Stubborn or just plain Stupid?
April 20th, 2005
I’m sure you’ve all encountered people who’re passionate about their beliefs, strong willed in how they act, and very vocal about what they’re thinking. These people are just very determined and want to be right. It’s either their way or the highway, most of the time.
These people are so determined, that you know it’s almost pointless to argue with them about anything because they don’t relent, and they won’t ever give up. If they feel something should be done a certain way, then it needs to be done that way or else it won’t work. These types of people can also be very defensive about things and will fight till the end, even in defeat. You could say that these types are people are just plain stubborn!
However, I say that these types of people are just plain stupid! Yes, that’s right, stupid. While not everyone fits the bill, I’d say that those who are so strong willed to always be right, are in fact the dumbest ones of all. They’re so unwilling to change, so unwilling to even listen, that they do no one any good. There really is no point in arguing with them because they will never hear anything you say. They’re too busy thinking of what next to say to try and spin their argument to their advantage.
Stubbornness is an act of stupidity I say. There may be cases where it’s necessary to be stubborn, say a parent teaching a child, but that’s a case of teaching. When you’re dealing with peers, it becomes a different story. You completely limit yourself and close yourself down that you don’t consider anything anyone even says.
So next time you find yourself being stubborn, take a moment to stop and listen, and consider what is being said. It might actually help, and will definitely prevent you from looking foolish.
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passionate about their beliefs
strong willed in how they act
very vocal about what they’re thinking
i don’t think there’s anything wrong with any of those. (think of the apostle paul. think of people in leadership in iv. think of how things get accomplished. think of how we should be thinking about the gospel.)
we have to separate passion and will from stubbornness and stupidity. (true, those things follow when passion and will go wrong…) i hope you will have the pleasure of meeting passionate, willed and vocal people who are also servants, dreamers and fighters for justice, peace, and mercy.
there’s truth to the rest of your blog, but i was offended when you linked the good and the bad.
Comment by joyce — 4/21/05 @ 10:04 am
oh, i forgot. Jesus was the most passionate, willed and vocal of them all. it’s kind of funny how he’s continually (but subtly) shooting down his opposition. He’s awesome.
Comment by joyce — 4/21/05 @ 10:06 am
oh I don’t disagree with you about there being nothing wrong being passionate about what you believe, strong willed with how you act, and being vocal etc. People should be passionate and so on.
However, there’s a difference between being those things and being stubborn. Granted I probably didn’t word things very well in my first paragraph, but my point is in stubbornness. When you’re being stubborn, you move past being passionate, strong willed and so on. You move to being self-centered which is wrong.
Comment by Lawrence — 4/21/05 @ 10:11 am
I person should be stubborn with the “Truth”. Stupidity is a lack knowledge or truth. I think what you’re getting at is pride in your absolute opinion is stupid.
Comment by K.C — 4/23/05 @ 12:45 am
I agree with that K.C. Just make sure the Truth isn’t diluted or distorted.
Comment by Lawrence — 4/23/05 @ 1:54 am
Hi, I think there’s a huge difference between being stubborn and being stupid. Being stubborn is something some people are born with, and others can learn as a skill, and it can be used intelligently or stupidly.
I would disagree that Jesus is strong-willed. He always submitted to the Father’s will. He was obedient. And He was stubborn. Look what happened at His trial. There are times when the only right thing to do is to be stubborn, stand one’s ground and not back down to “reason”.
There’s a very big difference between stubbornness and strong will. Somebody who always wants things their way, will not be stubborn about something that will cost them (at the level that they really count cost). For example, when paying a bill, one strong-willed person may value money highly, and insist on only paying their fair share. Another strong-willed person may value pride more highly, and want to pay more than their fair share, and feel they have lost if they have to back down on this. And both may act stubbornly as a result.
But what now, if one makes a decision/vow to act in a particular way in a certain sistuation, no matter what the cost? And then backs that up? And stands by what they believe and have decided, despite any suggestion of compromise?
That’s being really stubborn.
To put it bluntly: it’s good to be stubborn, provided what you’re being stubborn about is truly important.
To paraphrase Ecclesiastes “there is a time to be stubborn, and a time to compromise/submit”
It’s all about taking a stand.
Love in Christ,
Dave
Comment by Dave — 5/12/05 @ 4:40 am
I’d say there’s more of a problem with being stong-willed than with being stubborn. Strong will can help you when it comes to times when one must be stubborn, but it’s a hindrance at times when one must submit/ compromise.
Oh, and yes, people who’re sick, depressed etc. who just keep on living because they’re too stubborn to listen to reason and give up…
Nothing wrong with that!
Faith, Hope and Love- all in a way are stubborn, they run counter to reason and the way of the world.
Yes, I know “Love is not stubborn…” It depends on how one defines stubborn and how that passage was translated. To confuse being totally selfish, unwilling to compromise at any time with taking a stand is to elevate compromise too highly.
Comment by Dave — 5/12/05 @ 4:49 am
I think Stubbornness is not something that can be changed over night. It is a constent process that will always be there. You need to leave for work in the morning open minded and ready to take on board ideas throughout the day. I feel I am slightly stubborn at times and am always looking to improve on this. Since I have, my ability to take on fresh ideas has improved no end. I totally disagree that people who are stubborn however are stupid, because as much as it’s hard to admit, stubborn people can also have valid opinions to suggest on many occasions.
Comment by Graham — 12/13/05 @ 5:29 pm
Hello, while I was reading your comment about stubborn people. I do agree with you how stupid they are of always to be always right. I have to admit I am also stubborn myself, but I can’t help it, dad and I are always arguing, which can be funny at times, but when things got serious, too far, I do wanted to change. Please, if anyone has any tips email me at xx_pink_xx_angel_xx@hotmail.com, any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
Comment by Charlotte — 2/29/08 @ 4:41 pm
No … There is not a difference between Stubborn and Stupid. The word “stubborn” is derived from “stupid”. Stubbornism is NOT something you’re born with…it’s something you’re raised to be. If you were raised to not have to listen to your elders or parents, you became more into your own thoughts instead of theirs and ended up becoming more stubborn and set in your ways….which in relativity, is completely stupid. It can’t be helped. There is NO class for “How To Not Be Stupid”. Some brains just don’t evolve like others. Some actually knew to pay attention when they were little, and they grow up to know why. That’s “smart”.
Comment by Brent — 10/4/08 @ 7:40 pm