Hmm, not sure why you're going after me but I didn't ask for attacks personally I just asked to stay on the original point. Thanks for the rest of your post though, I read it and it sounds good!
I think clembo, paul and been summed it pretty good to cover me. Actually I think being a manager at work as made me more of cynic than coin collecting. I collect cause I find it fun and relaxing - no stress like work. No deadlines on getting something done, no worrying about getting that attribute right now and can do it at my leisure. Sigh!
No, it hasn't...BUT...that's because I have not LET it happen. I can see how easy it would be, and occasionally will find myself thinking along those lines. When I realize I am going into that territory I mentally stop, think about it, and rethink things so as not to be so critical. (This happens in a matter of seconds, usually) Perhaps it has not affected me as much because I don't go for the perfect coins, I go for coins that are usually circulated. That's what I like, and each of them is sure to be imperfect in many ways. Oddly enough, that does not hold true for my other main hobby. (NASCAR). Whenever I read a book, article or even while watching/listening to the race broadcasts I have a mental compulsion to point out every single mistake made. Dunno why, but that's the way it is. In regards to an earlier poster, suggesting that people who say they don't steal are liars is downright insane. That's going beyond being critical to being paranoid. Everybody is NOT out to get you. I have never, ever stolen anything. Never have, never will. Don't believe me? Tough. I would not give you a different answer if I was injected with sodium pentathol (perhaps spelled wrong) which as you may know...forces you to tell the truth.
Wow becoming a cynic due to coin collecting LOL Nah not me, the thing is collecting coins is a hobby something I enjoy now why would I want to do something that makes me cynical?? It would sort of defete the object woudnt it.
I heard about a secret agent who was about to be discovered and he took a cynical capsule and did himself in!!!!!:thumb:
I think analytical people are drawn to coin collecting. Not too many freelove, hippy types in coin collecting. A lot of tuck your shirt in, pocket protector types. This is a sport for people with some time on their hands who like to categorize and analyize small little things that need magnifiying glasses to determine details. This hobby will simply sharpen your ability to not accept things at face value and dig deeper. How many times do people post a coin and then the smart guys figure out the coin is all jacked up and the crowd pays homage to the smarties?
Actually just the opposite is the case for me personally. The more I look for those perfect little metal disc's that we are all so fond of. I realize that there are far more dings and nicks and errors out there than perfect coins. The same with our everyday lives. It is those little nicks and dings that give our lives the spice we need not to be bored to death. If everything is perfect all the time there is no challenge No challenge, No spice= No fun, No growth Just my philosophical 2c:secret: Stewart
Just a point of correction. I've never been a coin dealer in my life. He wasn't attacking you or going after you. That is your misperception. He was merely giving his perception of what has happened on this forum. There is a difference. As I have said before, don't take things personal fo rthey are not always intended that way. And keep in mind, there is such a thing as constructive criticism. All of us can benefit from that. As to your original question, not in the least. There are those who say I was born a cynic. Even my professional career, it was my job to find the mistakes and prevent them before they even happened. And correct those that had happened.
I stand corrected. Honestly, I thought it was iffy when I said it, but assumed instead that it was fact.
I've learned a lot from this thread.. I have learned that the analytical number crunching type usually draw to coin collecting because of its respect for nuances. You find the same thing in Math.. Very interesting so far.
It also is " Cynicism is the harsh experience of a child" It also is " Cynicism is the harsh experience of a child"
I think you missed the point or I did not state it well. I think you missed the point or I did not state it well. My point was that it is never the people who readily admit to sin and shortcommings that are the most dangerous - it is the people who state they are flawless or above reproach that are the most dangerous. People who admit they fall short of the mark are real human beings. People who commit real evil are the ones that first draw you in with one illusion then hammer you with their hidden agenda. You know things like "please help me look for look for my hurt puppy little girl" or "your just in this boxcar going to the showers or a settlement camp". Or the worst of all "this is for your own good". It's statements like these that appear 1st okay and turn out a horror. So maybe you have never stolen a thing but how many times have those words been huddered by thief?
Out of all the years I have been in coins, I have never felt that it has made me more cynical. It definitely has made my life a little more "detail oriented", but certainly not cynical. I always associate working on coins with relaxation. I can sit, look at coins, & read coin books 14hrs. a day. Heck, I did that for 2 years when I had my own shop. I always look foward to it, and it can't do anything but motivate me or put me in a better mood. On the other hand, I have also been into restoring and selling cars, on the side, for the past 9 years. That has made me a very angry and impatient person. Dealing with the continual problems, injuries, & dishonest buyers & sellers associated with it, I can honestly say that it has made me more cynical. Then again, anyone who works with angry & dishonest people regularly will quickly acquire my attitude and not be so trusting.