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It seems everyone is described by some of the above words. If each of us were to list these words in order, according to how much they describe ourself, each of us would list them in a different order of importance, according to our own definition or perception of ourselves. Others might put our list in a different order. 

If ten people were to rate these words in order of importance in describing themselves, we would also find many different lists. However, not many would put STUPID at the top on their own list. I apologize for using the word stupid or insinuating that it might apply to any one of us. We have always taught our kids not to say that word. Nevertheless, in the context of this article and after looking at the definition and its link to other words and their definitions, I think it is appropriate and helpful.

It is also important to note that any person who might rightfully be described by many of the other words above, may, in some instances, be truly stupid as per the definition! I have personally experienced that dilemma more than once and it came as close as anything in my life to ending my life.

Here are some words and phrases below that define the seven words above. They are in no particular order. See if you can match them up.

Overly aggressive. Ready to face and endure danger or pain. Defensive. Having or showing a great lack of intelligence or common sense. The ability to acquire and apply knowledge. Proud. Swaggering. Foolish. Overbearing. Mindless. Show-off. Brainless. Dense. Courageous. Ignorant. Bold. Unintelligent. Valiant. Strapping. Valorous. Muscular. Hubris. Fearless. Paranoia. Excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods. An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

So here is something to think about. Selling a self defense device is a really difficult task, unless it is a gun.  Why is this so?

It’s because a gun’s very use is associated with toughness, bravery, machismo. Most people want to be thought of as brave and tough and may even assert a bit of machismo in order to self define themselves as brave and tough. 

Most people also want to be perceived as intelligent, smart and even wise, a virtue difficult to develop. I’m not aware of anyone who desires to be stupid or to be perceived as stupid. However, sometimes the desire to be tough, brave and macho, get in the way of being smart, intelligent and especially, wise.

If someone goes out on a jog with a D.A.D.®2 on their hand, what does it say about that person, male or female? Does is say he or she is scared and fearful rather than tough and brave? Does it show that person is paranoid or does it show that person is wise?

Neighbors of ours walk their dog everyday. Last week the dog was viciously attacked by two other dogs and injured. The owners asked me if the D.A.D.® 2 would seriously harm a dog. I said it would not. So now, they carry it when walking their dog. Would they be considered wise? How about smart or intelligent? Does tough, brave or macho have anything to do with their decision? Obviously, they do not want to kill the two dogs owned by two veterinarians who are good people. They just don’t want their dog hurt or killed, nor do they want to be attacked themselves and that experience made the reality of that possibility, greater.

I have my D.A.D.® 2 on my hand while mountain biking. Is it because I’m not brave, tough or macho enough? Would others on the trail or at home be more impressed with my bravery if I chose to take on the mountain lion with my bare hands, mano a teeth and claws? A hunter in our area took one on and killed it with his bare hands. Of course, it was a very young, 50 pounder, not a 150 pound adult.   

I am just finishing an audio book version of a book I wrote called Surf Your Way Through School. In it, I talk about surfing as an analogy to school and learning.

In particular, I talk about going out at the Banzai Pipeline during a huge storm, on a 99 cent air mattress from 7-11. Three people died in that same surf and it’s the most deadly surf venue in the world. 

Although many might have considered me to be tough, brave and macho, after looking at all the facts, one could only define my decision as exceptionally stupid. That does not mean I am a stupid person. Fortunately, other decisions and actions paint a more positive picture....I think. 

Nevertheless, a breakdown of the definition of stupid helps to understand how otherwise smart, intelligent people can easily make what might be considered to be stupid choices. Here is an excerpt from the Preface of the book:

I hope you can see the wisdom in purchasing the D.A.D.® 2 for every member of your family. We give significant quantity discounts for multi-unit purchases. See the codes on our shopping page at tigerlight.net.

Here is something more to think about.  

Perhaps you have never been attacked by man or beast. If not, you are statistically at greater and greater risk. It’s like speeding. You might get away with it for a long time, or not, but you will eventually get stopped and issued a ticket. You may even talk the officer out of it the first time, but probably not the next.  Of further consideration is the fact that predators are not very interested in your pleadings.

Ask yourself this question:

If you know that the statistical chance of never getting violently attacked over your lifetime is between 20% and 30% you might think that is worth the risk because you are thinking in terms of a lifetime.  However, if you knew that every member of your family, including yourself has a 2% - 5% chance of getting violently attacked, in the next 12 months, would you want them to have a D.A.D.® 2 in their hand at the time of the attack, dramatically increasing the chance of surviving the attack unharmed, or would you roll the dice to save the $100 - $130? 

Would that be worth the increased anxiety or stress you all would incur all that year, every time you were in a situation wherein an attack was more likely to occur? Up until now, you have endured those moments of stress or fear, for yourself or others. But when you alleviate those fears with wise choices, it changes your life in several ways. Less stress and no injuries or death, both improve and prolong your life.

Now, there are lots of guns of various types in our family, but it would not be TOUGH, INTELLIGENT, MACHO, SMART, BRAVE or WISE to think that the gun is going to be the best thing to have in every situation. Only about 1 out of 101 situations merit or require lethal force. In other situations, locations or environments, there are carry or age restrictions. There are obviously situations for which a gun is the best possible option, but there are really good reasons police officers carry lethal and non-lethal and use non-lethal 101 times for every 1 time they use lethal force in use-of-force situations.

I hope you are TOUGH, INTELLIGENT, SMART, BRAVE and extremely WISE. If so, you will definitely purchase a D.A.D.® 2 for those you care about and are responsible for. Go to tigerlight.net for valuable information on the award winning D.A.D.® 2.