Hard Light Productions Forums
Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Kazan on July 17, 2001, 08:24:00 pm
-
I don't know about you... but sometimes I wish I could trade all this cursed intelligence and just be an average person, so average people could understand me, understand my jokes, and feel that they have something more than being human in common with me!
------------------
There are times in our lives when everything crystallizes and truths become evident, he has entered one of these times.
-----------------
FreeSpace 2: The Babylon Project Effects Nerd and Programmer. (//"http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/babylon")
Alliance Productions (//"http://alliance.sourceforge.net")
-
Hm... Yes I agree with the title
But I really have nothing relevant to say, so I'll sheddup (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif) Rant! Rant! Rant! Till your head pops!
------------------
Sie ist der hellste Stern von allen, und wird nie vom Himmel fallen.
-
I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm merely knowledgeable, I don't have to deal with too much in the way of intelligence (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
-
Don't be so uptight about things.
-
im not uptight.. im fed up
-
And you're right to be. But you have to understand that there will always be assholes out there. I know alot of them, The rest are on the VBB. I really don't know what else to say here...
...It is really sad when intelligence is mistaken for arrogance.
-
it's really sad when 99 out of every 100 people you know makes the mistake
-
Gotta chill, daddy-o. Let life pass you by. Sit down, relax. Let the good time flow.
-
"let the good time flow"
one must first have good time, then one may let it flow
-
[rrgh] not gonna say it... not nice...[groan]...too good to resist[ggh]...
------------------
Left Behind: www.wpierce.com/wlp/FS2/lbmain.html ("http://www.wpierce.com/wlp/FS2/lbmain.html")
[This message has been edited by Stryke 9 (edited 07-17-2001).]
-
Originally posted by Maeglamor:
I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm merely knowledgeable, I don't have to deal with too much in the way of intelligence (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
(http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/lol.gif)! Go the not-so-smart people! (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
-
It sure is a burden, being intelligent. Or in my case, not all THAT intelligent, but I read a lot as a small kid. That knowledge easily propelled me through school to this point, and now the whole bloody family has such high hopes for me... damn stressful, that is.
My greatest fear (well, after spiders and heights) is to be ordinary. I really don't want to just get lost in mediocrety.
-
Trust me, I don't think you coule ever be lost in mediocrety...
-
could be worse....could be in an arse backwards country like the UK..
You could specialise in something noone around you knows or even cares about.
Sometimes its quite funny to watch everyones' face go blank when you start yapping on about something, but most of the time it really sucks because when you DO actually find someone who's on your level, more often than not you wind up competing with them.
-
Originally posted by wEvil:
could be worse....could be in an arse backwards country like the UK..
I DID live there, 4 years. And it's a whole load better than this forestland.
You could specialise in something noone around you knows or even cares about.
I specialise in nuclear physics and computers (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)
Okay, it's not a real specialisation, just a big interest.
-
I specialize in the covelent bonds between hydrogen atoms. Or... are those Van Der Walls forces? Bah! I hate chemistry...
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
I don't know about you... but sometimes I wish I could trade all this cursed intelligence and just be an average person, so average people could understand me, understand my jokes, and feel that they have something more than being human in common with me!
You know what they say that geniuses are never appreciated in their lifetime (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif)
Anyhow what's brought this on?
-
[just gotta say it, oh nooooo]
Yep, you know those people who confuse genius and arrogance. Think they're better than everyone else and all, just because everyone is patronizing to them and tells them how smart they are...
[This message has been edited by Stryke 9 (edited 07-18-2001).]
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
I don't know about you... but sometimes I wish I could trade all this cursed intelligence and just be an average person, so average people could understand me, understand my jokes, and feel that they have something more than being human in common with me!
Have you ever thought that maybe it's you who don't understand "the average people".
Kazan, I have really nothing against you (except this). But sometimes when you write these posts filled with elitism I get little a disturbed.
And if you are as enlighted as you say you are, then you should have the sense not to post a thread like this.
Pez
[This message has been edited by Pez (edited 07-18-2001).]
-
Originally posted by Top Gun:
You know what they say that geniuses are never appreciated in their lifetime (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/frown.gif)
Anyhow what's brought this on?
I believe it was a post on the Vbb where a certain little...
hmmmm I need a good word...
