Why do people associate intelligence with superiority?

oznerol

Platinum Member
Apr 29, 2002
2,476
0
76
www.lorenzoisawesome.com
I read ATOT quite often and while it is diverse, the demographic is generally skewed in a certain direction - in particular, well educated, generally scientific people. This is understandable as this is, of course, a forum off of a technology website.

What I do not understand, however, is why these people feel that because they have learned about things like evolution, the solar system, or investment banking, they feel in any way superior to someone who is not as educated.

I can live a long, healthy, happy life not knowing about any of these things. The difference between knowing and not knowing in most cases is not much more than some feeling of accomplishment that you are in some way better than someone who is not privy to such information.

I find it funny how oftentimes the same people who call others complete idiots when they say they believe in God are the ones who get pissed when they hear an athlete who can't spell just signed a multi-million dollar contract.

Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.

I don't mind those trying to educate people, or those who take pride in pushing their mental capacity to the limit. Nor do I hold anything against an elder set in their ways. I do mind innocent people being ridiculed because they don't know, or don't care to know, about something that has little to no bearing on their everyday lives.

Hell, I'm well-educated. I have a technical job with decent responsibilities. However, I can assure you that I could do my job equally well thinking the sun revolves around the earth. And I think that holds true for the majority of you as well.

Cliffs:
Stop ridiculing decent, yet uneducated people you pretentious geeks

:beer:
 

maximus maximus

Platinum Member
Oct 17, 2004
2,140
0
0
Originally posted by: ducci
I read ATOT quite often and while it is diverse, the demographic is generally skewed in a certain direction - in particular, well educated, generally scientific people. This is understandable as this is, of course, a forum off of a technology website.

What I do not understand, however, is why these people feel that because they have learned about things like evolution, the solar system, or investment banking, they feel in any way superior to someone who is not as educated.

I can live a long, healthy, happy life not knowing about any of these things. The difference between knowing and not knowing in most cases is not much more than some feeling of accomplishment that you are in some way better than someone who is not privy to such information.

I find it funny how oftentimes the same people who call others complete idiots when they say they believe in God are the ones who get pissed when they hear an athlete who can't spell just signed a multi-million dollar contract.

Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.

I don't mind those trying to educate people, or those who take pride in pushing their mental capacity to the limit. Nor do I hold anything against an elder set in their ways. I do mind innocent people being ridiculed because they don't know, or don't care to know, about something that has little to no bearing on their everyday lives.

Hell, I'm well-educated. I have a technical job with decent responsibilities. However, I can assure you that I could do my job equally well thinking the sun revolves around the earth. And I think that holds true for the majority of you as well.

Cliffs:
Stop ridiculing decent, yet uneducated people you pretentious geeks

:beer:

That is sig worthy material right there. :p
 

newb111

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2003
6,991
1
81
I like people who think they are better than other people because they don't think they are better than other people.
 
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: ducci
I read ATOT quite often and while it is diverse, the demographic is generally skewed in a certain direction - in particular, well educated, generally scientific people. This is understandable as this is, of course, a forum off of a technology website.

What I do not understand, however, is why these people feel that because they have learned about things like evolution, the solar system, or investment banking, they feel in any way superior to someone who is not as educated.

I can live a long, healthy, happy life not knowing about any of these things. The difference between knowing and not knowing in most cases is not much more than some feeling of accomplishment that you are in some way better than someone who is not privy to such information.

I find it funny how oftentimes the same people who call others complete idiots when they say they believe in God are the ones who get pissed when they hear an athlete who can't spell just signed a multi-million dollar contract.

Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.

I don't mind those trying to educate people, or those who take pride in pushing their mental capacity to the limit. Nor do I hold anything against an elder set in their ways. I do mind innocent people being ridiculed because they don't know, or don't care to know, about something that has little to no bearing on their everyday lives.

Hell, I'm well-educated. I have a technical job with decent responsibilities. However, I can assure you that I could do my job equally well thinking the sun revolves around the earth. And I think that holds true for the majority of you as well.

Cliffs:
Stop ridiculing decent, yet uneducated people you pretentious geeks

:beer:

Shut up and bag my groceries.

