What is the ultimate sign of weakness?
 

The very biggest sign, at the top of the list of possible phrases?

Starting a thread without answering your own question is fairly weak....

(Seriously, though, it's how things are generally done around here. Answering your own question in your OP gives some shape to what people encounter when they open up your new thread, and has a real impact on people's ability to conversate productively on the topic you've set forth.)

Apologizing after blowing a load in her hair.

"um... hmm.. well, you know."



either/or and all of the above

Losing your temper is one of the greatest signs of weakness.

Compromise, especially when done so at the expense of having the inability to make sound decisions for fear of the ramifications those decisions may bring

Force is only needed by the powerless.

$20 says I can kick your ass.

lol

Cowardice.

Inability to admit fault.

Dishonesty. Which includes withholding the truth without a flat-out lie. People that would rather lie or hide from the truth of a situation disgust me, for their actions inevitably make the situation unfathomably harder than it would of been, had the truth been shared from the start.
This manifests itself most evidently in romantic relationships, but I see it in "friendships" and in work situations, too. But it especially sucks in relationships.

Funny, I always thought that coercive power was the basis of civilization.

...

Chocolate is the ultimate sign of weakness.

Low muscle tone. Inability to lift objects.

The inability to read and understand simple rules and instructions.

Oooh, I agree. It's a big one for me too. Also, I loose my temper a lot and I'm not too proud of that.

Ask Gandhi.

Self-deprecation: selling oneself short.

I'd say lack of compromise, is a 'sign of weakness.' Although I hate that phrase - 'sign of weakness.'

Even pits bred for fighting roll on their backs occasionally for a belly rub.

---------- Post added at 11:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 AM ----------

btw, that's sig material right thar^

no thanks, i'll ask Genghis


inability to hold it under pressure. that goes for work, sport, leisure

What is the line between self-deprecation and humility?

Lying. It's what people do when they can't handle reality or the consequences of the actions they take.

Sincerity.

Huh, I always thought it was belief.

That's a part of it. Belief often overrides sincerity.

inability to apologise

Or they wish to create something from nothing.

...

Being a people-pleaser just so people will like you or accept you. Just as weak: making choices or decisions solely to please others, without making your own choice clear.

---------- Post added at 12:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:19 AM ----------

That isn't necessarily indicative of weakness on the reader's part; it may well simply indicate weakness on the writer's part: for failure to ensure the directions are unambiguous, clear, don't omit any necessary information, and anticipate what questions may arise from the instructions themselves.

There are plenty of intelligent people who can make no sense whatsoever of a technical manual or a list of instructions simply because the writer did a careless, half-assed job of writing it. Excellent technical writing and editing are learned skills. The first lesson is: just because it's clear to the writer doesn't mean it's equally clear to the reader.

Those who can't execute on a clear and concise plan due to fear of a contrary opinion or negative reaction.

People who still use the term: You (blank) like a girl.....and mean it.

Also having no respect for oneself, others and all else.

I dunno. As a stereotypical male egomaniac, I'd have to say crying in public, or crying whilst sober. I remember when I was a freshman a kid at school cried. At first I didn't really care because I didn't know him, and from what I gathered he was a dumb-as-five-wooden-planks jock. Eventually, everyone else's crying started to get to me, and I started crying. I felt like a complete pussy.

Here are a few more, some of which have already been mentioned:
-inability to apologise
-not taking responsbility for one's actions
-failures of leadership (e.g. not insuring that your guys have the right tools for the job, or not taking the blame for the failures of his men caused by the leader not properly training his people)
-being addicted to something, or someone, either physically or mentally.
-suicide

I'll add more as I think of them.
-

The Teachings of Don Juan Matus
See the "I cling to nothing" stuff. Meaning as I see it and heard someone say it : "do not be attached not even to the idea of non attachment"
Escape the mental chatter about "good" or "bad", to "think with your heart":
Antoine-de-Saint-Exupery-The-Little-Prince


Where do we start ?
The Pressure to Break Free - Ascent of Humanity

The three toughest, most ass-kicking guys I ever met were all self-deprecating.

