Schopenhauer: Why Society Hates Intelligence | Counsels & Maxims 34

Summary

In this video, Schopenhauer's *Counsels and Maxims* explores why intellectual superiority is often met with derision and social isolation, while mediocrity thrives in society. He argues that people are unconsciously resentful of those who exhibit greater intelligence, seeing it as an indirect reproach. This leads to hostility and insult. Schopenhauer also discusses how beauty, especially in women, can similarly provoke envy, causing beautiful individuals to be shunned by their peers. However, social rank can mitigate this effect. Ultimately, the video critiques human nature's tendency to favor social harmony over intellectual or moral excellence.

Takeaways

• 😀 People with intelligence are often met with derision and social shunning because their intellectual superiority highlights others' inferiority, leading to unconscious resentment.
• 😀 Social success often favors people of lower intelligence due to their ability to blend in and avoid provoking others with feelings of intellectual inferiority.
• 😀 Schopenhauer suggests that displaying intelligence is perceived as an indirect insult, as it exposes others' intellectual limitations, even if unintentional.
• 😀 Envy is the secret cause of hostility towards intelligent individuals, as people feel threatened by the recognition of their intellectual inferiority.
• 😀 The social rejection of intellectual superiority is driven by a 'pathos of distance' – a feeling of inferiority that people subconsciously try to mitigate.
• 😀 For social success, Schopenhauer argues, it's better to present a simple, humble demeanor, akin to a 'beast-like simplicity', rather than display intelligence.
• 😀 Schopenhauer highlights that intellectual ability, unlike wealth or rank, cannot be flaunted without triggering resentment, as intellectual superiority often isolates the person who possesses it.
• 😀 Mediocrity and affability are more socially acceptable than brilliance or beauty, as they don't threaten others' sense of self-worth, making people with these qualities more likely to succeed in social settings.
• 😀 Women who are very beautiful are often shunned by other women, as beauty creates an uncomfortable comparison that threatens others' sense of superiority.
• 😀 Rank, unlike beauty or intelligence, can enhance social standing without triggering envy because it is reflective, benefiting others who associate with the person of rank.
• 😀 Schopenhauer reflects on his own experiences of intellectual isolation, noting that genius often leads to social rejection while mediocrity finds favor in both personal and professional spheres.

Q & A

Why does Schopenhauer claim that intelligence is met with derision and shunning in society?

Schopenhauer argues that intelligence creates a sense of inferiority in others. When people perceive someone as intellectually superior, they feel threatened and resentful, which leads to unconscious hostility. This reaction stems from an inability to openly acknowledge their inferiority, causing them to despise the intelligent individual.

What is Schopenhauer's view on the relationship between intelligence and social popularity?

Schopenhauer believes that intelligence makes a person unpopular in social settings. He claims that people with superior intellectual abilities are often resented because their intelligence serves as a reminder of the intellectual shortcomings of others, which causes feelings of envy and frustration.

How does Schopenhauer explain the social success of less intelligent people?

Schopenhauer explains that people of low intelligence are more socially successful because they are more affable and less likely to provoke jealousy. Their simplicity and humility make them more agreeable, leading to greater social acceptance.

What role does envy play in the social rejection of intelligent individuals?

Envy is a central driver of the social rejection of intelligent individuals. Schopenhauer argues that when people encounter someone more intelligent than themselves, they secretly resent the superior individual because they feel inferior. This resentment often manifests as hostility and exclusion.

What does Schopenhauer mean by the term 'pathos of distance'?

The 'pathos of distance' refers to the emotional reaction people have when confronted with someone superior to them in intellect or ability. This feeling of distance creates resentment, as those who feel inferior are unable to tolerate the presence of someone who highlights their own limitations.

Why does Schopenhauer suggest that to be liked, one must be inferior in intellect?

Schopenhauer suggests that showing intellectual superiority can make people feel insulted. To be liked, one must display humility or simplicity, which makes others feel more comfortable and less threatened. Essentially, intellectual inferiority fosters social acceptance.

How does Schopenhauer view the social reception of beauty, particularly in women?

Schopenhauer observes that beautiful women are often shunned by other women. Beauty, like intelligence, creates a contrast that makes others feel inferior. However, if a woman has high social rank, she is more likely to be accepted, as rank has a 'reflective glow' that doesn’t provoke the same jealousy as beauty.

What is the role of 'rank' in social acceptance, according to Schopenhauer?

Schopenhauer argues that social rank provides a kind of protection from the resentment typically faced by those with superior intellect or beauty. Unlike beauty or intelligence, which directly contrast with others and highlight their inferiority, rank operates by enhancing one's social status through association, leading to greater acceptance.

How does Schopenhauer explain the popularity of dull and ignorant people?

Schopenhauer claims that dull and ignorant people are often socially successful because they are humble and affable, traits that make them more likable. People with lower intellectual abilities are more likely to seek the company of others, leading to greater social opportunities and acceptance.

How does Schopenhauer's view on intellectual superiority reflect his own life experience?

Schopenhauer's personal experiences of being overshadowed by the fame of contemporaries like Hegel shape his perspective. He often felt isolated and unappreciated for his intellectual contributions, and his writings reflect the frustration of being socially marginalized despite his intellectual abilities.