One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was to be called a “pseudo-intellectual wanna-be.” It was meant as an insult, but it’s difficult to take it that way. I relish that moniker and suspect other authors would, too. When you consider the meaning, pseudo-intellectual is something I wanna be.Read it all.
Merriam-Webster’s definitions for the adjective “intellectual” include “of or relating to the intellect or its use; developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience (rational); given to study, reflection, and speculation.” I hope most of those definitions fit, but the emotional elements that drive my articles qualify me only for pseudo status.
This column is a combination of reflection and emotion. Emotion generates the ideas and the passion to write these 700 words; reflection balances that passion to create a rational look at each topic. Well, that is the goal. Readers can decide success or failure for themselves.
It is that balance of thought and emotion readers want and publishers seek. The Naval Institute and others provide myriad print and electronic outlets for potential writers who overcome any hesitation and share their thoughts. As readers, we must each encourage thinkers to write, seeking them out and imploring them to put their thoughts on paper and submit them for publication.
To you potential writers: Tap into your emotions and your intellect. Embrace your inner pseudo-intellectual wanna-be.
Hat tip BJ.
