The Holly Trinity

When someone sets off my ObnoxiousMeter, they are usually in violation of one or more of the following rules, henceforth known as The Holly Trinity:

1. Don’t be an idiot.
2. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
3. Don’t be egotistical or self-absorbed.

These could be stated inversely as The Three Commandments:

1. Be smart.
2. Be funny.
3. Be humble.

As one might guess, The Holly Trinity was established due characters I’ve recently encountered. Particularly regarding #2 and #3: If you’re an uptight prat who can’t learn from less-important people, I merely refer you to this Spoon lyric: “You’ve got no fear of the underdog; that’s why you will not survive.”

Sure, my list(s) are missing a few things. “Be kind,” perhaps, or “be honest.” But really, if someone is smart, funny, and humble, they’re essentially my favorite person. I’ve encountered plenty of smart people, and a decent number of smart, funny people. I’d argue that it’s those rare gems who are also self-deprecating and down-to-earth who are most capable of inspiration. So to those of you who already rock, I salute you.

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