Action or reaction?

Be like water

When you're surprised you can show a really bad behaviour, even one you yourself would find offensive. You can act like a fucking asshole for split second, but that's because you were taken aback. I don't think that defines someone's character at all

I guess reactions are less planned so might give a truer insight into how someone genuinely is.

I believe reactions are more of an instinctual response. While it still holds some meaning to the person's character, it is not as dominant as actions. Actions are the way one leads his life. Not reactions.

I've come to thank for your action. I have really enjoyed pondering over this ever since you posted it.

A very good question indeed, and a tough one with no definitive answer.

In my opinion reaction is more indicative of true nature. Actions afford the luxury of premeditation, no matter the timespan given. People are seldom caught off-guard by their own actions. Reactions are less often premeditory, and more often instinctual, given that people react to opposing and external actions beyond their control. I would deduce that this allows a greater window into the individuals true nature to surface. There is a large grey area between the two though, and as such it is impossible to give a "correct" answer; only an educated one based on observation.

Reactions you can't control, meaning they show nothing about your character. Actions you can, meaning they can show something about your character. In reality, neither can give an accurate insight.

Anyway, you have to define what someone's "true character" means first. I don't believe such a thing even exists.

I'm not sure what the distinction you're making is, here.

Both.

I consider reactions actions :/

I think it's actions because we can't really help our reactions, but we can make differences through our actions. There's also initial reaction, which isn't really fair to judge people by because they might already be aware of how wrong their initial reaction is which is why they take actions to prove that they aren't as bad as their reactions make them seem.

Reactions as they have less choice over it so more of the real them shows through.

I personally feel that a reaction is a bit more revealing of a person's character. A reaction is quick and subconscious, so it is less susceptible to design. Lots of people may act nice or friendly because they desire to manipulate someone, for example, but being caught off-guard could reveal their true nature.

I don't mean for it to sound pessimistic, just an example.

All action is a reaction.

Even something as simple as being angry is a reaction against a situation, and the situation a reaction against X and X a reaction and etc etc.

But I see what you're getting at. And to me the answer would hinge on the understanding of the circumstances; whether they be irrelevant (finding out that there is no more strawberry) or earth shattering (someone slapping you across the face or flattering you).

I believe your actions show you at your best, generally speaking. Those are the things you've put thought into, the things that are your every day and make you who you are.

Your rections show the darker side of you... not necessarily bad, but more often.. they show your pains, your fears, your insecurities... these are things that everyone has and tries to hide, but they bubble to the surface nonetheless because people would rather lock them away than confront them.

I think both are good indicators, usually. There are conscious reactions as well as unconscious, the latter of which is the uncontrollable/instinctual behaviors. A reaction to someone scaring me wouldn't really show my character, but my reaction to your dirty joke would somewhat.

I also think there are some actions that people do out of a feeling of obligation. Lots off guys will hold a door open for a woman, but that may be out of an obligation rather than solely being nice to her, so things like that aren't good indicators. Also, a lack of "positive" action (not holding the door open) is not always indicative of a negative character.

a mixture of the two.

Both but people act so much these days.

You people are bored.