Too much intelligence can make some people crazy?
By glitzypurple
@glitzypurple (1477)
Philippines
January 11, 2008 8:46am CST
There was a true to life story in the television and the story is quite sad. It was about a guy who was a teacher but became crazy and always told himself that he's the king of the world and that no one could turn him down when he applied for a job. He just went crazier as the days went by. Some people say that too much intelligence can make some people crazy like in this story.
Is that true? Have you heard about such news?
4 people like this
14 responses
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
12 Jan 08
"The difference between genius and insanity is success"
- Bruce Feirstein
I've come to think of it as this. A genius to some, is a madman to others. It just depends on the actions and the people involved.
I'm willing to bet some have thought of me in this regard... in life and even here on the lot. Don't worry, I can understand no matter which camp you fall into. As for the story, there are some people like that. The worst part is plenty of them are hidden, never revealed until its too late. Consider the other part of this scenario though. Some societies and leaders shun their geniuses (or at least certain ones). They can't afford some of these geniuses doing what they do and as a result either leaders or societies will take appropriate action to supress these people (if it takes a charge of insanity or danger to society, so be it). Consider that as well in this topic and consider that its not just the past with this type of thinking, but also the present day.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
11 Jan 08
That is utterly ridiculous. Intelligence or lack of intelligence is no indication of insanity. That man probably has schizophrenia and that is an inherited condition found mostly in those of Scandinavian parentage. The ones that say that intelligence breeds insanity are usually people whose iq is not as high and it could be taken as envy and jealousy, so by stating that the more intelligent you are, the most crazy, is hurting your reputation.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
18 Jan 08
You are so right! Intelligence or lack of intelligence is no indication of insanity - most criminals are actualy really smart - they just got careless or arrogant and that is what got them caught.Their actions were really rather ingenious. There are so many past crimes that went of without a hitch and are still unsolved and the criminal are living fancy free. Difference is, you don't hear from that criminal again. They know not to "push their luck"!
@squaretile (3778)
• Singapore
18 Jan 08
well the running joke is that PhD also stands for permanent head damage.
haha. i have no t heard about this story you mentioned that was broadcast over television. but i don't think this was because he was too intelligent. if he were too intelligent then it would just mean that he was kinda weird but not crazy like that.
people who are very intelligent can be very normal as well. i guess those who win nobel prizes for top research are good examples of that. they might not be the most social of creatures but at least they are not stark raving mad like this.
cheerio!
@glitzypurple (1477)
• Philippines
12 Jan 08
haha you got me.. buking! I put up this discussion and I didn't finish the episode yet. LOL. hmm.. but i stil wonder about the same thing :)
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
18 Jan 08
Well, I don't know about intelligence, but i do know that to much common sense can really be a hinderance these days. I speak from experience! Common sense and the new millenium just aren't very good friends!
@chrislotz (8137)
• Canada
17 Jan 08
I haven't heard anything wuite like this but I have heard where there is a thin line between being very smart and being retarded in some way. Too much intelligence is not always a really good thing. At least this is what I have heard over the years. That a lot of retarded people are just too smart and that is what drove them over the edge. They have a hard time dealing with people and things because they are so smart they can't tolerate dumb people or dumb things. I don't know if this has ever been a proven medical thing but I have heard many times over the years.
@mfpsassy (2827)
• United States
12 Jan 08
ROFL
Well that explains what's wrong with me I am completely nuts
Actually there are/were alot of brilliant people that have gone crazy maybe it is due to a power overload
To much info and their brains short circuited
@musicman6 (2407)
• United States
12 Jan 08
Oh, yes, this is very true, as a matter of fact, some of the most intelligent people I have ever seen were in the mental hospital where I worked at!
There was a man that played piano so good, that he made Lionel Richie sound like a beginner!
There was another man, that used to beat me at chess,99 out of 100 times, and I am a real good chess player!
These people just could not cope with society!
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
12 Jan 08
Hello dear glitzypurple. I think that it could be as is shown in this discussion of yours. He must be very proud of his intelligence as to show himself off. lol.
@adnanezzi (243)
• India
11 Jan 08
people who are ahead of their times have always been called crazy.
if u ware in 1850 and have said that one day man will be able to go to the moon i think u would have been yhe craiest person of that era
@mackoy1408 (163)
•
12 Jan 08
It's just a matter of the perception towards a person...If a person sees a very intelligent person...well he can relate himself to the kind of intelligence that a person has that's why his ignorance may arrive at the conclusion that that person is crazy...a person's intelligence can be nothing if he/she cant balance it with his/her IQ that's why people who have too much intelligence can't concentrate usually leads to depression...But as far as i know.. it is better to have high intellectual than to be ignorant and be left in the present situation.
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