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.
You should really reconsider the smart ass resolution–it would do the world some good.
No.