:p :D

- M4H
 

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
Why do people associate post count with intelligence and superiority?
Fixed.
 

Jack Ryan

Golden Member
Jun 11, 2004
1,353
0
0
People who are more "experienced" don't necessarily mean they are more "intelligent".

It is obnoxious to think that because someone hasn't experienced something that you have, that they are incapable of understanding it.

I feel that many people on this forum treat their experiences as measures of intelligence. That is flat out wrong and you need to get over yourselves.

Edit: I am agreeing with the OP
 

hjo3

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
7,354
4
0
Originally posted by: ducci
Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.
Kind of ironic that, in this sentence, you insinuate that you're superior because of your sexual experience. (Or just that ATOT is inferior. Either way.)

Basic "scientific literacy" is important in a democracy. We're asked to vote (sometimes indirectly) on things like stem cell research, use of DNA evidence, space exploration funding, etc. You might not need to know about these things to do your day job, but your ignorance can hurt the rest of the country.
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
62,785
18,982
136
Originally posted by: newb111
I like people who think they are better than other people because they don't think they are better than other people.

:laugh:
 

funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,368
418
126
I like your way of thinking ;)
I find it so true as well and dislike people like that as well who think they are better then the next. I don't normally dislike people but when I do those are generally the types I disassociate myself from be around.
 

j00fek

Diamond Member
Dec 19, 2005
8,099
1
0
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: ducci
I read ATOT quite often and while it is diverse, the demographic is generally skewed in a certain direction - in particular, well educated, generally scientific people. This is understandable as this is, of course, a forum off of a technology website.

What I do not understand, however, is why these people feel that because they have learned about things like evolution, the solar system, or investment banking, they feel in any way superior to someone who is not as educated.

I can live a long, healthy, happy life not knowing about any of these things. The difference between knowing and not knowing in most cases is not much more than some feeling of accomplishment that you are in some way better than someone who is not privy to such information.

I find it funny how oftentimes the same people who call others complete idiots when they say they believe in God are the ones who get pissed when they hear an athlete who can't spell just signed a multi-million dollar contract.

Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.

I don't mind those trying to educate people, or those who take pride in pushing their mental capacity to the limit. Nor do I hold anything against an elder set in their ways. I do mind innocent people being ridiculed because they don't know, or don't care to know, about something that has little to no bearing on their everyday lives.

Hell, I'm well-educated. I have a technical job with decent responsibilities. However, I can assure you that I could do my job equally well thinking the sun revolves around the earth. And I think that holds true for the majority of you as well.

Cliffs:
Stop ridiculing decent, yet uneducated people you pretentious geeks

:beer:

Shut up and bag my groceries.

:p :D

- M4H

:D
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,580
982
126
Originally posted by: funboy42
I like your way of thinking ;)
I find it so true as well and dislike people like that as well who think they are better then the next. I don't normally dislike people but when I do those are generally the types I disassociate myself from be around.

Man, if I had my grammar nazi hat on I'd be all over you for that post. :laugh:;)
 

funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,368
418
126
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: funboy42
I like your way of thinking ;)
I find it so true as well and dislike people like that as well who think they are better then the next. I don't normally dislike people but when I do those are generally the types I disassociate myself from be around.

Man, if I had my grammar nazi hat on I'd be all over you for that post. :laugh:;)

And its things I do on purpose around these forums I get a kick out of doing that pisses some people off who have some or no self control. I am surprised you didnt put your hat on :p
 

oznerol

Platinum Member
Apr 29, 2002
2,476
0
76
www.lorenzoisawesome.com
Originally posted by: hjo3
Originally posted by: ducci
Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.
Kind of ironic that, in this sentence, you insinuate that you're superior because of your sexual experience.

Basic "scientific literacy" is important in a democracy. We're asked to vote (sometimes indirectly) on things like stem cell research, use of DNA evidence, space exploration funding, etc. You might not need to know about these things to do your day job, but your ignorance can hurt the rest of the country.

Technically, I was insinuating that the garbage man - the one many people here might call a "complete idiot" due to his lackluster quantum physics knowledge, is superior because of his sexual prowess. He's a stud.

