I am talking about highly intelligent people, not necessarily those who have acquired a lot of knowledge..... therefore please do not answer merely by saying ignorance is bliss, which in any case is true within a limited context only.
2007-02-17 19:27:01 · 25 answers · asked by small 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Intelligence is not the same as wisdom and wisdom is needed to discern the difference between happiness which is short lived and temporary opposed to joy which is permanent and long lasting. Perhaps intelligent people lack wisdom which positions them in constant pursuit of that which is only temporary causing a rat race of illusion continually in search of happiness resulting in unhappiness...or maybe intelligent people just think too much!
2007-02-18 03:20:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know you said not to answer merely by saying that ignorance is bliss...but ignorance truly IS bliss. Of course, that is not all I will say. Have you ever watched a small child playing by themselves? Their ignorance of anything outside themselves makes it possible for them to be happy. They have no remorse to "let go" of, they have nothing weighing them down like the knowledge of things that will most definitely hurt others. Sadly, I don't think I ever had that as a child. I remember knowing things as a little kid that most kids my age didn't know. But I don't claim to be an extremely intelligent person. The more I know, the more I question. Which makes it hard to believe I know much of anything, really...I think a lot like Socrates on that matter.
Most of the intelligent people that I know put on a mask. They appear to be happy so that others think they are, but when you get beyond that mask they are truly weighted down by what they know. Whether it be science or matters of war, the knowledge brings a realization. A realization that there is no hope of a "higher power" in which to put our faith...for some there is scarcely hope at all for anything because of what they know......I don't know if I can really explain it...maybe I could if I had more time to...contact me if you wish to know what I mean. You can do that through Yahoo! or by my AOL account. (MasqueradeMadnis@AOL.com) Please feel free to contact me.
2007-02-18 06:50:06 · answer #2 · answered by third_syren_of_seduction 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My struggle has always been finding like minds to discuss philosophy, physics, and astronomy. Even in collage I had a hard time finding intelligence, logic, and reason in the minds of the "educated". In the military ,on the other hand, I find a lot of intellectuals who are yet to acquire knowledge. Also, I'm not happy with my day to day life without challenge, mental and (since being in the Army) physical. I must constantly learn, ponder, read, write, and talk with other intelligent people to be happy.
2007-02-18 04:44:29 · answer #3 · answered by Dred 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't think its difficult to be happy -- i think its difficult to be intelligent and not be more concerned about things. i think intelligent people generally see things in broader strokes and bigger pictures with long term consequences.
in the year 2000 there were plenty of people that were intelligent hoping there wouldn't be a war with iraq -- this was two years before the war started. it took the majority of the public years to catch up. at the same time war with iran was a concern -- seems like we might get that too -- our leaders seem to be pushing that direction.
remember all the anti-french rhetoric of freedom fries and
just say no to french's mustard because the french are generally more intellectual and opposed the war? someone owes someone else an appology. in hindsight that people that touted freedom fries seroiusly need a fate akin to mussolini.
i don't think this has any bearing on happiness. if your understanding of politics is your philosophy for happiness on then i think there might be problems. i am happy though i fear my government and the direction this country is going in. the failure of the school system, healthcare system, monetary system, and government don't paint a rosy picture.
there was a song in the 80s with the lyrics -- I'll sing songs to my father, I'll sing songs to my child. It's time to hold your loved ones while the chains are loose, and the world runs wild.
you can still sing -- be happy.
2007-02-18 03:54:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you mean Why aren't philosophers happy, rather than intelligent people.
I know plenty of intelligent people who are fairly happy, some rich business types who are friends, for example.
But philosophers, who I agree are a class of intelligent people (perhaps truly the most intelligent) - here you ask a very good question indeed.
Perhaps it goes with the territory. You may question life, may ask the real, deep questions, and if so, may find these things unsettling. They take you out of contexts, comfort zones, shift the goalposts of reality. And while this might lead to some wisdom, I agree, it seems to lead to loss of happiness.
The everyday pleasures of most like golf, tv, celebrities, shopping, idling about with friends - these have lost their lustre to me.
But are we here to be happy? I don't think so.
2007-02-18 03:44:49 · answer #5 · answered by Jarvis 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Intelligent people have higher expectations of themselves and often of others. Therefore, if goals are not realized, highly intelligent people can more easily feel frustrated. Also, society expects more from those who are highly intelligent. It is much easier for a brilliant person to feel a failure if goals are not reached than an average person with low to no expectations. Also, no one likes to feel "different" from others. They are happier if they live in a world of equally intelligent people.
2007-02-18 04:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by NeNe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's difficult always thinking about if the Universe is expanding or is time linear or how human evolution will play out when in general the world seems so far behind. Basically it's hard to mix high thought with "whether liberals are bad" or "Britney shaved her head". You think how will we survive with such people running the world.You begin to see yourself as one of a few Homo Sapiens around on a sea of Neandertals.
It's depressing.
2007-02-18 03:36:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
highly intelligent people tend to learn quickly, adapt quickly, and frankly understand quickly... i feel to be happy you need a companion, normally one of the opposite sex or of attraction... in any case to love you have to have and interest, interest is normally diminished when answers are acquired... furthermore opposites attract, highly intelligent people don't tend to get along with other highly intelligent people unless of opposite interests for competition matters... and with so say ditsy people as opposites i don't think they are very interested or happy... they aren't happy because they most often can't keep a relationship
2007-02-18 22:46:51 · answer #8 · answered by her half dead lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not much of an answer but ill get 2points some people just dont know how to be happy money doesnt do it either some of the dumbest people i ever met gave me my paycheck
2007-02-18 03:35:26 · answer #9 · answered by havenjohnny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
analysing anything intellectually does not create an end . go on creating further probe and so on - whereas happiness is a mental disposition which does not have any relationship with learning or understanding - it is only a matter of realisation to make one feel comfortable and enjoyable - one has to experience it by heart not by mind - an effect of solace
2007-02-18 06:12:00 · answer #10 · answered by hari prasad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