One was a SEAL. One was a Jui jitsu Professor. One was a little old man who could take you apart with his bare hands.

I know a few physically strong guys who are emotionally weak as well.

I sometimes think they're just overcompensating.

Pits will do it, but Crompsin won't.

Maybe it just works for me. :P

I have no weakness, puny people

http://beerinfood.files.wordpress.co...uscle_man1.jpg

That dude's weakness is an untied shoe.

Wha?

Wait - is he supposed to be the forum badass or something? Because I've seen an image of him with a woman (I think,) and he's admitted he e-dates. That means he indeed rolls over.

It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness one should have self confidence to overcome such negative attitude because sometimes Low self-esteem or a distorted outlook on life can also lead to depression which is considered as a disorder.

Self-doubt. When you doubt yourself, you are weak.

The unfortunate implication of this thread is that weakness is universally bad and strength always a good thing. Weakness can be a survival trait, as any dog breeder will likely understand.

Being a bully (and I am not talking about school kids). When you're in a position of power or authority or ability, and you intentionally use it to inflict harm on others in any number of deceitful or devious ways....

“Power tends to confine, frustrate, frighten, and burden the consciences of its holders.” - W. Muir

Perhaps being in a position of authority is the greatest sign of weakness... you're deeply encumbered by personal responsibility and accountability to the organization.

The last sign of weakness is death.

People who use their authority to assist, help, encourage, motivate, etc. can be a source of positive energy and morale. I have no doubt that authority does carry with it responsibility and mental burdens. I manage a group of 25 people where I work. It's a pleasure to support and assist them, watch them grow professionally, encourage them in solving solve their problems, etc. Not saying I'm a perfect manager, but I don't have people complaining about me either. On the other hand, I've had bullying and non-supportive bosses and I've also had managers I installed who turned into bullies. I felt it was my obligation to the organization to ensure my managers were accountable and treated people fairly and properly. The moral of the story is that (at least in my experience) many times a bully will self-destruct.

LYING. I cant stand anyone who lies to me. Lying to me shows me you are weak.

I realize that you are making a play on the usage of the word 'ultimate', but 'weak' is a relative term, and since it is clearly implied that this thread is specific to the behavior of human beings, which are alive and thus will all perish, your post makes no sense.

Bow down to His Meatiness!

mmm, meaty

Go search "Giant Hamburger" in the link on the top right (if you're using the default skin) and get to know who you're talking about. I think you'll find it ... illuminating.

eh

There's quite alot of "ultimates" in the new posts query, I've recently noticed.

I haven't seen the OP since, but I wanted abit of further clarifaction when he used the word "phrase" in his opening declaration.

What's the ultimate weak phrase? Phase, perhaps?

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Oh, wait... that's him above.

Inheriting the earth? No wait, that was a meek biblical reference.

It sort of makes sense. I really have no idea. I read the OP as containing
value judgements. I tend to do that though, sometimes I'm just twitchy and reactive that way. Sorry.

Hail Citizen!

It amuses me that you chose my post as the nonsensical one.

I did not realize you were the only one permitted to use "relative" terms.

Clearly, I missed the human-centric implications of your original post just as you have missed my use of a simple metaphor.

*blows the dust off a Shakespearean cliché...

"Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once."

way off. the relativity of the term 'weak' itself is what is strict, not the usage of it in a relative context--quite the opposite.

The ultimate sign of weakness? Mentally/emotionally/violently abusing another person.

Against History, Against Leviathan!--Fredy Perlman

Ahoy, jnthnlllshprd.

I hear your inner voice questioning. I hear the voices of all our judges,
that sit on our shoulders sometimes.

I have read all your posts.

May you find peace and acceptance within yourself.

You will find many good people here at TFP, who will listen, encourage, and embrace you.

Love,
ring.