Everyone seems to want to define insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” so I thought I would like to go on record with Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary help. This really is the definition. I don’t much care who first coined or authored the quote. Take your pick – Ben Franklin, Albert Einstein and even Rita Mae Brown in print.
In job search and a lot of other things demonstrating utter folly and unreasonableness when it comes to repeated actions may indeed seem insane the definition is not what most people say that it is.
So the next time someone says “Do you know what the definition of insanity is?” as their rhetorical question, you can have this ready.
Say: As a matter of fact, I really do know the definition and let me read it to you.
Main Entry: in·san·i·ty
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural in·san·i·ties
Date: 1590
1 : a deranged state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder (as schizophrenia)
2 : such unsoundness of mind or lack of understanding as prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or as removes one from criminal or civil responsibility
3 a : extreme folly or unreasonableness b : something utterly foolish or unreasonable
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Now of course you may add your definition of insanity when it comes to job search behavior. I think Dilbert, The Office and The Simpsons and others have covered that pretty well, haven’t they?