Do very intelligent people suffer more from existential quandaries than others?

Answer 1

I don't know if they 'suffer' more with the concepts as much as they wrestle with the implications of what those quandries suggest.

Answer 2

Perhaps, since the intelligent would consider different perspectives including pessimistic viewpoints in their formulation of actual reality. However, existential quandaries become problematic when the emotional maturity does not level up with intellectual growth. Emotional growth is aided by good family or support from a network of solid people around you. If existential quandaries persist for some time, it may be the result of overanalysis and losing the big picture or even less than stellar support system.

Whatever the cause, intelligence should help solve the problems/quandaries. But this may not always be the case if support isn't there. It's a fact that the greater the support system, the less existential perplexities. Teenage years are the perfect time when ideals reach acme and resources (or the lack thereof) or growing awareness of limitations become the source of anxiety. Intelligence in and of itself is not the sole cause for existential angst. There is some deeper cause, multiplied threefold by a future of endless possibilities and fears of the unknown. That is why emotional support is critical. Just knowing that eveyone goes through certain phases or what you might call "rites of passage" as a social phenomenon helps. Universalization of existential perplexities help. Everyone has angst, but many intellectuals have the verbal know-hows to express them and publish them for the world to see.

Answer 3

It suddenly occurs to me that I may not be very intelligent at all: I don’t often ‘suffer’ but rather ‘enjoy’ my existential quandaries - if I get your meaning, i.e., if by existential quandaries you are referring to a never-ending list of unsolved mysteries… or, Questions that at one time may appear to be ‘resolved’ until a new experience or acquired knowledge reopens the case or the quest. I have a few life-questions that seem to continually be open to new interpretation or possible meaning - whenever a new vantage point further up (or down) the road is reached.

If on the other hand by ‘intelligent’ you are referring to those in the GENIUS-IQ category that lets me out completely.
I know a few well enough though and would venture to estimate that at least 4 out of 5 Geni that I have had the honor of knowing do in fact, SUFFER greatly.
Diagnoses of Bipolar illness, Schizophrenia, Major Depression or the like seem to be common threads in their network. If not labeled by such a diagnosis - it seems likely that at the least, rumors of eccentricity will follow them.
Despite my seeming categorization here, I have to say I’ve never known a genius who wasn’t admirably creative and a UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL.

There have been times (right now among them) when I’ve felt qualified to carry any one, or all, of the above-mentioned labels/diagnoses; with the exception of one … Again, that would be “GENIUS- ” If you need proof - just read the preceding sentence again ---
paraphrased: “ …They are ALL unique; each and every one of them!” Cute (ina Cliff-Claven-kinda way) but IGNORANT just the same.

Why they often seem to suffer, I don’t really know but can only guess that the very same ‘uniqueness’ that brings these geniuses much admiration, fascination or envy from others might also be at the root of what torments, isolates or frustrates them to no end…
OR, perhaps it is the feeble attempts of fools like me that try their patience - with their endless quandaries over that which will eternally elude them.
Wait a minute! I am finding my own response to yet another ‘existential quandary’ quite depressing … ‘SUFFERING’ could be next. Wow, could this be intelligence after all?

Answer 4

Wow! Some highly intelligent people answered this question (and arrogant). So now I have to say -- the most intelligent of people realize how very ignorant they are and how truly little they know. Do not confuse "intelligence" with "highly educated". I would think we all live in our own quandaries within our own worlds--from being a farmer to being an executive to being a world-famous scientist. Maybe some just think they're smarter than others or are better educated. Amen, let's eat! I feel like a banana! OMG that means my greatest grandfather of all was really an ape! (monkey sounds) Peace! = )

Answer 5

People In Quandaries

Answer 6

Probably, yes. The old statement, "ignorance is bliss" comes to mind. And so does the interesting counter-concept: "the unexamined life is not worth living."
Existential quandaries put meat on the bone for the curious, the skeptical, the imaginative, and the creative person. And that's the price one pays: more meat, more blood, more pain, but also more life.

Answer 7

Intelligent people certainly think more about existential quandaries they may endure, but it doesn't necessarily mean they suffer more from them. While intelligence may bring a greater awareness of a bleak situation, it also brings a sense of ability that someone with less intelligence may be frustrated not to have.

Answer 8

Intelligence is subjective, a person who memorizes MLB player stats and accomplishments isn't considered as intelligent as a person who memorizes the history of philosophy. Also, I guarantee you that 99% of people have existential quandaries, they just don't bring it out in coversation because they don't want to depress you.

Answer 9

Yes, if they are intelligent along existential lines. One can be intelligent, and never have an existential thought.

Answer 10

Only if that person is an idealist. Realists rarely have existential quandaries.

Answer 11

Of course. The less intelligent of us can not even comprehend existentialism let alone question it and our place within it, so of course they suffer for their depth of thought and question...