People often say about someone that he is categorical. What does this concept mean? What kind of person can be considered truly categorical and how to calculate him in a large crowd?
Definition and Concept
The explanatory dictionary reads: “The categorical is one who is confident in all his judgments, who does not allow objections.”
You probably met people with whom it is extremely difficult to communicate. They do not compromise and rarely listen to other people's opinions. It is almost impossible to convince such people, because they have their own point of view on absolutely any topic. It is better not to argue with them, because even a peaceful discussion can develop into a big and serious conflict. So what is this categorical person?
Harsh judgments and statements
A categorical person is one who acts uncompromisingly. You can easily recognize him in society by paying attention to his behavior and manner of speech. Listen to what your interlocutor is talking about and remember his answers.
In the conversation you will not hear certain statements, only a clear opinion, which is expressed by assertiveness and confidence. They always say a strict no, not allowing any but or maybe. Such people perplex their interlocutors, cutting off their opinions with phrases such as “This is not true,” “It cannot be otherwise.” If a categorical person agrees with you, he will always support “Of course, this is so.”
Certain statements (“It seems to me”, “Probably”, etc.) make the dialogue more smooth, soft and calm. Using categorical phrases turns the discussion into a heated debate. Pay attention, do you want to justify or confirm any facts to such a person? A categorical person is a kind of energetic vampire who is always open to dispute, because he is used to standing his ground, and any interlocutor will try to convince him.
Life position
Most people say, “She's too categorical!” The meaning of the phrase is often referred to people of advanced age who are accustomed to living by the old rules and are not ready to accept all the changes in the world.
In no case do not confuse self-confidence and your life with categoricalness. Such people know for sure that all their actions and decisions are the only right ones, even if they entail serious consequences or are the cause of the conflict.
Be careful, they are not familiar with personal space and the right to choose. On the contrary, these people seek to give another “practical” advice, which, perhaps, is not needed at all. So what does a categorical person mean? This is one who does not give freedom to his family and friends. He always knows what to do right, and is offended if others do not follow his advice.
He cannot be convinced of anything, even if he really needs help. If categorical people believe that traditional medicine helps to cure cancer, then they will never go to an oncologist, but will drink infusions and decoctions. If they think that bookkeeping is the only worthy profession, then all relatives and friends should have studied for it.
Philosophy will help you figure it out
In philosophy, there is such a thing as “categorical thinking”. This means that such people will think broadly and perceive the world as it really is. However, there is a controversial concept - “categorical person”. This indicates that he is used to limit his perception. A person creates around himself a completely different world, which includes only certain comfortable and relatively correct things. Moreover, the surrounding reality does not interest him - it is vicious, extensive, complex and difficult to understand.
The meaning “categorical” speaks for itself. A person adheres to a certain life position, one kind of thinking. The category that he chose is optimal and true.
Here are some examples:
- There are no boundaries between good and evil. In the world of such a person, there are either good or bad people.
- There are no millions of shades, because there is only black and white, red and blue, yellow and green.
- There is no other clothing than the one chosen by the categorical person. It can be a formal suit, jeans with a t-shirt or skirts. The very idea that one will have to diversify the wardrobe once causes him disgust, fear and even hatred. And all the people who dress differently live completely wrong.
Is it possible to get rid of categorical?
Now you know what it means to be categorical, but is it possible to change? When viewed from a philosophical point of view, the concept itself is a symbol of egoism and pride. Such people, as a rule, are closed from the outside world, they think narrowly and live in a limited way. They themselves create a framework and barriers that they will never cross. All these dogmas are not backed up by anything, except perhaps by personal opinion and confidence that they are the only correct ones.
Dealing with your ego will be difficult, it can take years. But when a person realizes that he lives in a vacuum created by himself, he can destroy the barriers in just a few seconds.
How to get rid of categorization:
- Learn to compromise. Your opinion is not the only correct one, so try to listen to others and agree with them.
- Immerse yourself and eradicate all fears that prevent you from living a full life. For example, the little girl was abused by her parents that she wears pants, because all the ladies wear skirts. When the child grew up, he was convinced that all the women in trousers were masculine and rude. Fear of disgracing ourselves at school, fear of reporting to our parents again for our choice left a mark in the subconscious, due to which clichés and dogmas were born.
- Learn to feel other people. You cannot just offend or insult someone.
- Do not be afraid to try something new, even if you already have grandchildren. Want to learn how to ride a bike and not assume that it is a dangerous sport? Strive to visit a neighboring country, but are afraid that they might rob and imprison? Get rid of fears, just act.
Qualities and traits that interfere with life
Get rid of pride so that you can establish relationships with others, meet new people and become open to the world. The next step will be to eliminate stubbornness: listen to what they say to you, practice and gain new experience. Yes, sometimes it is bitter and not all the tips can really help, but you will try, and this is the result.
Now you know what “categorical woman or man” means. Do not close yourself from people and the world. Show respect for other people's opinions and choices.
To summarize
Each person sometimes becomes categorical, but sometimes it is useful, especially when you need to refuse or put someone an ultimatum. However, you do not need to make this quality fundamental in life, because you can become limited and closed. Try to avoid people who are too categorical, because any dialogue can develop into a serious conflict.