attitudes
Despite what most people think, our attitudes are not innate. Although people are born with varying temperaments and dispositions, the significant driver of attitudes is socialization. What's the magic equation between disposition and socialization? Hell, if I knew that I would be very rich. However, the reality is that the number of variables involved in forming human attitudes and behavior make it very difficult to calculate with precision. Furthermore, the necessary research to adequately understand those factors would most likely not be considered "humane."

Altruism; yea right...
Most who know me would consider me a cynic. On the contrary, I am not habitually negative or scornful. However, I believe that all people are naturally selfish and that there is no such thing as altruism; "the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others” I don't believe that being selfish is a negative thing. I volunteer to help the homeless, disabled, unfortunate, as well as my friends, etc. for no one but my self; does that devalue my positive contributions? Being selfish is only questionable when one looks to benefit while knowingly causing negative impact on another person or animal.

Personal responsibility...
I support the existentialist emphasis on personal choice and responsibility; however, I think the universe is neither hostile nor unexplainable. I believe that every single person must be the writer of his or her own destiny. You write the pages of your book of life by the actions and lack of action you take every second, hour, day, etc. No excuses. I don't respect those who blame other people, gods, or anything else for their misfortunes or successes. Don't just talk the talk; walk the fucking walk; that's the only way you can get where you want to go...

Humanist, no sir....
As opposed to humanists, I care about the wellfare, value, and dignity of all in the natural world. I believe that nature is our resource of life, so therefore it's much more valuable than any individual or group of humans. It's not enough to appreciate nature through pictures and the occasional park; it's our responsibility to appreciate nature through behaviors in governmental policy, personal conservation, volunteering, as well as through the proper treatment of all parts of the natural world; water, air, land, plants, animals, etc.

Logic & Emotion...
I strongly believe in the pursuit of logic and scientific research. However, cold, hard logic is pointless without values and meaning. Things are innately difficult to understand because we have a very cognitively logical, yet highly emotional brain. The premise that an all-knowing, all-powerful higher being consciously created existence is very improbable; basically, it's downright philosophically and scientifically ridiculous. However, the fables that help children understand how to respect and interact with others in an ethical and socially acceptable way are invaluable; every culture has them, and there are many social and psychological benefits as a result. My point here is that I believe it's important that we distinguish between logical approaches to understanding, such as "science," from ethical philosophies of society, as found in "spirituality" and "ethics” One without the other is doomed to collapse, as they are both are needed for a functional society; but we must not confuse the purpose of each.

Evolution of attitudes
My curiosity in this particular topic is in regards to those socialization factors and types of attitudes that develop throughout one's life. Perhaps you started out as an optimist and now you're a misanthrope? Or maybe, you were a cynic in high school and as you've grown older you've become more of a humanist? Either way, I'm curious as to why; or rather, what you think as to the reason why your attitudes have shifted.

Take a couple of minutes and share with us your attitudes. What are they? Have they changed over time? and if so, why do you think that is?

All right, click the "comments" link below to read the responses of others, as well as share your own responses. "NO" you don't have to be a member of Blogger to put in your $0.02; Just select "Other" for your identity, type in your name, and post your comments... that's it.... it's as easy as getting hit in the head!

Okay here's a bonus question for extra credit.
You have a 3 gallon bucket, a 5 gallon bucket, a drain, and a water faucet. I need exactly 4 gallons of water. How do you go about meeting this task given the mentioned items? Discuss...