I am a historian and a Christian, and though I tend to be private about my personal life, if you want to know something about me, ask me, if you cannot determine it from my public discourse.
If you wish to communicate with me and do not wish to publicly comment on the blog, send an e-mail to nathanbalbright@yahoo.com.
Edit: 12/21/2010: Someone actually asked a question about me that was not self-evident from my writing that I wished to answer here. The question was “why do I write in such a sarcastic manner rather than a “lovey-dovey” manner.” I was unaware that my writing was particularly sarcastic–I work very hard to write in as polite and respectful and as “neutral” a manner as possible, but if my efforts at politeness come off as really sarcastic, perhaps the answer is because I love books and studying the systems around me and because I am very critical with the institutions and people I care about. I’m not really a lovey-dovey person, though I am tender and sympathetic (in person, if not online), especially to outcasts, furry animals, and small children.
Dear author … as the originator of said comment to activate the 12/21 edit, I apologize if I came off brash by attempting to ‘bucket’ you in one of two very different writing styles. I meant it as a contrast … and from a few postings got the feeling that your ‘style’ is an intellectual approach and tried to think of the absolute polar opposite – which in my mind is generally lovey-dovey – to try to encourage you to write more about yourself – where you come from, etc.
Thanks for your continued effort to shoot for neutral – I find it hard myself – but am glad that you gave a little more information about the man in front of the keyboard.
Jason,
No problem. I didn’t take your question as brash. I really dislike either bragging about myself or talking about my emotional life and where I come from, except when it is absolutely necessary to provide the personal context for why I write in such a way about a particular topic. I tend to be an intellectual person who tries to remain detached from what I write about, and when that is combined with a dry and ironic sense of humor the resulting approach is often seen as sarcastic, and usually a good deal more so than I intend. I am very eager to answer questions that people may have, and I welcomed the opportunity you provided to do so. If you have any other questions or comments about particular entries, feel free to make them. As long as you aren’t really insulting, I am willing to hear you out and respond.
I have almost the same five top strengths. Interesting.
That is very interesting. I think personally that context should be in my top 5 rather than individuation, but all of the other ones are pretty obviously strong suits of mine.