Something that’s taken me a really long time to understand is how much people of average or below average intelligence despise smart people. It’s a weird one if you have a brain, because who cares how smart someone is, right? Wrong. And not understanding this will be the downfall of any reasonably intelligent person. Many people have fallen from hanging out with stupid people. When I say stupid, I’m not talking about people who aren’t academically gifted. I’m talking about people who make bad decisions. All young people make bad decisions. But a lot of those decisions are ones we can come back from. Dumb people do terrible things, and getting involved with dumb people can make you a victim of their actions. It’s a lot harder to go through life permanently disfigured or with a permanent criminal record than without it. You can acquire both of these things if you hang out with dumb people.
Stupid people hate smart people
This is most commonly seen in schools. People gang up on the nerd. This dynamic doesn’t really end. You see, if you’re frequently correct, people will try to point out when you’re wrong. This is in part because of jealousy, but also in part because people can’t understand how smart people arrive at the conclusions they do. As such, the mannerisms of smart people may appear illogical. Dumb people will generally bring smart people down. Whether it’s through bad advice or bullying, that’s just what they do. You can’t change this, so be wise with who you hang around. When it comes to crime, the nerd is usually the fall guy. Be smart.
Status chasing isn’t rational
People who are looking to get lots of attention or status are often the craziest. Look at what people are willing to do for attention on social media. Or on a micro level, look at what people are willing to do in order to have their hard work recognized over other people’s. It’s really a bit crazy if you think about it. Many people who chase status are smart, but in my experience a lot of poor decision making occurs when people chase status.
Avoid dumb people
This should be obvious, but you should just avoid dumb people. Thankfully, this is pretty easy. Avoid drugs, nightclubs, social media, and jails. Try to get into the best school possible, work the best and most respectable job you can. There isn’t much to do where I’m from, but being a writer is a profession that many here would consider respectable. This is part of the reason why I do it. The good news is that since you’re smart, your family probably isn’t too slow. You’ll always have people to fall back on if you feel lonely. While they might be difficult, your family will usually rationalize their way to deciding on what’s morally correct for you. Don’t neglect your connection with them.
Meet smart women
I’m not sure how women go about meeting smart men. It seems tough, especially now that college campuses appear to be almost devoid of males. That being said, for men the easiest way to filter for smart women is to stop going clubbing and approach women during the daytime. Also sports and outdoors clubs, as long as they’re dry/alcohol free. This is actually why money almost always helps men pull more. Hard to be lame if you can do whatever you want. Regardless, dumb women are really dangerous, especially if they’re attractive. You can’t steal a car, but she might be able to without consequences. This is a terrible dynamic, especially if you’re easily influenced or a risk taker. Hanging with smart women is pretty much imperative.
Just smile and nod
Most social situations, you’re going to want to simply “swerve”. I got this lesson from @Bowtiedbull on Twitter more than 5 years ago, but it took me forever to learn it. You don’t want to make people feel insecure. Don’t try to help them. They will simply end up hating you. Human psychology is weird that way.
So, if you’re smart, be careful. It took me years and years to understand this fact of reality, and I’ve paid the price many times over. Having friends is good, but drama with idiots simply isn’t worth it. They’ll destroy your life along with their own because they’re so bold and out of control. This is why a lot of morons are able to succeed in businesses like the music industry or drug trafficking. You can achieve a lot with just energy. You can destroy a lot too. Don’t try to spend too much time with the “normies”. Your head will explode at best, and worst you might find yourself in a useless entanglement. And not the fun kind.
Thanks for paying attention.
