Goines On: What three words?

Click image for more vignettes

Goines was asked what three words he would use to describe himself. He was surprised how quickly came the three words “skeptical,” “optimistic,” and “helpful.“
    But he soon realized that those descriptors had come too fast; they needed qualification, elaboration.
    “Skeptical” pertained mainly to incoming information, the “news,” or opinions expression by others. For Goines, “being skeptical” was questioning things, refraining from judgment – neither outrightly dismissive nor quickly accepting and storing as “knowledge.”
    Goines wished, though, that he were more skeptical about things he saw with his own eyes, because he frequently misinterpreted visual data, reflexively thinking them to be what he was expecting to see, or assuming they were. Such misinterpretations could be fatal if he were driving at 70 mph on a freeway.
    He frowned but then tightened his lips, determined to be less hard on himself, less assuming, for he was aware of his tendency, and he was committed to vigilance.
    And being “optimistic” didn’t mean that he expected things to turn out well, or get better, but that he had the expectation he would endure, remain composed – whatever happened.
    He saw in dramas on TV an annoying number of instances of parents reassuring their children with the words, “It’ll be okay,” or “Everything will be all right.” It very well might not be okay or all right. Goines wished the script writers would think of some more realistic words of reassurance.
    “Helpful” probably needed the least elaboration. It seemed to support Goines’ oft-expressed desire not to continue living past being useful to others.
    And what other words might he use to describe himself, now that the question “What three” had been raised?

Copyright © 2022 by Moristotle