What makes someone admirable?

[VoidCat]

In this thread:
Post a Vibe!

@Vinayaka said I was worthy of admiration. This was back when my username was Rayoflight. Im not stupid i can see why some might think that and personally I agree in some ways i am. I mean I been through tons of conflict, im very kind, hardworking and stuff. So im not saying they wrong thats not what this thread is about. This thread is cuz I've been thinking on admiration and what makes someone admirable.

I find it strange folks for some reason some folks dont want to admit they have admirable traits. And am curious on what makes someone admirable. So here are my questions for everyone on RF to answer who wishes to answer:
What are some traits you find admirable for a person to possess? What makes these traits admirable for you? Do you exhibit some of these traits?What traits do you think you exhibit that others might find admirable about you? Do you acknowledge these traits you have if they were brought up or no?

 

[Vinayaka]

I remember a research style survey from university that asked students to prioritize the admirable qualities in teachers. Of course that's a specific group of people with specific skills. The survey had about 20 qualities, of which the students had to pick their top 5.

'Sense of humor' was right up there.

Personally, I'd have to put some thought into it, but honesty and the ability to keep promises and commitments would be two that come to mind right away.

Nice idea for a thread.

 

[VoidCat]

Nice idea for a thread

Thanks for inspiring it. Im hoping by posting it it might boost people's self esteem answering the questions in addition to me learning more about people and their opinions on admiration.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Well, I am colored by being a neurodiverse person and thus fully subjective in that I admire people, who know how to be me around and what to demand of me and not just believe that, because they know how to be themselves.
I also try to learn to be around other humans, but I am bad at that in some cases. But I still try to learn.

 

[AlexanderG]

Isn't someone admirable so long as anyone admires them? A fascist is admirable from the perspective of other fascists. A cat trainer is admirable from the perspective of people who like cats.

Are you asking instead for a list of traits that we should admire? Even then, it seems awfully subjective.

Anyway, to your point. Since I value human flourishing and cooperation, I admire traits like integrity, honesty, generosity, altruism, kindness, tolerance, and ingenuity. I do think some people find it difficult to accept compliments or think highly of themselves, because that carries with it a risk of future disappointment. If people have already had a rough time, thinking well of themselves can feel like yet another way they could let themselves down later, by not living up to their personal expectations.

It's like taking the effort to climb up a new peak, when you've climbed up other peaks in the past and kept falling off them and getting injured. The prospect of climbing up again is daunting. Just sitting in the low valley can seem like the best route.

 

[Viker]

Approachable.
Responsible.
Respectful.
Generous.
Funny.
Brave.
Truthful.
Honorable.
Kind.
Funny.
Creative.
Persevering.
Consistent.
A leader.
Funny.

 

[sun rise]

What are some traits you find admirable for a person to possess?

Yesterday my new dentist called an oral surgeon I used a "rock star" for his professional competence. The oral surgeon also had a very well organized staff who were unfailingly friendly as well. So being professionally competent is one admirable trait.

Underlying that is doing one's best.

Of course being loving and kind.

What makes these traits admirable for you? Do you exhibit some of these traits?What traits do you think you exhibit

If I think "I wish more people were like this", that's the basis. The yiddish term "mensch" applies. I loath her politics but I admire Liz Cheney for standing up for what she truly believes in - a political party of honor and honesty. She's a mensch.

Do you acknowledge these traits you have if they were brought up or no?

Sure but I keep in mind Meher Baba's Song of the New Life which includes "neither covet honor nor shun disgrace". Little kids want people to see what they've done and honor them for it. Being an adult should means doing one's best without expectation avoiding coveting and shunning.

 

[JustGeorge]

Its been said, but honesty. I won't mingle with a person if they're not honest.

Humility. I don't mind hearing about what you've done, but I don't want to hang around with an adult who's obsessed with themselves and their accomplishments. There's a difference between positive self recognition, and self preoccupation.

Gratitude. We all have reasons to whine and complain sometimes, but some people take it too far. A person that can count their blessings gets my admiration.

 

[Alien826]

My mother used to call this "kindness".

Basically, you are driving to a job interview and you see an injured dog at the side of the road. If you miss the interview time you may not get the job. You stop and take the dog to a veterinarian.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

What are some traits you find admirable for a person to possess? What makes these traits admirable for you?

Intelligence and a drive to learn.
Empathetic and caring while being assertive, stern, and not shying away from confrontation when it's standing up for whats right.
Even willing to stand against authority when the authority is wrong (but nothing I wouldn't do).
Integrity of character is another big one.

What traits do you think you exhibit that others might find admirable about you? Do you acknowledge these traits you have if they were brought up or no?

I'm not sure. I hear different things from different people, and I necessarily agree. Like when I used to be infinitely patient and people commenting on a high degree of patients that was the result of bullying and abuse and had to be unlearned.
I'm also aware people see some things about me as not that good, such as pushing rules, telling authority no and not being overly concerned about social norms and mores. And it tends to be hit and miss among those who appreciate the sarcasm or think it childish insolence.
But that I'm fiercely loyal to those I care about, generally a good listener and generally don't tell people what they want to hear tend to be more generally viewed as good.

 

[Quintessence]

I've got easy standards - everything is admirable, on its own merit and intrinsic worth. Doesn't mean I personally value it or agree with it, but in my tradition everything is sacred, worthy, admirable, deified, whatever word you want to put to it. Learning to respect the inherent worth of all things is the trick. To not be judgy. To accept things for what they are and the strengths and value that they have.

 

[HeatherAnn]

Trustworthy - no lying, do what they say.
Respectful - to even “enemies.”
Self-aware - which usually means considerate of others too.