Cultural fetish on really smart people?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the cultural perception of intelligence, particularly the admiration for child prodigies and geniuses. Participants explore whether society has a fetish for exceptional intelligence or if it values success in broader terms, including winning in various endeavors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that culture prizes intelligence and child prodigies, citing examples like Bobby Fischer and the influence of early exposure to classical music.
  • Others argue that while intelligence is valued, it may not be accurate to label this as a fetish, as the desire for prosperity drives this valuation.
  • One participant expresses that society tends to admire those who achieve success, regardless of their intelligence level, implying that winning is more important than intellectual capability.
  • Another viewpoint emphasizes that the respect given to individuals is often tied to their accomplishments rather than their intelligence alone.
  • There is a mention of popular figures like Brad Pitt, suggesting that popularity can also be seen as a form of winning, which complicates the discussion about intelligence and success.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether society values intelligence as a primary trait or if success and winning are more significant. No consensus is reached on the nature of this cultural valuation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about societal values and the definitions of intelligence and success, which remain unresolved.

Willowz
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Is it true that our culture prizes child prodigies and geniuses? General examples that pertain to the myth; 'Bobby Fisher, Mensa, ... A beautiful mind, Emerson, ect, mothers making babies listen to Mozart non-stop'.
 
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I think we value intelligence. Which is logical, because intelligence eases prosperity, and a desire for prosperity is a given. Though, I don't know if I'd call it a fetish.

My parents had me listen to Mozart when I was little, presumably in hopes of making me smart. I'd be taking Real Analysis this year, my senior year of high school, if I could pay for it. Maybe it worked... :cool:
 
Willowz said:
Is it true that our culture prizes child prodigies and geniuses? General examples that pertain to the myth; 'Bobby Fisher, Mensa, ... A beautiful mind, Emerson, ect, mothers making babies listen to Mozart non-stop'.

Many people are drawn to things that are above the norm. It can be any kind of endeavor whether its academic, artistic, dramatic, sporting, or otherwise.

Sometimes it feels like comparing "gods among mere mortals". I don't know if its a common element of our psychological makeup, but its definitely something that is prevalent.
 
Willowz said:
Is it true that our culture prizes child prodigies and geniuses? General examples that pertain to the myth; 'Bobby Fisher, Mensa, ... A beautiful mind, Emerson, ect, mothers making babies listen to Mozart non-stop'.

Absolutely not. What our culture values is a winner. You can be dumb as doorknob or sharp as a tac, but you have win at something to get any respect even if its just being born with silver spoon in your mouth.
 
wuliheron said:
Absolutely not. What our culture values is a winner. You can be dumb as doorknob or sharp as a tac, but you have win at something to get any respect even if its just being born with silver spoon in your mouth.
What is Brad Pitt winning at? I'm talking about the same thing that goes on with really smart people who apply their smarts. Not just winning. That's trivial. The really smart people always win big if I must put it that way.
 
Here's Charlie Sheen on WINNING!

 
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