Is it me or are people getting more and more stupid as time goes on? Every day, I am astounded at the stupidity of the majority of the human race. So much so, that several years ago, I began searching for a reason why this seemed to be the case. I think that I’ve finally figured it out and have reduced it to a theory: There exists only a finite amount of intelligence in the universe.
As a result, as the population of the human race increases, there is less intelligence per individual to go around. This begins to explain many things. For example, as we go back in history we find many more intellectual giants than appear today. According to my theory then, fewer people = more intelligence to go around = more brilliant people.
Here’s another example - when I was younger, people seemed to be more intelligent as a whole. As I grow older, people keep getting more and more stupid. Since the number of humans has increased as well during this time, this stronly supports my theory.
Finally, every day I continue to learn new things. As I become more intelligent day by day, the people I meet in daily life appear to become less so. Since I’m acquiring more and more intelligence on a daily basis, this has to be coming from somewhere, right? Obviously, I’m sucking it away from the pool that is available for the rest of the human race.
Now, I’m not 100% convinced that my theory is correct. Can anyone supply additional support to my theory? Anyone have a theory of their own?
There are still intellectual giants out there, their praises just go unsung because the majority (and I realize I might be generalizing here) want to be entertained, not enlightened.
Unfortunately, I am not one of those giants, so I’m probably one of the stupid people that you’re referring to. Oh well.
My theory is that people have always been stupid. I also believe that even most intelligent people are stupid on certain subjects, or stupid about certain things. I have no idea what causes you to believe that intelligence is declining.
Incidently, I have also read that the average IQ goes up every decade, so the IQ tests have to be adjusted to keep the average at 100. If nothing else, we’re getting better at taking tests.
I’d agree with lola… It’s not that there’s only so much intelligence, it’s that there are more people - and people being stupid, well, you notice it more…
I’m pretty sure some of those “stupid” people are far wiser than you realize, while many of your “intellectual giants” are just booksmart fools with their noses stuck up in the air just a bit too high for anyone else to care for…
How do you define what makes a group of people “stupid” Crack’dOff, and what area are you in that you are surrounding yourself with them? Perhaps you just need to get out some and experience some other culture to help you become more aware of what it is that drives the levels of intellect down in your region…
From what I’ve seen, there are more smart people than “stupid”, and the ones that seem to place themselves high on their horses considering themselves intellectual elite aren’t nearly as happy in life as those that don’t.
No, it’s just a “savings vs consumption” phenomenon. Many of us are stockpiling intelligence in our 401(k) plans, saving it up for our retirement years when we’ll really need it…
I’ve just got this big ol’ Rasa-brand band-aid on my poor little ego. (Rasaid?) I have to say, that’s wonderful.
Back to the OP, I’m of the belief that the smart are getting smarter and the dumb are getting dumber. It just so happens that it’s the dumb people who have the most sex. (:: considers that labotomy for a second : Keep in mind, that this is purely an opinion.
Ah, the perfect opportunity to share some of the gems that I’ve overheard from the adjacent cubicle in the last couple of weeks:
Assertion that frankincense and myrrh were stupid gifts and “Why didn’t they bring gems??” Yeah, we’ll re-write scripture for you.
Oration on the “Winston-Salem Witch Trials” - he said it more than once, until I yelled over and corrected him.
Declaration that only the Pope can perform exorcisms and that the ceremony is kind of silly with all those candles and “stuff that they burn”. Funny how non-Catholics are always authorities on that religion.
I’ll not go into all his child-rearing theories. Thankfully, he has not reproduced, and as he is within 2 years of retirement, I think odds are good that the gene pool has been spared.
Ahhhh…soulsling - you are no doubt correct. Would you change what you posted if you knew some things about me?
I have a very warped sense of humor. From reading Rasa, WillGolfForFood, and other’s responses, this sense of humor is well represented here.
I’m a certified mental patient. Currently, I don’t consider this to be a bad thing, but I’m open to changing my mind. Assuming of course, that I can find it when the time comes.
Well, Oldscratch got it right, but he doesn’t count since he’s currently crashing on my couch in wonderful San Jose, CA. Which makes me think…perhaps this phenomena is happening only to the United States. Hmmm. This is a possibility. Facts to consider:
George W, Gore, and Nader - the best we could come up with?
X-Men, the Movie.
99% of American TV.
The woman I heard say, ‘Oh, I love Thai food!’ after being introduced to a man from Taiwan.
Anyone else here think that the brain needs as much exercise as any muscle to keep its strength and flexibility?
Modern Americans are just too damned placated. What we need is a good long national/worldwide crisis to make people work. Hey, chances are even odds that we’ll be looking at total environmental collapse 50 years from now, so maybe we can expect people to get a bit smarter then… :rolleyes:
Keep in mind, that this is purely an opinion.