Why is intelligence unattractive?

Question

Intelligence is the reason humans are where they are today. Without intelligence, we wouldn't have all this technology and great living conditions. Since intelligence is obviously a very good trait to have, why is it not considered more attractive?

It seems like people are more concerned with other traits. Physically fitness, facial characteristics, and societal standing play larger roles. Are these really more important?

Answer 1

personality is more important then looks..

Answer 2

These superficial characteristics you mention are only more important at creating an initial attraction. Intelligence is more important for cultivating a long-term experience with someone. The best looking people make great one-time partners, but often make for poor long-term partners. One reason for this is that more physically appealing people have a lot more options and opportunities. The same is not always true for people whose primary genetic assets are beneath the skin.

You're right, intelligence got us where we are today - which is actually an indication that it is being naturally selected over and over again. Smart people continue to pass their genes on - but we can't ignore the power that attraction plays in gettting people together in the first place. Physical characteristics are the first and easiest measure of attracton because they can be seen with the eye from a distance, enabling people to quickly sort through potential partners with a glance. Intelligence requires an investment in time to assess, and therefore is more involved. But this is precisely why intelligence is a better predictor of long-term viability. Beauty fades with age - while intelligence tends to blossom.

Finally, it's important to look at the role media and culture have on this. Beautiful people on television, in movies, and in magazines. There are a few places where brains trump beauty - but not many. It's all about visual, physical appearance in our society - so that makes it seem like we value looks more than learning. But those of us with brains know that it takes more than a gorgeous smile to win someone's love and affection for a lifetime. A partner with superior intelligence stimulates the mind, making for a far more interesting and rewarding life journey...

Answer 3

Intelligence is attractive to intelligent people. However the first thing that attracts you to a person is the physical. Intelligence is way more important, but if you are not first physically attracted, you may never stick around long enough to find out how intelligent the person is. You have to have a good mix of both...Physical and Mental attraction for it to work

Answer 4

Qualities of character is more important, unfortunately the character of a lotta singles are often questionable. Like they're playing with a fixed deck and playing with more than one hand in the same game.

What do you mean "without intelligence we wouldn't have all this technology & great living conditions" ? Haven't you noticed the planet is dying because of all of the excesses of technology, there are more people in the world living in squalor than there were a year ago. I take it you're either not up with current events or you're one of those in denial about the big picture.

Answer 5

In social terms, I don't think intelligence is unattractive -- I think that many people would prefer a mate with some brains, though obviously a lot of other qualities, some superficial, factor into attraction.

In terms of natural selection, my theory is that intelligence genes tend to get passed along not because smarter people necessarily appeal more to mating instincts, but because smarter people tend to live a little longer. But, I don't think it confers a GREAT advantage, as humanity as a whole doesn't seem to have gotten brighter in recent centuries.

Answer 6

Intelligence cannot be perceived as attractive for the obvious reason that it cannot be seen by the eye. I think that you are wrong that perople don't think intelligence is on the top of the priority list when it comes to human traits.Traits which are visible to the eye are more noticed, but not more important than some of the ones which cannot be seen, like intelligence.

Answer 7

Who says intelligence is unattractive? Pompous personalities are unattractive to most, but intelligence eaily translates into charm, clever wit, and positive living conditions.

Besides, if your really intelligent you can probably figure out a good health regiment, hairstyle, make-up, and clothes to make you seem more physically attractive.

Sometimes polish is more important than genetics when it comes to physical appearance. Have ya seen The Swan?

Answer 8

Intelligence is not unattractive to most people. Many people admire intelligence.

There are alot of people out there that are intelligent and physically attractive. There are also alot of people out there that are pretty slow minded and look like they haven't taken care of themselves in months.

Intelligence could make someone else feel uncomfortable. I suppose some spouses don't want their wife/husband to be smarter than them. On the other hand, its ok if they are more physically attractive than you. It all depends on the type of relationship you want.

Answer 9

Personally, I find intelligence and a great sense of humor to be a total turn-on. To me, nothing is more attractive or sexy than a man who can quote me Shelley, ponder about life, the universe and everything and make me laugh so hard that I nearly cry.

However, I think between human biology (attractiveness being a desirable trait for reproduction) and society ("sex" sells) it takes a lot of self-worth and introspection to not just "fall" for what's on the outside.

:)

~Eliza~

Answer 10

Your question is based on a false premise. It is not "either / or" because there are many people who are intelligent and attractive, and people who are interested in physical beauty and intelligence.

Are you referring to the fact that the media focuses mostly on beauty without substance and tries to shove on us the nerd stereotype? If so, the answer could be that they don't want you to think for yourself so you do whatever they want you to do, for instance buying hamburgers and getting fat so you buy excercise equipment. Ha!

Answer 11

Intelligence is on the opposite spectrum of traits. Sexual attraction has a lot more to do with PRIMAL instincts than it does logical decisions. That is why.

Plus smart people are fat.