The Duality of Intelligence: When Smart People Act Stupid

When in your life did you first start to understand that the smartest person can act stupid and silly? This question intrigues the soul of many individuals who have experienced the unexpected behavior of highly intelligent people. People change depending on the situation and perspective. Hiding abilities isn't new; it is a form of self-protection. This realization comes with the understanding that people often want to mold you into something that suits them. They may be "friends" until they don't need you anymore.

Personal Experience and Growth

I recall my experience as a young boy, around the age of 9, when I first encountered this phenomenon. As a naive kid, I was admired for my intelligence. I knew many animal species and found collecting insects and observing fish fascinating. My ability to learn from nature gave me an advantage. However, I quickly noticed that people often want to bend you into something that fits them. They would be "friends" as long as it benefited them, and once they didn't need me, they would distance themselves.

This realization triggered a significant change in me. I mentally trained myself to build a wall around my true self. No one could access my true intelligence, and I walled off emotionally. Even though this safeguarded my inner self, it was clear to me that my intelligence still intrigued people. They saw my potential as a tool, which made me wary. Their smiles and grins when they approached me or when others saw me as strong revealed their intentions to use me for less savory tasks.

Strategic Dumbing Down

Now, among strangers, I often play the role of someone who knows nothing. I act stupid to some extent, even when people use me to carry heavy things. This facade doesn't always work, but I've become quite adept at it. Few people see through my act, and those who do usually don't report it. This strategy allows me to maintain a certain level of freedom in my interactions, while still benefiting from the occasional helpfulness of others.

The Imperfection of Humans and the World

This behavior is not uncommon because humans are not perfect. How can someone be so smart and yet not be subject to the imperfect world? The world, with its imperfections, is what defines the human condition. It would be naive to think that a perfect world is attainable. Imperfections create the very humanity we know and the world made by humans. Therefore, there can be no perfect economy, and no perfect world.

Imperfections in the world inspire growth and change. Perfect means there is no way to get better, which is a flawed idea about the world. History and the vast expanse of the universe teach us that change is constant. We can easily vanish or rise rapidly. My friend Sean Riedel suggested that we might have a slow decline or an extremely fast uprising. It is a timely matter, and the way relationships evolve can reflect this unpredictability.

Perfection and Relationships

How relationships develop, such as a relationship based on perceived perfection, is riddled with contradictions. A person might see a girl as the perfect one, but in another moment, they might see another one they believe to be the perfect match. This is due to natural selection and the survivalist instinct to choose the right partner for procreation, which is crucial for those with traditional values. When they find the right partner, it often seems like the perfect match. This suggests that what fits human needs is seen as perfect, which might not be perfect for another. Thus, the concept of perfection, with a capital P, points to the general truth that there is no absolute perfection, and the truest form of perfection is an important aspect of the world.

Thank you for reading.