Chloe: Critic Girl/Renaissance Woman

So, having run astray from my original motivation on this here blog, I am back with the next step of Michael Gelb’s foray into Leo’s expertise.

Dimostrazione. In essence, this is the art of challenging views - both those of others and one’s own. I have a lot to get through here, and it’s definitely the most vulnerable. Also, the least interesting, since the next section “Sensazione” deals with the pleasures of the senses and may be the section upon which I hang this blog’s hat.

But, to get me going and to ensure that I plow through this project that I signed myself up for - here is the Dimostrazione self-assemessment with my comments.

1. I am willing to acknowledge my mistakes. - C: To a fault.

2. My closest friends would agree that I am willing to acknowledge my mistakes. - C: Some would. I know my loving SO gets infuriated when I acknowledge my faults clearly and succinctly. It takes the edge off.

3. I learn from my mistakes and rarely make the same mistakes twice. - C: This is a difficult one. I’ve learned some difficult people mistakes, but I find it harder to learn from my mistakes where only I am concerned (my work habits, lifestyle habits, etc.).

4. I question “conventional wisdom” and authority. - C: again, to a fault.

5. When a celebrity I admire endorses a product, I am more likely to buy it. - C: I’d like to say no. But my love of acupuncuture was affirmed by Kristin Davis and I immediately revisited (though again rejected) the Fat Flush Plan when Jennifer Garner (repeatedly) endorsed it in Self Magazine.

6. I can articulate my most fundamental beliefs and the reasons I hold them. - C: My beliefs are solid. Why do I hold them? I do struggle because I find a lot of my arguments based in emotion. Desperately difficult for a law student. But this I am working on. So I’m halfway there, Leo.

7. I have changed a deeply held belief because of practical experience. - C: I can’t think of one, but this is very “me”. I am much more “qualitative” than “quantitative” and take personal experience seriously.

8. I perserve in the face of obstacles - C: again - one I work on.

9. I view adversity as an opportunity for growth. - C: absolutely.

10. I am sometimes susceptible to superstition. - C: yes. I have to discover how this fits in, but I am supersitious, or at least willing to go along with old fashion superstitions.

11. In considering gnew idea, my friends would say I am…(out of three choices) - this is hard to decide. I would say that they think that I am “gullible and “New-Agey” because I am interested in seeking out old world knowledge and fringe “technologies” particularly in regards to health and wellness. On the other hand, I think my friends would say that I am an “open-minded skeptic” without my input. (The final choice is “closed-minded cynic”).

How about you?

tags: Leonardo da Vinci, dimostrazione, beliefs