Originally posted by reneritchie
While interesting, I think most people will inevitably post some form of (my sifu), (my sigung), (my sibaksuk), etc. and thus render the topic not as useful as it might be.
Yes, the question as stated begs, objectively and obviously, for a subjective answer, LOL.
On the one hand, it is consistent with human nature to reflect our personal biases in answer to such a question. [And I’ve yet to meet anyone on earth who doesn’t have biases, though on occasion I’ve met some who may be in denial about it, LOL.] And after all, what good is it to have biases if you can’t reflect them. ;)
On the other hand we’d be right silly ducks not to learn with, or learn in some close proximity to, those on our short list, and who may have arrived on that short list by a more objective means.
On both of those accounts then, I’d be somewhat surprised if someone didn’t include their own somewhere in the list. Both reasons will lead to the same kind of responses, despite probable differences in levels of objectivity and a sort of chicken and egg problem.
So, in the proper light I think Jim’s question is actually a good one for revealing both a) preferences and predilections, combined with b) some semblance of a relative, albeit personal quality assessment in light of those predilections. It doesn’t bother me to measure something, even something subjective, so long as I have a good bead on what the data and metrics mean and don’t mean when I interpret them. Of course this also requires recognizing and managing underlying assumptions, the knack for which can vary wildly and on any given day. Even for someone as diligent as I try to be, LOL.
What might be more useful, and generate less canned responses, is to constrain it to people outside of the responder’s own lineage. Since its rare enough for WCK people to think anyone other than their own kind are doing anything even remotely passing good, it would be refreshing and especially insightful, IMHO, to hear those kinds of responses.
Your question is a good one too, though perhaps more challenging to answer (on a subjective or objective basis). I’m still thinking about whether the responses would necessarily indicate less personal bias, or just a different kind of personal bias or error, and whether or not they would be more meaningful.
Pensive Regards,
