Tuesday, April 20, 2010

What's In A Name

I assume that when one gives himself a name, title or appellation they are saying more about the image they wish to project than who they actually are. I doubt I am an exception to that rule. Be that as it may, I thought it may be of some insignificant interest to know how I came about mine. After all, I spent a long time coming up with that nifty title. I see myself as an epicurean dilettante; or, that is how I wish to be perceived. An Epicurean, simply put, strives to maximize pleasure, while minimizing pain.

A simpler way of explaining how an Epicurean ticks is to say that they choose to be happy. It is as simple as that. I learned a long time ago that there is no thing or event that can make you happy for long. No matter how great the excitement, everything can become mundane and unsatisfying over time. I have also found that many people sabotage any chance of being happy by dwelling on their problems, or what they do not like. Do not be surprised if you do not find a list of the things I hate. In fact, as I grow older, I find my hates mutating into things I am indifferent about.

The dilettante aspect of my title may take more explaining. A dilettante is someone who takes a genuine interest in an art, subject or activity, but in a superficial way. This is the "Jack of all trades, but master of none". If you were to ask me to list my interests, I am not sure I would ever stop writing; but, if you asked in what area I am expert in...not so much. Like I said above, my only real aim is to be happy, and to stay that way for as long as possible. Any other interest is a means to that end. I delight in something because it tickles my fancy at that moment. Once I lose interest, there is no way I can feign concern. That does not mean that I cannot retain enough knowledge to carry on a decent conversation. Just don't expect me to seem too enthused. This especially true about politics, video games and economics. Other than liking money, these bore me.

So, there you have it...my title reflects that I want to be perceived as someone who is happy and interested in a lot of things, without much depth. Or..."The Happy Idiot"!