As we look to the past, when fascist regimes rose to power, one of the first items on their to-do list was to purge the intellectuals.
Thus, people dislike intelligence because it's a natural gift where it's assumed it's something that many can't "just get good at it."Īnti-intellectualism isn't new It has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means equal opportunities. "Hard work is all you need to succeed!" we see it plastered on motivational posters. In our country, we love the idea of egalitarianism and meritocracy, where everyone supposedly has a fair shot at the American Dream, regardless of birth conditions or luck. Those who do not feel that way either because they:Ī) are not as intelligent as they claim orī) are extraordinarily talented at pretending to be an "average joe" orĬ) come from another culture, where persons of average intelligence may not be as prejudicial. The highly intelligent potentially vie for the most universally hated minority title. Highly intelligent people often tend to hide their gifts in social situations as best they can.
In addition, many intelligent people don't have excellent social skills or are not into the superficial niceties to help make themselves popular.Īs such, intelligent people must typically downplay their advantage and take an "aw-shucks" approach or else be cast as arrogant or out of touch. Ordinary people do not like to hear that someone is smarter than them. By saying that "I'm smart," others are reminded that they're likely average or below average.īy stating that someone is highly intelligent, they make those who aren't as bright feel inadequate. Stated plainly- No one likes to feel inferior or inherently uncompetitive. What's going on here? Why intelligent people are disliked Intelligent individuals realize they are different enough to upset the balance, but they are not allowed to acknowledge their gift and be seen as self-aggrandizing- One heck of a catch-22. They see the underlying themes, the causes, and the consequences.Īs such, we think of the Fermi Paradox, in reverse, and question where everyone else is and ask whether we are the aliens in this universe. They recognize patterns and interconnectedness differently they see abstractions where others see only tangible things. Highly intelligent people see a world and possibilities most don't. Who wants to hire someone on their team who will quickly outshine them? Or worse, quickly master the job, get bored, and go elsewhere?
They're not likely to fall subordinate to others whose primary qualification is tenure. They skip grades, develop innovations, and have uncommon growth curves and career paths.
Brilliant individuals disrupt the balance. Most people believe in order, hierarchy, and waiting your turn. Those who have internalized this message may go far out of their way not to talk about a fundamental difference that often contributes to difficulties in several areas. People with high IQs and learning abilities are, by definition, outliers, and outliers often find it more challenging to fit in many respects because the world is not made for them.īright people become wise not to address our differences and mask them to conform. Silence is the message that brilliant people receive from the world. Gauche, out of touch, arrogant, all come to mind. Stating I'm Intelligent evokes judgment for various reasons and can send one to the social periphery in seconds. Of all the characteristics possible, intelligence is one of the few, whereby mentioning it, you are immediately seen as braggadocios and likely problematic. Well, that is if I wanted to keep my job and not become an outcast. The last thing I'd ever say (out loud) to someone in the workplace is that I'm intelligent.
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