My previous-knowledge-proof test and/or survey

[Minde]

1)
It is far better to be on your own than with someone just for the sake of not being alone. That applies to friendships as wells as relationships.

or

On the contrary, very often I need to be with someone as loneliness is unbearable. On such occasions, I can’t be too picky about who the “someone” is.

I haven't had to make that choice yet. And if I did have to - I don't like the thought of being alone in the world. That would be very hard on me. But something tells me I wouldn't have to "resort" to being with unpleasant or bad people just because I needed somebody. I'm fairly confident that I could find good quality people to connect with.

2)
To proclaim my understanding and competence on a subject, and then change my mind on it because my understanding was shown to be incorrect, it’s embarrassing for me, especially in public, as I fear it makes me look stupid. I prefer to avoid this and usually wait until I am sure of my understanding and knowledge before I start talking about it.

Agree? Disagree? Neither? Etc --

Mostly true, I think. I like being as sure as I can about something before I commit. It's not just about looking stupid, though, it's about starting and building on something that ends up being based all wrong and wasting time and energy because of it.

3)
I am naturally sceptical of second-hand information and whenever possible prefer to trust my own experience to reach a conclusion about something.

or

On the contrary, I think any one person’s experience – including mine – may be too narrow or limited, and I prefer to broaden it by getting as much second-hand information as I can.

A combination - I like knowing things for myself, but I realize that my own understanding is likely flawed at least in some way. So, I guess the latter.

4)
If I need to learn something quickly, my first instinct is to ask someone I see as knowledgeable on the subject, rather than find my own way through it in books, the net, etc.

Agree? Disagree? Etc

Agree.

5)
I have a very good idea about my level of sexual attractiveness (or lack thereof) in relation to others around me.

or

Hmm, no. I am never sure about such things.

The latter.

6)
Especially in moments of crisis, I am inclined to be paralyzed by indecision and tend to wish, later, that I had acted more quickly.

or

On the contrary, I am far more likely, on such occasions, to act impulsively and to later regret my decisions taken so rashly.

The former.

7)
I worry far more about appearing stupid and/or ignorant among others than I worry about being awkward when dealing with people.

or

On the contrary, I don’t worry too much about appearing stupid/and or ignorant – I am more likely to worry if I am being boring, inconvenient, rude etc when dealing with others, collectively or individually.

Um, neither? Both? If I had to choose, maybe the first one. But if I worry about anything it's not so much necessarily what people think of me but probably more that things will turn out how they're supposed to - which may or may not include what people think.

8)
It is a very common state of mind for me to feel that, whatever I have done with regards to a task, or when doing something for someone, I could have done just one bit more.

or

On the contrary, I usually tend to think I am already doing, or have already done, enough anyway – unless it is something that depends on a very specific standard that has to be met, in which case I meet it.

Heh, depending on the situation a combination of the above, although the more prominent and driving thoughts are usually along the lines of the first one. Things could always be done better, though it may not be worth it to pursue it.

9)
I respect, even admire, people who don’t back off from confrontations, even physical ones, and who take physical risks (not necessarily at the level of some Jackass stunts, but I think you get the idea).

or

Sometimes I may even wish I was better in such things, but normally I think that those who take physical risks (or risk getting into physical confrontations) easily are just being silly.

Probably more the latter. If there's a good reason to do it, like protecting something or somebody, then sure, I admire it. If it's just for the rush - ok, fine, whatever floats your boat, and upon occasion I can kind of relate. If it's dangerous to others, especially innocent bystanders, then not only do I think it's silly but I think it should be stopped.

10)
I enjoy poetry and often wish I could write it myself.

or

Poetry may be nice and all, but it’s ultimately pointless – I prefer writings that actually communicate something in a more straightforward language.

Poetry, like any expression, is not necessarily either pointless or useful/good. Whether it's worth anything depends both on the writer and the reader/listener. They're the ones who give it value, if it has any. For myself, some poetry I like and some I don't. Upon occasion I write my own. When I do, though, it's usually just for my own expression of thought and feeling and not usually for other people to read.