The Thinker in "The Gates of Hell" by Musée Rodin
The Thinker in “The Gates of Hell” at the Musée Rodin in Paris. Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra via Wikimedia Commons

By Colleen O’Connor

Forget I.Q. tests. Forget long scholarly papers. And Sermons.

In the Age of Twitter, one must be quicker, sharper, and edgier.

So, here is a very short column, with very lasting consequences—if you pass the test.

All you need to do is rate yourself, your country, and your friends, according to the following quote.

Only one requirement.  You must be honest with yourself.

That is the only difficult part.

You must be honest. No bravado. No faking. No false modesty.

Ready.

Here is the quote:

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

Which category do you, your country, and your friends fit?

Great. Average? Small?

Take a moment. Think quietly. Be honest. Track your mind’s thoughts.

Now.  A bonus question.

Who is the author of that quote? If you know (without consulting Google or Wikipedia), you rank with Einstein.

  1. Eleanor Roosevelt
  2. Charles Stewart
  3. Henry Thomas Buckle
  4. James H. Halsey
  5. Hyman G. Rickover
  6. Socrates

Here’s a link to the answer. (And yes, it’s complicated.)

So, don’t have a nice day.

Have a great idea. And read. It will cheer you immensely.

Colleen O’Connor is a native San Diegan and a retired college professor.