Jan 21 2009
Don’t Forget the Asterisks
The Humanist Symposium #31: Presidential Inauguration Edition has been posted.
I guess I qualify as a humanist. I frequently walk and squawk like one. But I am probably a humanist in the same way I am an introvert. It’s a rough categorization of my habitual behavior.
Yes, I strongly prefer to work alone, and I do enjoy spending free time alone. I like to go on solo birdwatching hikes. The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, as photographed above, is one of my favorite spots. But I am also a teacher and public speaker. When in these roles, I really enjoy the question and answer periods. I am happily married and like to go out socially and meet new people. And my family is very dear to me. I love spending time with them. Does that make me an introvert with an asterisk?
People seem to prefer the simplicity of yes-no questions and answers: Are you an introvert, yes or no? Are you a humanist, yes or no? But there are whole ranges of behavior and philosophies. Each one of us is an individual, capable of being labeled one way or another. But we mustn’t forget those asterisks.
