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| From Amazon.com |
Preface
This is not a book review or discussion of the text above. The book's title and use of the words 'Aggression and Adaptation' loosely relate to this brief and non-exhaustive article.
The two terms came to mind after reasoning out concepts recently with family and friends in discussion.
Both terms were suitable in this context beginning with 'A'. I then searched online to see if the two words had been used together in an academic context and they have as it turns out.
Admittedly there are other related words one could use to basically describe the two concepts I am describing and comparing.
Aggression
From Oxford, the definition that fits in this context: '3 Self-assertiveness: forcefulness.' Oxford (1995: 26).
Examples of other related terms:
Intensity: '1 The quality or an instance of being intense.' (708).
Intense: '1...existing in a high-degree, extreme, forceful.' (708).
Adaptation
'1 The act or process of adapting or being adapted.' (15).
Adapt: '1 a...fit, adjust (one thing to another) (15).
'1 b...make suitable for a purpose.' (15).
Fit and adjust are also other related terms.
From Oxford Dictionary of Science it offers definitions more in regard to evolutionary science as opposed to psychology.
But a useful physiological entry is presented as in adaptation and 'the adjustment of the eye to vision in very bright or very dim light.' Oxford Dictionary of Science (2010: 13).
The human eye adjusting to degrees of light is an example of human adaptation to different situations.
Brief: Aggression V Adaptation
Propositions within this post and then my conclusion. Three areas of life.
Symbols
Party 1=P1
Party 2=P2
Party 3=P3
Thesis writing and academia
Aggression
An academic advisor and institution, P2, does not accept a thesis Chapter from the academic writer, P1.
P1 reasons spending four to six hours a day, five to six days a week, working on the thesis Chapter is insufficient.
Therefore, P1 aggressively and intensely spends eight to twelve hours a day, five to six days a week, working on the thesis Chapter in order to meet the academic standards of P2.
Adaptation
P2 does not accept the thesis Chapter of P1.
P1 seeks in greater measure to follow P2 instructions and educational institutional standards, adjusting and adapting the thesis Chapter to academic requirements of P2.
Relationships
Aggression
P2 does not want a relationship (business relationship, friendship, potential romantic relationship) with P1.
Therefore, P1 aggressively increases the intensity of interest in P2 and aggressively increases the intensity of the presentation of P1 value to P2.
Adaptation
Accepting a very wise statement made several times in class by a Trinity Western University, Dead Sea Scrolls scholar and professor: Dr. Peter Flint:
'Be true to yourself and be true to God.'
P2 does not want a relationship (business relationship, friendship, potential romantic interest) with P1.
P1 becomes more valuable through adjustment and adaptation to P2; attempting to meet the requirements and needs of P2.
It is reasonable and possible that advisement to P1 from P3 may be useful.
Employment
Aggression
P1 spends four to six hours a day, five to six days a week, in employment search and has not been hired by P2.
Therefore, P1 spends eight to twelve hours a day, five to six days a week, in employment search in order to be hired by P2.
P1 reasons a more aggressive and intense approach is required in order to be hired by P2.
P1 reasons more 'hustle' is required for employment opportunities from P2.
Adaptation
P1 spends four to six hours a day, five to six days a week, in employment search and has not been hired by P2.
Therefore, P1 needs to seek professional assistance from an employment facilitator or related, P3.
When qualified and reasonable professionals, P3 will state that four to six hours a day, six days a week is sufficiently aggressive and intensive and demonstrates required work ethic from P1.
However, P1 needs to adjust and adapt each and every resume, curriculum vitae and cover letter to each and every employment posting of P2.
P1 needs to research the potential employer, including the website of P2.
P1 seeking to meet the requirements and needs of P2.
Conclusion
In the three areas and examples listed:
Aggression, intensity and related is of secondary importance in achieving the good and in achieving success for P1.
Aggression, integrity, forcefulness and related can be beneficial in many cases when used in a limited and correct manner by P1, but if overused and used incorrectly can work against achieving the good and in achieving success for P1.
Adaptation, fitting in, adjusting and related is of primary importance in achieving the good and in achieving success for P1.
This needs to be done in truth and not falsely, in order to produce what is required.
There is of course in all three areas within being true to self (P1) and being true to God, the reasonable option and possibility of not seeking to meet the requirements of P2 with aggression and adaptation.
THE CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY (1995) Della Thompson, Editor, Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Oxford Dictionary of Science (2010) Sixth Edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
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| Vancouver: 2015 |