Ficker (thx to slanker for telling me how to spell this)
who has to try to flame him nonstop...?
-
If you're referring to the ultimate fag0t (Zemus), I believe you're correct (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
-
Originally posted by Pez:
Have you ever thought that maybe it's you who don't understand "the average people".
Kazan, I have really nothing against you (except this). But sometimes when you write these posts filled with elitism I get little a disturbed.
And if you are as enlighted as you say you are, then you should have the sense not to post a thread like this.
Ditto.
------------------
Distortion
http://www.3dactionplanet.com/redfaction/mf/
The Perfect Storm
http://www.3dap.com/hlp/tps/
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
I don't know about you... but sometimes I wish I could trade all this cursed intelligence and just be an average person, so average people could understand me, understand my jokes, and feel that they have something more than being human in common with me!
Kazan, you have never been more right AND more wrong. You see, intelligence is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing for those wise enough to know how to use their intelligence, and curse for those who aren't wise enough.
I do not hesitate to consider myself both smart and intelligent. Wisdom, however, is something that I, at least, am still yearning for. Wisdom is most definitely not a curse, though. Just take a 2 minute peek into the Bible, the book of Proverbs. I think that when virtually anyone thinks of Proverbs, the phrase "the wise and the foolish" come to mind.
But again, there is a big difference between intelligence and wisdom. As I understand it, intelligence is simply knowledge and understanding. Wisdom is knowing how to best use that knowledge and understanding.
If I've sounded like... oh, I don't even know how to define what I fear I've come across as. But anyways, if I have sounded like that, I apologize.
-
Ooh.... hehehehe.... I remember the last time I brought something up from the Bible... man that thread exploded into flames. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/eek.gif) (on the VBB) (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
------------------
Distortion
http://www.3dactionplanet.com/redfaction/mf/
The Perfect Storm
http://www.3dap.com/hlp/tps/
-
Good stuff sandwich, I was going to say something similar to what you had just said.
I basically look at things this way. The world, the universe and everything in it is balanced in the grand scheme of things. Doesn't matter if you believe in the bible, or in another religion, or in science, this is a fairly common theme and one that I hold close to the core of my beliefs (which are sort of ambigous at best). Intelligence often separates you from the "common person" if you will, but for every bit of intelligence, perhaps there is something else you are missing, thus the balance continues.
Now, as for everyone around you making mistakes. Thats not a intelligence thing. Thats a human thing, and Kazan, you are the last person who should say that you don't make mistakes because you do, and I do, and the president of the United States does (more than he's really entitled to probably (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)), and my next door neighbor makes mistakes, and everyone and everything that makes decisions or indecisions can make a mistake.
Finally, when you get right down to things, there really isn't as much of a difference as you think there is. Go ahead, humor yourself, think there is a difference, but if you look at yourself in the mirror very closely, you will find that there is less that separates you from the simiplest of bacteria living in your sink than you may have wished.
Think about it (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
-
Simple wisdom can be learned, quoted
the wisdom to control one's rampant intellect must be learned over many years - if it's ever possible.
Newton was 'arrogant', so what Mozart. Tesla was eccentric and Einstein was a scatter brain. Put them in the mix of people of today and they wouldn't survive. People that owe men such as these all the things they 'cannot live without'.
--------------------------------------------
Pez: yes I understand the 'average person' about as well as they understand me. I cannot understand how they can learn so slowly, I cannot understand why they cannot understand something the first time [let alone first 20 times] I explain it. I cannot fathom why they cannot pick up the simple allusions in my jokes that make it funny, without those connections the joke makes no sense. Need I go on?
-
Originally posted by IceFire:
... there really isn't as much of a difference ...
do not dilute yourself. Listen to a nerd speak, simply sit and listen to a nerd speak with an average person. Listen to the simple difference in english [or any other language]. The nerd uses complexities of the language, archaic definitions and allusions to many things to express themselves more precisely. The average person simply uses the language, not truely as thoroughly as the nerd - getting their message across but without conveying as much feeling in their message.
Now get the nerd in a conversation with an average person (had to catch myself...i typed mundane, I'm attempting to be politically correct, for once) over something they're both interested in, the nerd will know fine details and alienate the average person unintentionally.
now get the nerd showing interest in things the average person cannot fathom the interesting parts of.
