“the perfect storm of self-satisfaction” [South Park]
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There appears to be an unusually high level of smug in the air these days.
Recently, I have encountered a stunning number of smug & self-righteous individuals whilst going about my daily business.
Smug is not unique to a single perspective or preference. It can infiltrate any point-of-view. Including but not limited to: music, sports, politics, religion, belief systems, sex, etc.
It is simply a cancerous attitude of moral superiority derived from a sense that “one's beliefs, actions, or affiliations are of greater virtue than those of the average person.”
They say practice makes perfect.
I am getting pretty good at being dispassionate when encountering those infected with smug.
My usual response after getting an earful of their latest rant is, “Wow. Really?”
Even if their position is correct.
Self-righteousness simply isn’t attractive.
Nor does it inspire others to rally to their point-of-view.
It all comes back to winning the battle, but losing the war.
References
Parker, T. & Stone, M. (2006). Smug Alert! South Park. Retrieved April 15, 2010,
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783418/
Recently, I have encountered a stunning number of smug & self-righteous individuals whilst going about my daily business.
Smug is not unique to a single perspective or preference. It can infiltrate any point-of-view. Including but not limited to: music, sports, politics, religion, belief systems, sex, etc.
It is simply a cancerous attitude of moral superiority derived from a sense that “one's beliefs, actions, or affiliations are of greater virtue than those of the average person.”
They say practice makes perfect.
I am getting pretty good at being dispassionate when encountering those infected with smug.
My usual response after getting an earful of their latest rant is, “Wow. Really?”
Even if their position is correct.
Self-righteousness simply isn’t attractive.
Nor does it inspire others to rally to their point-of-view.
It all comes back to winning the battle, but losing the war.
References
Parker, T. & Stone, M. (2006). Smug Alert! South Park. Retrieved April 15, 2010,
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