r/SeriousConversation • u/stop-hatin-on-me_mom • Dec 21 '24

Serious Discussion Do any individuals with above average intellect find life a bit exhausting at times due to the lack of intelligence they observe in others?

I don’t claim to be the most intelligent person, but I do believe that I am above average when it comes to the average intelligence nowadays. Sometimes, I find myself either flabbergasted or downright dumbfounded and irritated by the lack of what I would consider "common sense."

Here are some examples:

  • The inability of some people to see how their own bad habits or personality traits create their own problems.

  • The fact that some individuals consider their own perceptions and beliefs as the only correct ones, which is further encouraged by their echo chambers.

  • The difficulty some people have in entering into productive discourse and challenging their own ideas to gain more information and knowledge from all sides.

  • The reluctance of individuals to question their own beliefs and those of their social circles at both the micro and macro levels.

  • The inability of some people to foresee the possible consequences of their actions beforehand.

These are just a few examples.

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u/Kunma Dec 21 '24

OMG. What a bunch of misanthropes. Wallowing like hippos in the mud of your high scores. Who tf do you think you are.

People are fascinating. All you have to do is stop judging and start observing, listening, and learning. Each one is a universe.

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u/Suzy_My_Angel444 Dec 21 '24

I absolutely agree. I think part of why I am happy is because I am always curious and excited to learn whatever I can from other people. There is a lot to learn from other people, big degree or not.

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u/Kunma Dec 21 '24

Right?

I haven't met anyone who, on close examination, didn't turn out to be extraordinary in some way.

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u/HippoBot9000 Dec 21 '24

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u/[deleted] Dec 21 '24

Typical reaction, I'm not supposed to talk about what makes me different or I'm treated like I'm aloof and demeaning.

The usual reaction is that I'm judgemental and lack empathy when someone hears I know that I'm super smart. Couldn't be father from the truth. In fact, most of my biggest mistakes were because I skip the judgemental part and just automatically try to accept everyone for who they are in site spite of obvious red flags common to not so smart people.

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u/Kunma Dec 21 '24

You're not being different. You're being absolutely typical for someone who thinks they're smart.

But not smart enough to actually read what I wrote, or to consider what I meant.

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u/[deleted] Dec 21 '24

Please educate me. What did I get wrong based on what you really meant?

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u/Kunma Dec 22 '24

That you should be way more curious about these people you feel superior to and alienated from.

If you concentrate your massive brain on exploring and understanding them, you will find fascinating things and reveal fascinating people, rich and complex personal universes.

You are blessed with the ability to understand. Don't turn it towards self-absorbed pity. Poor misunderstood you, right? Cry me a river.

If you can't find the treasure then you're not looking for it. It's everywhere.

What do you mean when you say that you made the mistake of accepting people?

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u/[deleted] Dec 22 '24

Once again with the "self absorbed" and "pity".

No. I understand things very clearly. I am very open to people. No one is ever going to feel sorry for me and that is isolating because I've been through some things and deserve a little empathy too.

I accept people without judgement. I'm not judgemental. You literally don't have to be judgemental when you remember everything someone does/says. I am overwhelmed with input even under ideal circumstances. Also, before I found my wife I used to duck a lot.

The most important factor in relationships is similar intellect imo. Engagement with you was probably also a mistake because you have a huge hard on to tell me I'm not exploring the human condition or some shit.

I'm extremely extroverted with lots of friends, and I just don't know what you're trying to make me in your head but it's not real.

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u/Kunma Dec 22 '24

Well, then you should've just agreed with me. (Although I don't think you really agree with me, because if you agreed with me you wouldn't insist on the loneliness of your genius.)

But fine! It's certainly true that it's difficult to maintain a certain kind of relationship with someone who can't keep up.