A500.1.5.RB_LarsonKurt, Intellectual Perseverance

A500.1.5.RB_LarsonKurt, Intellectual Perseverance

Statement – Intellectual Perseverance is a much-needed attribute enabling one to reason through complex problems, issues and questions. All higher-level thinking requires the use of the skill of intellectual perseverance. By definition intellectual perseverance can be thought of as a disposition of working ones way through the intellectual complexities in spite of the frustrations associated with the inherent task at hand. 

Elaboration - Intellectual Perseverance is an attribute that once acquired, is not readily given-up in the face of adversity, complexity or frustration. Individuals who possess intellectual perseverance tend to display a firm adherence to maintaining rational principles in the face of adversity or the irrational behavior of others. They display a realistic sense toward the understanding or struggle with confusing or unsettling questions or scenarios over a period of time as a method of insight or enlighten of a particular topic.

Consequently the opposite of intellectual perseverance would be intellectual laziness. Intellectual laziness is best demonstrated in the intellectually indolent or lazy individuals who displays a low tolerance for intellectual pain or frustration and tend to give-up rather quickly in the face of an intellectually challenging task or situation. This could explain a politician or hard-core sales persons unprofessional use of rhetoric and the mind numbing effects it can have on the intellectually indolent? 

Exemplification - As an example of intellectual perseverance, I often explain to individuals and groups that I am a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association, the oldest civil rights group in existence. Most argue that the NAACP is the oldest civil rights group and that the NRA has nothing to do with a civil right. At first glance I consider that my audience may possibly be intellectually indolent and calmly and collectively take the time to explain my stance. The NRA was incorporated on November 17, 1871 and the NAACP was founded Feb. 12. 1909 partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and resting place of President Abraham Lincoln.

Consequently the initial purpose of the NRA was to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis, promoting the shooting sports among America's youth began in 1903 when NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones urged the establishment of rifle clubs at all major colleges, universities and military academies. While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the NRA has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world.

I also go on to explain to my audience that I am not promoting one group over another. I further explain that as a retired military member, I took an oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and that includes all components of our Constitution including the Bill of Rights. I further explain that the Bill of Rights are those God given and unalienable rights, that the government is NOT the grantor of, but merely its protector.

I further explain that weather you agree of disagree with me or the Bill of Rights or our Constitution is irrelevant. The Constitution is what it is in its entirety and we both should be grateful for its existence, as without it… we most likely would not have had the debate of conversation we both enjoyed because of it!       

Illustrations - Some good definitions of the very words that are the very crux of conflict and at times misuse or misinterpretation and/or misrepresentation in our supposed civil society.

Civil - Law relating to private relations between members of a community; noncriminal: a civil action.

Courteous and polite: we tried to be civil to him.

Right - Morally good, justified, or acceptable: I hope we're doing the right thing [with infinitive]: you were quite right to criticize him.

True or correct as a fact: I'm not sure I know the right answer her theories were proved right.

Civil Rights - The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality

                                                  IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

                    The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

The Second Amendment to our Constitution – “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The NAACP Vision Statement – “The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

Both the Second Amendment and the NAACP Vision Statement are powerful words, based upon a general mistrust of either government or society to look after and be entrusted to do the right thing, remembering that it is a Declaration of Independence… and not a Declaration of Dependence.