Your "philosophy of life" statements

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by CatinKS

My father believed in hard work that he passed down to all his sons with one message behind it.....be HUMBLE. Truth, be told, arrogant people are not on my A list.

His Father always told him, if you want to steal something, ask me first. Knowing, they would never ask Father's permission to steal.

This brings up something that has been bothering me for a long time, and my wife finally summarized it for me.

My older relatives believe that "hardworking" is the best single compliment you can give a person. They'll say to a person, "Oh, you're so hardworking." I've gotten Christmas cards that say, "Merry Christmas to a hardworking couple." On and on. It's a multi-decade theme. Occasionally I'll get a variation along the lines of "You just work so hard..."

It's always bothered me a bit, and I could never figure out why. It just seemed like a weird way to compliment someone. Finally my wife said, "I think I know why it bothers you. It's rewarding effort, not results."

I think she's right to some degree, but then I thought about it some more, and I think it goes further than that. "Hardworking" has an implication that I'm not smart enough to accomplish anything without significant sweat and fatigue. I'd kind of like to be the guy who accomplishes stuff smoothly and easily.

Okay, I have to make a poll about this. I'm curious how opinions shake out on this. Look for a poll near you soon.