Quote of the Week

I've recently taken an interest in author Michael A. Stackpole, who was just at the Origins Convention here in Columbus, OH. Although I didn't get a chance to make it to the convention (partly by circumstance and partly by choice--the choice quotient I am now kicking myself for) I was doing some research on the authors that were attending and Mr. Stackpole is definitely one of the pioneers of the digital age and how it is affecting the printed word. He sometimes manages to come off as both cocky and humble at the same time (as in the quote below, taken from the dialogue that transpired regarding his article/linked above), but I think that's only because he knows what he's talking about and has a long history of experience to back up that knowledge.

The article itself is IMO hilarious, so if you have a spare five minutes it's worth the read. Otherwise, enjoy the quote below.....

Thanks, but you’re giving me too much credit. None of this digital revolution would be happening except for those authors who believe enough in their work that they’re willing to do the tough stuff which will get it out there. Sure, I may be one of those, and I may have started shooting my mouth off early, but it’s everyone else coming up and saying, “Damn, I’ll give that a shot,” that got the thing going. Remember, one guy is a CRANK. One guy who is a crank early and has folks see merit in what he’s saying is a VISIONARY. Same guy, same vision; but it’s the others who make that vision real.

P.S. If there isn't a word in the English language that portrays both arrogance and humility at the same time, I feel the need to make one up. 'humiligance'? 'arromility'? As far as words already in existence, I was thinking maybe 'shrewd,' but that doesn't really convey much humility, or 'astute,' but that doesn't possess enough arrogance.

I think I'll go with 'arrogility,' defined as "the ability to speak or act in an arrogant manner while conveying an attitude of humility." Arrogility is nice because it also contains part of the word 'arrow' which conjures up the image of speed, flight, and precision, and also part of the word 'agility,' which one would need to walk the fine line between humility and arrogance.