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No. It's not. RugbyPlayingAshaman Send a noteboard - 03/10/2009 12:46:35 AM
I think we need to clarify what a "connotation" is from a "definition".

For example, deciding to run from office when you see your opponents are likely not to win is "opportunistic", but it is neither negative nor positive - it is strategic.

Going to the store and being on the lookout for sales, and stocking up on as many bags of beans for a great discount that you didn't plan on seeing is "opportunistic" - but once again, it is neither negative nor positive.

What does Mat do when he needs money? Despite knowing that it is almost guaranteed that he will win every game, he goes in, cleans people out of their gold, and then leaves when he is tired of it. Given his abilities, which even he is not fully aware of but has noticed and commented on, you might call that "stealing". But the key word is that his opponents can either play or choose not to play - their choice, despite knowing his luck, is the only element that I would say separates this from outright stealing. Even then, though, it is "opportunistic".

It's like that play on words - 'fair is foul, and foul is fair'...it all depends on the situation and the actions. There is no objective standpoint through which the word can lay claim to one form of existence. After all, no matter what evil humans may perform there are unintended consequences, some of which turn out to be good and other outcomes whose desirability depends on whom they affect.

An opportunist is any person who takes advantage of any opportunity, whether they seek them out or they are in the right place at the right time. Whom their decisions affect is what distinguishes the moral connotation of the outcome.
"Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness."
This message last edited by RugbyPlayingAshaman on 03/10/2009 at 12:47:29 AM
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How is Mat scoring highest as an "opportunist" on the Quick Poll? - 02/10/2009 06:06:58 PM 1296 Views
I picked "Hero" instead of "Loyal Friend" - 02/10/2009 06:12:39 PM 717 Views
In tGH he was affected by the dagger, which increased his paranoia and so forth. - 02/10/2009 06:22:34 PM 785 Views
This is very true. - 02/10/2009 06:54:57 PM 687 Views
I was about to ask if "opportunist" must mean "selfish?" - 02/10/2009 06:49:41 PM 890 Views
All of that for the quickpoll? Seriously? *NM* - 02/10/2009 07:08:42 PM 317 Views
It's always a good idea to look up words with which one is unfamiliar. - 02/10/2009 08:53:12 PM 629 Views
True. Especially because it turns out that "opportunist" IS only negative - 03/10/2009 12:09:49 AM 661 Views
No. It's not. - 03/10/2009 12:46:35 AM 725 Views
Short answer: people have different opinions from you. - 02/10/2009 07:13:05 PM 822 Views
Yes. These opinions are, technically speaking, "incorrect." *NM* - 02/10/2009 07:15:34 PM 364 Views
Or: your opinion is short-sighted and simplistic. *NM* - 02/10/2009 07:32:59 PM 310 Views
Whatever, mon. Hug it out with your boyfriends over some tea. Or you know, provide some evidence.. - 02/10/2009 08:34:42 PM 694 Views
Your "evidence" is, once again, based on your opinion. - 02/10/2009 10:59:25 PM 712 Views
Wow, RugbyPlayingAshaman going up against Cannoli... - 03/10/2009 02:49:37 AM 783 Views
What's a mon? *NM* - 03/10/2009 06:05:48 AM 310 Views
An abbreviated form of "Pokemon" - 04/10/2009 06:08:18 PM 1417 Views
We create the characters in our minds - 02/10/2009 07:54:24 PM 675 Views
But some facts are not in dispute or matters of opinion. - 02/10/2009 08:38:05 PM 656 Views
I think it depends how you look at the definition. - 02/10/2009 08:52:03 PM 776 Views
- 03/10/2009 01:11:26 AM 656 Views
I voted for him as an opportunist - 03/10/2009 05:43:15 AM 4550 Views
I said he's a whiner - 03/10/2009 06:08:36 AM 727 Views
This. - 03/10/2009 09:46:11 AM 695 Views
Yeah - 05/10/2009 05:18:37 AM 621 Views
He is an opportunist - 03/10/2009 03:17:07 PM 735 Views
Opportunism (merriam-webster) - 04/10/2009 06:03:34 PM 862 Views
Everyone please note the qualifier "often" - 05/10/2009 09:00:37 AM 671 Views
Personally, I chose Loyal Friend. - 04/10/2009 06:09:08 PM 651 Views
I believe I said "whiner" - 06/10/2009 05:26:29 PM 673 Views

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