Candid admission about our world right now: We’re floundering in problems that won’t be solved with only more intelligence or technology. All the great steps forward in human existence can be traced back to deep people. We need a critical number of deep people – just one or two won’t suffice.
Being shallow is the default state and what we tend towards without training and sustained effort. Shallow people have these characteristics:
- Immaturity
- Arrogance
- Narcissism
- Close-minded ideology
- Easily bored, easily distracted
- Despise everything in the past
- Think dreams come true without work
- Fearful of others, always go with the crowd
- Cynicism, pessimism
- Advance themselves by putting others down
- Celebrity-seeking
- Babblers who like to hear themselves talk
You don’t need a Ph.D. in history or sociology to appreciate that shallow people have done enormous damage to others.
In contrast, the characteristics of a deep person include:
- Extensive knowledge on particular subjects
- Broad knowledge about many disciplines
- Sense of history and perspective that can be applied to current situations
- Patient listeners
- Go out and make things happen; not passive
- Mature, self-disciplined
- Pursue excellence in their craft
- “Basically wise”; others consistently seek out their wisdom
- Realists with optimism, not pessimist fueling cynicism
- Enjoyable to be around. They have an ability to mentor and coach others well.
- Good humored
- Profoundly love others
- Ability to express complex ideas and ask very good questions
- Not drawn into pettiness and squabbles
- Trustworthy to lead or advise in complex situations
- Gracious in serving others and generous in sharing
- Love learning and the process of inquiry
- Express gratitude
- Unafraid to be alone and stand alone
- Humble about themselves
- Unhurried with people
- Seem to be directed by higher consciousness and calling
- Courageous, especially when their opinion/perspective is not popular
- Shaped by life experiences without being a victim
- Embrace mystery and ambiguity as part of life’s experience
- Respect the transcendent
- Not always the “smartest” from academic view, but recognized for intelligence and wisdom
- Willing to ask and explore uncomfortable questions
- Have something worthwhile to say. This applies even to those who need to think aloud with others.
- Use gifts and experiences as investment material to produce even higher value
- Not sleepwalking when the world is in turmoil and needs help
- Think long-term and really long-term; not hobbled by “Now” mentality
- Detached from ’empty’ rewards
(Anything you would add to this list?)
We like to be around these people, right? We can wish for more of them in our lives. Most important: You and I can become a deep person. I believe that anyone can become a deep person, or at least a deeper person, because it is a journey. We make significant progress without ever “arriving.” Deep people aren’t manufactured, they’re formed. (More on this in the future.)