Or even worse - place the nerd in school
I'm sick and tired of far too many small words from small minds trying to attack that which they do not understand. I'm sick and tired of average people thinking intelligence is a blessing and damning the nerdiness at the same time - they're a package deal.
Most of all I'm sick of the burden of intelligence... I want to be a normal person
-
as for the trigger - zemus is NOT the primary trigger
-
oh yes, and the average person often forgets how many times you look at other peoples work and say "god, i wish i could do that"
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
Simple wisdom can be learned, quoted
I disagree, it's very possible to quote something that seems wise without ever fathoming its meaning. Wisdom is nothing more than despensing useful knowledge at the appropriate time.
yes I understand the 'average person' about as well as they understand me. I cannot understand how they can learn so slowly, I cannot understand why they cannot understand something the first time [let alone first 20 times] I explain it. I cannot fathom why they cannot pick up the simple allusions in my jokes that make it funny, without those connections the joke makes no sense. Need I go on?
It's very possible that you're confusing their lack of understanding with your inability to relay what you are thinking effectively. Obviously there are people who you could describe as slow but the greater percentage of us are not, we pick up information readily provided it is presented in a clear manner.
You have to realise that being eliteist is similar to saying "you are below me", people don't like that.
-
i only point out the intelligence differential in dicussions like this or when I'm pissed off.
Yes with the jokes they are often unable to understand me, because I express myself using many words they do not know - I do not do this intetionally, not in they way they often think. Those words are chosen because they fit the situation the best, not because they may not understand it. I do not think about whether they understand the words or not until they have a puzzled look on their face
-
You might find this hard to believe but you almost always point out the intelligence differential although you may not realise you're doing it.
Acting in an eliteist fashion is what conveys the differential. "I am clever so I have to be right" is the image eliteism portrays.
-
Kazan, you want to be "average"? Maybe your problem is that you actually act like you're smarter than whoever you're talking to...the fact that you use and know "fine details" and that you "alienate the average person unintentionally." The fact that you know you do it means that it's possible for you to prevent yourself from doing it...I mean, the simple fact that you act smarter than anyone else is what is creating your problem.
Nobody might care for my opinion in this, and I know there is no way that I'm the "smartest" person here, but I would like to know how you define "smart" or "intelligent". Do you define it as knowing more about something than other people? I would bet that more than 99 times out of a 100 they know more than you in at least one subject...be it personal relationships or how to get along with other people...
[This message has been edited by Midnight (edited 07-18-2001).]
-
*ouch!*
-
True intelligence is knowing how to hide it. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/tongue.gif)
-
Originally posted by Midnight:
The fact that you know you do it means that it's possible for you to prevent yourself from doing it
[This message has been edited by Midnight (edited 07-18-2001).]
just because you know you're doing something wrong doesn't mean you can stop yourself from doing it.
e.g. smoking/drinkin/drug/gambling addicts.
guess this is like intelligence addiction...
-
no, you can stop yourself. it's as simple as that
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
because I express myself using many words they do not know
I find that hard to believe. I never see many new and obscure (sp?) words from you around here, and if you don't say them here, I can't see that much being said in RL. This is a reflection of how our real lives are whether you like it or not. If you payed close attention to all my posts, you could probably find a lot about my RL personality as well as everyone else's. Those of you that may hang around the RF forum (VBB) may know Korrupt, a guy who purposely tries to be a jerk on forums and other online mediums, but says he's really cool in RL. Well, I don't believe it, because if you're cool in RL, it'll show everywhere else. So anyway, I won't be buying that big vocab stuff from ya until I see it 'round here. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif) And don't say you didn't want to do it here when we all have such quick and easy access to www.dictionary.com ("http://www.dictionary.com") (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Now, about the problem of being normal and not come across as "more intelligent and above you" to everyone you talk to, just act dumb! It's as simple as that. Seriously. And it's not hard to do. That's one thing we teach at my sales job, is that you never be smarter than the costomer (for casual chat, not about your product) because it makes them feel good about themselves if they can tell you something new about their favorite topic. If you're talking with an amateur programmer, and he tells you about this neat trick he just found, say "Oh, cool! That's really awesome, I'll have to try that sometime!" Even though you may know there's a better way around or whatever. It'll make the people you're around feel better about themselves and like you better.
