Since people tend to do dismally at self-criticism, I decided to ask people what New Year’s resolutions I should make. So far I have two that I must reject: “be less philosophical” and “cease to be a smart ass.” Fortunately, I can reject both at once.
My Aristotelian essence includes being a smart ass. Thus, being a smart ass is part of what it is to be me. I cannot not be me. So I must be a smart ass. Thus, I must reject the proposed resolution to cease to be a smart ass.
But, you ask, what about the request to be less philosophical? Well, being a smart ass, I think I’ll just say “no.” If it is good enough for Nancy Reagen, it is good enough for me.