Ace on The River

Roy Munson · #1 03-06-2006, 07:23 AM

A section of the book "Ace on the River" lists traits of successful poker players. One of the traits is being self-centered and another trait is being empathetic. These seem to be polar opposites.

People are capable of being self-centered at times while showing empathy at other times. Is it possible to be both at the same time?

Cactus Jack · #2 03-06-2006, 08:58 AM

Of course. BG doesn't say you must have all of these traits, but he's showing that poker is a complex game played at the top level by very complex people. There are a lot of definitions of self-centered and being emphathetic means able to feel what other people are feeling. You should be that, but at the same time not feel sorry for them and give them a break, which means you're self-centered.

It's a complex issue and as far as I know, BG is the only one who's addressed it.

Jordan Olsommer · #3 03-06-2006, 04:54 PM

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People are capable of being self-centered at times while showing empathy at other times. Is it possible to be both at the same time?

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Yes. Empathy is not the same thing as sympathy. Incredible empathy is a very valuable trait conducive to profitable poker. Incredible sympathy is not something you want to bring to the table.

maurile · #4 03-06-2006, 05:12 PM

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Empathy is not the same thing as sympathy.

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MicroBob · #5 03-06-2006, 05:47 PM

I think I'm as self-centered as they come...but am able to show empathy.

I'm probably too high up in the sympathy department though...but I've been working on getting tougher and colder and meaner!!!!

Roy Munson · #6 03-06-2006, 05:55 PM

I didn't mention sympathy.

DrPhysic · #7 03-06-2006, 06:04 PM

Oooh! I'm shaking in my boots already.

xxx · #8 03-06-2006, 06:14 PM

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People are capable of being self-centered at times while showing empathy at other times. Is it possible to be both at the same time?

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Absolutely. For example, I know you want someone to give you an example of this to make it very clear- but I am too busy with my own life to give it another thought.

Or am I?

Jbrochu · #9 03-06-2006, 06:18 PM

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Absolutely. For example, I know you want someone to give you an example of this to make it very clear- but I am too busy with my own life to give it another thought.

Or am I?

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VNH [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

maurile · #10 03-07-2006, 02:51 AM

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I didn't mention sympathy.

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Jordan was pointing out that you were mistaking empathy for sympathy. (What you wrote about empathy made no sense unless in fact you meant sympathy.)