Are you catching my drift yet? Or should I elaborate even more? (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
------------------
Distortion http://www.3dactionplanet.com/redfaction/mf/ ("http://www.3dactionplanet.com/redfaction/mf/")
The Perfect Storm http://www.3dap.com/hlp/tps/ ("http://www.3dap.com/hlp/tps/")
[This message has been edited by Daedalus (edited 07-19-2001).]
-
No need to elaborate anymore. Your point...has been noted. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
------------------
I want a better title!!! (http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/excellence/Crazy.gif)
GTD Excellence ("http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/excellence") Webmaster
NeoHunter< [b][email protected][/b] >
Not to mention a FREDder! :)
-
Originally posted by NeoHunter:
No need to elaborate anymore. Your point...has been noted. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
Like my last comment there, but more....erm.....textose. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
as for the trigger - zemus is NOT the primary trigger
Something HAS to be done about that little prick.
Take a look at the crap he posts on the VBB ("http://vbb.volition-inc.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000593.html")
[This message has been edited by Top Gun (edited 07-19-2001).]
-
Originally posted by Shrike:
Like my last comment there, but more....erm.....textose. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)
Hmm, textose. Nice word ya got there... (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
do not dilute yourself. Listen to a nerd speak, simply sit and listen to a nerd speak with an average person. Listen to the simple difference in english [or any other language]. The nerd uses complexities of the language, archaic definitions and allusions to many things to express themselves more precisely. The average person simply uses the language, not truely as thoroughly as the nerd - getting their message across but without conveying as much feeling in their message.
Now get the nerd in a conversation with an average person (had to catch myself...i typed mundane, I'm attempting to be politically correct, for once) over something they're both interested in, the nerd will know fine details and alienate the average person unintentionally.
now get the nerd showing interest in things the average person cannot fathom the interesting parts of.
Or even worse - place the nerd in school
I'm sick and tired of far too many small words from small minds trying to attack that which they do not understand. I'm sick and tired of average people thinking intelligence is a blessing and damning the nerdiness at the same time - they're a package deal.
Most of all I'm sick of the burden of intelligence... I want to be a normal person
By "nerd" I assume you mean a computer-proficient person. Keep in mind that you can apply the same scenario to any field of work/hobby/interest - take lawyers or doctors, for example. With lawyers: how much of those ubiquitous (look it up! (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/rolleyes.gif) ) "License Agreements" do you actually waste time in making the effort to comprehend? Or with doctors: good luck in trying to read through a professional medical paper about some new medical procedure - hah!
Remember that many of the forum-goers are just kids that like FS2 or whatever. They may not have any conception of "computers" as a whole realm of expertise, but simply as a tool/game machine/internet thing that they grew up with and use naturally. That's all. For that matter, how many "average" word processing, emailing adults would understand if you started talking with them about, say... organizing the shortcuts in the Start Menu?
My own parents often drive me crazy with computer question that I see as "simple" and "obvious". So I have to downshift my brain into "baby-steps" mode in order to explain something to them. That doesn't mean that I'm smarter then they are (in a general sense). All it means is that in the realm of computing, I have more/better knowledge than they do. Period.
Ok, I've lost my sense of direction with this post, so I'll just be wise and shut up now. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
------------------
"He who laughs last thinks slowest."
"Just becase you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you."
"To err is human; to really screw up you need a computer."
Creator of the Sandvich Bar ("http://michael.randelman.com"), the CapShip Turret Upgrade, the Complete FS2 Ship List and the System Backgrounds List (all available from the site)
-
Daed - because you understand the words i use, like i said they're simple.. yet many people i know IRL think they are complex [not my classmates... they're very simple for people at my school].
--------
Knowing you do something and stopping it are two difference things - particularly when you can only look back and see what happened. There is no way to read the persons mind to see if they understand all the words one wishes to use.
--------
And god dammit, shuve this "elitism" **** up your *** . When i act like i know more than someone it's because I do, plain and simple. It's not hard to tell how much somebody knows after they started talking about it. Furthermore - when i 'know' I know more than someone else I try to teach them what i know.
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
Furthermore - when i 'know' I know more than someone else I try to teach them what i know.
That could very well be it. Some people are stubborn and do not like to be taught... But I have no idea what I'm talking about... so I'll be wise like sandwich, and shut up (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)...
