What Would Happen if Only the Rich Could Become Super Smart?

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Poul Anderson's novel "Brain Wave" explores a scenario where humanity suddenly gains heightened intelligence, leading to societal collapse as traditional structures like money and government disintegrate. The discussion raises the possibility of a more gradual intelligence enhancement, accessible only to the wealthy, which could exacerbate social inequality and economic disparity. Participants reflect on the implications of intelligence versus education, noting that being well-educated does not necessarily equate to being "smart" in practical or social contexts. The conversation also touches on the potential dangers of widespread intelligence, such as the risk of misuse of knowledge and technology. Overall, the theme emphasizes that sudden changes in intelligence levels could lead to significant societal disruption.
  • #61
Danger said:
I'd rather just be tossed into a ditch and let the coyotes take care of me.
What happens to your body after your death is not of consequence to you, it is of consequence to the loved ones who survive you. :wink:
 
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  • #62
DaveC426913 said:
What happens to your body after your death is not of consequence to you, it is of consequence to the loved ones who survive you. :wink:

Nice try, but the only person with the authority to make the call knows my wishes and won't violate them. In fact, she would disinherit herself if she did so.
 
  • #63
I used the term "heaven" to indicate a state of mind, not a place you go after you die. We do all make choices like Charlie and probably with as little knowledge about what the true consequences would be as Charlie would have. We're well aware that we could and will lose a life that is as close as one can get to our individual version of heaven but this certainly doesn't stop many many us from choosing to find and create that life, because although we know it will not be permanent, we're willing to take the risk of going so high that, like Icarus, the fall will kill us. But what a ride it was.

The saddest people I know are the ones who for some reason, choose to destroy their own happiness through actions of choice.

What made me think about this is a really nice decent, intelligent, attractive, kind young adult I talked to recently, who deliberately destroys any relationship they have with a kind and caring person and who invariably goes back to one who is abusive, and I don't mean just a little bit abusive. I asked this person why and they replied, when I'm with a really good person I always think I don't deserve them. Yes this person had a bad life but it could have been much worse and the person's mother had a much worse life yet makes every effort to continue to improve her situation.

Some won't make the climb because of the pretty great certainly that they will fall, but others, like Charlie, go as high as they can because it's worth it to go there even temporarily.

(A legitimate reason to opt for burial rather than cremation - if at any point after your death medical problems in your living family appear to be inherited or there is some medical question about your death, they can always dig you up and check it out. Also it seems nicer to serve as fertilizer for plants and trees that produce oxygen than to pollute the air with the combustion byproducts)
 
  • #64
Actually, combustion pollutants are pretty low in a crematorium, and the ashes can still be used as a mild fertilizer.
I see your point, though, and apologize for misinterpreting your original statement. Translated to my terms, you were asking if I would bang Sandra Bullock even knowing that I could never do it again. Absolutely! Given my health condition, the experience would probably kill me, but it would be worth it.
 

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