I disagree with Steve Pavlina on the way that he targeted his blog exclusively toward “smart people”…
So if you don’t perceive yourself as “smart”, we could conclude that you shouldn’t visit his blog…
Before continuing with the discussion, let’s see the following cartoons:
In the case that you consider yourself “smart” you would probably be proud of this condition and as the characters of the above cartoons you would like to share with others “how smart you are” …
Is there any problem in considering yourself “smart”?
Yes, the problem of considering yourself ”smart” is the same problem that others have when considering themselves “dumb”
It is the problem of perceiving yourself as smart (or as dumb) in a permanent condition!
When you consider yourself “smart”, you perceive this as a fixed condition that you don’t want to change: you are not willing to do anything that could make you look as a fool!
You can act very smart right now and then you might act as as total fool the next minute, this is part of our human condition…
So pretending to be smart in a permanent way is not really smart.. 
Making continuos efforts to improve in the aspects that we care more, is a better approach… Realizing that the difficulties and challenges that we face every day are actually opportunties to sharpen our skills, blessings and talents will allow us to enjoy life every single moment while growing.
And what is life about? as Richard Bach explained it skillfully in his book “Illusions”, Life is exclusively Fun and Growth! Nothing else matters…
P.S.: Although I disagree with Steve Pavlina’s focus on “smart” people, I certainly respect it…
Actually,I formally propose a deal to Steve:
Every time somebody considering himself as permanently “smart” visits my blog, I will invite him to follow this link to visit the great blogs by Steve Pavlina, targeted exclusively for smart people…
In retribution, I would ask Steve that anytime somebody who doesn’t consider herself as permanently “smart” visits his blog, he should invite her to visit my blog at read-y.com!
Invitation to act:
I invite you to submit your comment below…
Do you consider yourself as permanently smart?
Do you see the benefits of realizing the impermanence of smartness?
Feel free to share this information with others…
Tags: Originality, Self-improvement
Interesting take on Steve’s site. I would say that the intent is not to label and only draw people who consider themselves “smart” rather I would believe the intent is to help people realize who they are, where they are growing and how they can elevate themselves beyond where they are today. I think the big problem comes into play when we compare ourselves against each other as the people in your cartoon illustrates. The key is to only compare ourselves against ourselves and to improve moment to moment on who we are and how we travel along this journey. Very good post, made me think. Funny I did a post on Genius today.
Mark´s last blog ..Get Your Genius On!
Mark,
There are many ways of interpreting things
I admire Steve and I have to learn a lot from him in several aspects…
Your comment about comparing ourselves is correct.
I will visit your post on Genius…
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Steve Pavlina
Hi Boris,
Loved the cartoons!
I think he’s trying to say that if you apply the knowledge on his blog then you’re smart. So, that makes people want to use it, because people want to be smart.
Gordie´s last blog ..Six Things You Should Do Daily To Succeed.
Gordie,
Then, it would be similar to Coke’s advertisement? People would think that by drinking Coke they will become happy and by reading Steve’s Blog they will become smart?
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Steve Pavlina
Hello Boris,
This is very interesting. I’ve never visited this person’s blog, but I think his thoery of being smart or not is very one way and narrow minded.
People are smart in different ways, making all of us smart to some degree or another.
There are people who are book smart, but may not be as smart about life in general, While others who are not book smart, may be smart in life, by making smart choices. There are people who are street smart. There are others who are creatively smart.
So which way is Steve defining smart?
I don’t blame you for disagreeing with this Steve blogger.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Lydia
I actually agree with Steve Pavlina on this. He is basically saying that he is not going to dumb it down. There is a reason that he didn’t go with “Personal Development for Dummies.”
Anyway, that is my take on it.
That’s an interesting view, Boris. I think the difference is in being smart and acting smart. I liked your take on it though.
Lana – DreamFollowers Blog´s last blog ..One Thing Everyone Wants
Lydia,
You are right, we shouldn’t dare to define who is smart or isn’t.
I wouldn’t summarize how Steve defines smart. My point is that when we define somebody (even ourselves)as smart we label them, limit them and define them in a fixed way without allowing them to grow.
However, I agree with Steve on several of his posts.
One of the best posts that Steve has published ever is:
this post about discipline
Have a wonderful week, Lydia.
All the best,
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Steve Pavlina
Mark Cancellieri,
Welcome to Read-y.com!
It is fine if you agree with Steve on this. When we have different opinions and we discuss the differences, we will have the possibility of growth.
All the best,
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Steve Pavlina
Lana,
Welcome to Read-y.com!
I am glad that you liked it.
All the best!
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Steve Pavlina
I am with you Boris, I didn’t understand that branding strategy “SMART PEOPLE” But when I started to read his blog and dug deeper I started to understand. I like to look at it as “sharing your gift” rather than labeling people as “smart” or “dumb” I also like to look at it as we ALL HAVE FLAWS and KINKS that we need to work on and hey that’s ok
I love when Dalai Lama said, “As you breathe in cheris yourself, as you breathe out cherish others” Ultimately I think everyone is doing okay with their own level of consciousness. We have to allow people to grow and evolve. I don’t like to put up labels. But I can say that sometimes, imperfection will make you perfect in the process of learning and growing to your utmost potential.
Your Creative and Bold
Love this blogpost
Therese Miu´s last blog ..The Blissful ART of Being Single—Loving Yourself
Dear Therese,
Thanks for your wise comment.
All the best!
Boris
Boris´s last blog ..Be average!
[...] has already a blog and a book exclusively oriented for “Smart People”. I disagree with Steve on his focus on only “Smart People” and if you feel that you don’t fit that [...]