RE: "The Fourth Turning" - A Must Read

Crosby_M (CrosbyM@po1.cpi.bls.gov)
Thu, 6 Mar 1997 16:16:45 -0500


Robin wrote:
<Yes. As a young nerd I was sure my social habits were the direct
application of fundamental principles I held dear regarding social
status, etc. Now as an older nerd, I can see how insensitive and
self-absorbed I was. There was real social injustice I was reacting
to, but that was not a good excuse.>

Hal noted:
<I have moved in the opposite direction. When I was younger I engaged
in a constant struggle against my natural introversion in order to
meet people, make friends, etc. I worked hard to overcome the "nerd"
image, to fit in with ordinary people. It was reasonably successful
but it was very stressful for me.>

Sounds like ones' level of sociability is a rational function of ones'
situation in society, and not genetic (oops, wrong thread (-;),
although there could *also* be some genetic predisposition to being
more or less introverted.

Someone well established in a career with a secure position may not
feel the need to be as sociable (assuming they're not in public
relations, marketing or management) as someone just starting out and
trying to make the right contacts. On the other hand, they may later
decide that their position is not so secure after all and they may
change their strategy once again.

Mark