Risks

Recently, I've been involving myself in conversations pertaining to intelligence and its definition. It's interesting to note that intelligence is not apparent in as many people as it should be, in my opinion, and that based upon my definition, intelligence is not based primarily upon academic diligence, or science, but rather the extent of which an individual thinks.

By that, I mean most people are aware of their actions, unless they are under the influence of an outside factor (more on that later). That being said, the actions of an individual are the most accurate pieces of evidence that depict what kind of person he or she is; for example, a person who drinks excessively and smokes excessively would probably be perceived as troubled, cognitively lacking, and most likely careless. Despite that being an assumption, human actions don't travel far from human personality or outlook.

The reason why I don't consider academic knowledge an integral part of intelligence is because, simply, there is no direct correlation between how well someone achieves in school, and his or her cognitive ability. From my experience, the amount of input and reason, as well as the desire to learn, discuss or debate-- in social situations, mainly-- is a valid measure to gauge someone's intellect and while I say that only because this sort of function stimulates me mentally, I believe the variety of topics available for discussion, such as philosophy, economics, psychology, spirituality and sociology, form a collection of materials extensive enough to contain something interesting for everyone. And while what I just listed are studies that may require an academic background or understanding, none of those studies matter if people show no interest in them the moment they step outside the lecture. It's the demonstration of how much one knows and thinks in social situations that makes the difference.

This being said, one of the topics of conversation that frequently angers me is an intellectual who ignores or doesn't mind intentionally incurring stupidity by acts such as drinking or taking drugs. I can understand those who don't care for how they appear intellectually, since, by performing said actions, they have nothing to lose. However, those who obviously display their knowledge, who like to think-- wouldn't the aforementioned actions contradict that very aspect? Essentially, why claim you're smarter than others, when you go about doing the exact same things as everyone else? To be more clear, I'm not saying alcohol, by itself, is stupid, but the way people use it, especially in social events and schools, is. I don't see anything beneficial or mentally stimulating in throwing up, not remembering what happened, and then having a headache the next day. It's mindless, and is the obvious contradiction of what intellectuals would claim they are.

That's what I still think. But to an extent.

Upon discussing it in greater detail, I have one, and only one, reason as to why someone who would claim to be smart would, or should ever find a desire to. And that is to understand their own selves. I think that knowing limits, understanding how one changes, and what effects it has on said person, is, for a lack of better word, safe. I say that because no matter how much I claim people who are intelligent should not do it...people are still people. And humans make mistakes, and incur stupidity-- of which the result is either regret, or a desire for more. And in the event of a social situation, under the pressure of peers, or whatever it may be, the best defense is going prepared and aware of what one can handle.

It's taking risks.