I just had a Snapple, and the lid tells me that strawberries are the only fruits whose seeds grow on the outside. 90% of Americans don't know that - god, what IDIOTS.

M4H - Sorry sir. Paper or plastic? :D

:beer:
 

slatr

Senior member
May 28, 2001
957
2
81
Originally posted by: ducci


Cliffs:
Stop ridiculing decent, yet uneducated people you pretentious geeks

:beer:


Part of it is not a feeling of superiority, but disdain for those who do not care and CHOOSE to remain ignorant.

How can you respect someone who wants to watch Jerry Springer all day and thinks the sun revolves around the earth?

 

SonnyDaze

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2004
6,867
3
76
Originally posted by: ducci
Originally posted by: hjo3
Originally posted by: ducci
Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.
Kind of ironic that, in this sentence, you insinuate that you're superior because of your sexual experience.

Basic "scientific literacy" is important in a democracy. We're asked to vote (sometimes indirectly) on things like stem cell research, use of DNA evidence, space exploration funding, etc. You might not need to know about these things to do your day job, but your ignorance can hurt the rest of the country.

Technically, I was insinuating that the garbage man - the one many people here might call a "complete idiot" due to his lackluster quantum physics knowledge, is superior because of his sexual prowess. He's a stud.

I just had a Snapple, and the lid tells me that strawberries are the only fruits whose seeds grow on the outside. 90% of Americans don't know that - god, what IDIOTS.

M4H - Sorry sir. Paper or plastic? :D

:beer:

Are you a desperate housewife?
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,580
982
126
Originally posted by: funboy42
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: funboy42
I like your way of thinking ;)
I find it so true as well and dislike people like that as well who think they are better then the next. I don't normally dislike people but when I do those are generally the types I disassociate myself from be around.

Man, if I had my grammar nazi hat on I'd be all over you for that post. :laugh:;)

And its things I do on purpose around these forums I get a kick out of doing that pisses some people off who have some or no self control. I am surprised you didnt put your hat on :p

Even if I did your post wouldn't have pissed me off.

I think some people read too much into what others say on these forums. I'm probably guilty of that from time to time myself.
 

oznerol

Platinum Member
Apr 29, 2002
2,476
0
76
www.lorenzoisawesome.com
Originally posted by: slatr
Part of it is not a feeling of superiority, but disdain for those who do not care and CHOOSE to remain ignorant.

How can you respect someone who wants to watch Jerry Springer all day and thinks the sun revolves around the earth?

If that person contributes to society by busting his or her ass at a job, or can raise a happy, healthy family, I find it very easy to respect them.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
Originally posted by: hjo3
Originally posted by: ducci
Your garbage man knows just as much about quantum physics as many of you know what a vagina looks like.
Kind of ironic that, in this sentence, you insinuate that you're superior because of your sexual experience. (Or just that ATOT is inferior. Either way.)

Basic "scientific literacy" is important in a democracy. We're asked to vote (sometimes indirectly) on things like stem cell research, use of DNA evidence, space exploration funding, etc. You might not need to know about these things to do your day job, but your ignorance can hurt the rest of the country.

of the 200 million voters how many do you think their only education on those subjects are from political campaign ads?
 

SonnyDaze

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2004
6,867
3
76
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: SonnyDaze
My honor roll student can kick your dumb kid's ass. :)

My dumb son is banging your honor-roll daughter. :D

- M4H

Tell him to flip her over.....I only have two sons. :shocked:
 

DaShen

Lifer
Dec 1, 2000
10,710
1
0
It happens, and it is sad.

I have friends that are really active in Professioanl social networking clubs. I went to a mixer and I hated it. Usually the first question people ask is what did you major in in college, where do you work...? Mind you I have a CS degree and on an actual IQ test I usually range around 140-147, but people seem to set a certain worth to someone based on education and salary. Pisses me off. I don't mind networking, but what is with the elitest attitudes.

I do think education is important and I enjoy talking to people about things that interest me which is hard to find , but some people are just great people even if they aren't as educated or they don't make as much.