-
"All things are a double edge sword - intelligence (genius) is the sharpest of all, and wisdom is the scavard" - Me
-
From the Broken Volition Bulletin Board[/b]
Originally posted by ^Daedalus:
4. When you take all those, and talk too much about it yourself, and post a bunch of unnecessary programmer garble to make you look smart (even if you are), and act all elitist, THEN you == arrogant.
Thank you.. you've gone and proved my point. When I post code I post it for the SAKE OF DISCUSSING IT. I know there are several other people around these boards that understand the code - it's addressed to them. If you can't read it I could probably try to explain it to you.
[This message has been edited by Kazan (edited 07-19-2001).]
-
scavard
Scabbard foo! Scabbard!
------------------
Ace
Staff member FreeSpace Watch
http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/ ("http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/")
-
There's an old saying which goes:
"Dwell overlong on a problem and you may forget that you are seeking a solution".
Stop complaining about what you already know and try to fix it! (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
------------------
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's handgrenades we throw...
-
thank you ace
-
Originally posted by Maeglamor:
There's an old saying which goes:
"Dwell overlong on a problem and you may forget that you are seeking a solution".
Stop complaining about what you already know and try to fix it! (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Valid point right there. Perspective sucks, when you don't have it...
-
Originally posted by Ace:
scavard
Scabbard foo! Scabbard!
I thought there was something wrong there... Damn me for not speaking up... (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/wink.gif)
-
i thought of an answer to all your problems-
start drinking.
and you know what?...its not a total joke either
-
Originally posted by wEvil:
start drinking.
either
**** you
-
Originally posted by Kazan:
Thank you.. you've gone and proved my point. When I post code I post it for the SAKE OF DISCUSSING IT. I know there are several other people around these boards that understand the code - it's addressed to them. If you can't read it I could probably try to explain it to you][/B]
I agree that was a bad example on my part, but I couldn't think of anything else off hand. Posting programming stuff isn't a problem. Sorry if I gave the impression I thought that.
My only point is that you have in the past definately came across as quite arrogant on forums around here. I'd hope you wouldn't deny that, because I'm sure I could dig up some old threads to prove my point.
But digging up old stuff isn't cool, so I wouldn't do that anyway. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
Just be cool, hang loose, have a good time, and repect other peoples views. Then it's all good. (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/smile.gif)
------------------
Distortion
http://www.3dactionplanet.com/redfaction/mf/
The Perfect Storm
http://www.3dap.com/hlp/tps/
-
Oh man... now I'm almost sorry I posted that. Truth is, the way you talk has NOTHING to do with how smart you are, but the image you wanna cast for yourself-you people aren't getting the point. Few of the very computer-literate people here talk geekspeak, they don't wanna be seen as computer geniuses but normal guys. Same for most people I've seen- the only person who speaks in a way nobody can understand either is insecure and wants to feel superior, or simply can't figure out how to say it simply, and if they can't phrase their deep thoughts in normal English, what good are they? Apologies for starting this whole thing off, I think it might need to end now before I write a fricking book in this topic.
-
stryke im not getting started on that stroke of idiocy there
-
I think this is a topic I'm somewhat qualified to speak on... (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~freespace/ubb/noncgi/biggrin.gif)
If I've followed this thread correctly, Kazan's big kvetch is that he doesn't have any friends because he's always coming off as a brainiac.
How does that routine go? Oh yeah...
"Doctor, my arms hurts when I do this."
"Then don't do that!"
<rim shot>
If you're really as smart as you're constantly reminding everyone that you are, then it should be no great trick for you to learn to automatically gear your conversational style toward whomever you're talking to. Become a sort of an intellectual mimic, if you will.
Of course, you'll NEVER, EVER do this, because as much as you whine about intelligence being a social impediment, it's apparently what you've defined your entire identity around.
So cultivate a little circle of fellow brainiac friends, watch a lot of Python, and quitcher*****in'.
[This message has been edited by ZylonBane (edited 07-22-2001).]
-
And unless any of the staff can give me a good reson for this thread to remain open, I can't see it doing anything but degrading from here into yet another flame war featuring your host: Kazan.
------------------
- ICQ: 57179504
Co-Creator: Hard Light Productions ("http://www.3dap.com/hlp/")
Webmaster: Sounds of Thunder ("http://www.3dap.com/hlp/sot/")