Why people presume that they are more intelligent than others?

Answer 1

I believe no one is more or less intelligent than any one else, well at least for every one who is normal.

Answer 2

Everybody has thier own deffinition of intelligence. This is usually fed by the mental gymastics they themselves are best at. The objective deffinition for intelligence is based heavily upon the ability to manipulate abstract items/theory. Which as a concencious is one of the hardest things to do for most people. Another common deffinition of intelligence is common sense. Which is an innate way of avoiding stupidity rather than an active expression of intelligence.

Other people they gird themselves with the trappings of things and hope to empart the substance upon themselves from wearing the trappings. After a time they convince themselves that acting intelligent can produce real intelligence. Usually it only produces arrogance even if the intelligence was not a farce.

So I think what you are really asking is why people are so arrogant? After all if you think you are really good at something it only bothers people if you inflict it repeatedly upon others. The pretty girl who flaunts her ability to turn men's eyes. The athelete or artist who turns into a Prima Donna because of thier ability. Then you have the Rock stars of the Enlightened age. They were the discoverers, often scientists. Boys and even some girls grew up hoping to be a scientist. The remnents of that still flourish in the academic world. There is however a rift. Uncomfortable contradictions from real world usage and blindness to workable ideas have created a chasm which few academic explorations ever emerge into the real world. They have built an entire world which requires only theory to subsist. Entire branches of knowledge have been built on a such base. Some have proven to be quite usefull to the real world eventually. All too often the quest for knowledge leads to a certain subculture where the knowledge aspect is confused with the method it was aquired. So any fact that does not have the correct pedigre is ignored until it can obtain one.

This is where arrogance flourshes and thrives. So much so it actually interupts the ability to absorb new knowledge. The sub culture that it breeds is one that considers the rest of the world with a sort of open contempt. I even ran into one here on Yahoo answers who claimed that the only way to learn how to write music was through years of formal education. There were of course some dispariaging remarks about modern music. More typical of age than of arrogance. The arrogance was that somehow a piece of paper made this person a better person than me. This was based not on any practical demonstration of knowledge. It was based purely on the prejudice built into a system that used education as a screen for class warfare for so long that they themselves have forgoten why they despise the "unwashed masses".

So the short answer is, they are carrying on a tradition that was used to keep the lower classes in check hundreds of years ago. They themselves have no idea and might even be repulsed by the reality of their own actions. They have emersed themselves into a culture that encourages such prejudices. Where intelligent deed is replaced by trappings and application of knowledge is replaced by academic achievement.

Or in plain English, they are not as smart as they wish they were.

Answer 3

This is a common mentality of those who are not intelligent. But the real intelligent persons never think or boast themselves. Let the people say that such and such a person is intelligent. The reason for presuming intelligent is to get respect and status in the society.

Answer 4

Not all presume that way. Yes many think that way because they dont want to feel inferior. Also there is common notion the life, success etc depends on the amount of intelligence one possess, which is not true. Once we realize this there will be very few people comparing there intelligence

Answer 5

I do not think that is true at all. There is nothing wrong with self confidence. It isn't a matter of someone showing off their intelligence, it is the exact opposite, some people just find it easier to show their ignorance and lack of intelligence.

Answer 6

Its basic human nature and if u think about it is essential to our social structure and the survival of the human species.

For instance, if u've noticed, its clear that u think u are more intelligent than the ppl who think they are more intelligent than others. Dont try to understand it,... just know that we were all created equal but with different talents.

Answer 7

Albert Einstein said:
Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.

and

Anais Nin said:
The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery.


I think someone who thinks they can know everything is deeply mistaken, as it is impossible to know everything. If someone knew everything then there would be no need for research. One would have to be a fool to believe that of himself. Most of any knowledge is based on theory and is always up to be disproven. Evolution of thought is everywhere therefore to know everything would be virtually impossible.

Answer 8

Perhaps these folks don't consider themselves more intelligent overall, but more knowledgeable about many subjects. I am not a complete idiot, and I know there are many people much more intelligent in areas I am lacking.

Answer 9

because some people are more intelligent than others,its a fa
ct

Answer 10

This "smarter than einstein" attitude is pure arrogancy. They are in general terms self centered, selfish. & a bully at everything; no room for personal growth..at some point something will happen & their stupidity will surface & you'll see them backing away from being the 1st to have the answer.