Schopenhauer: Why Society Hates Intelligence | Counsels & Maxims 34

In section 34 of "Counsels and Maxims," Schopenhauer explores the social dynamics of intelligence and beauty, suggesting that intellectual superiority often breeds resentment and social isolation due to the unconscious envy it provokes. He argues that people prefer the company of those who make them feel superior, leading to the popularity of less intelligent individuals and the shunning of more intelligent ones. Similarly, he notes that women often avoid associating with those who are more beautiful. Schopenhauer concludes that societal structures favor mediocrity, as the intellectually or aesthetically superior are perceived as threats rather than assets.

• Schopenhauer explores why intelligence often leads to derision and social ostracism.
• Intelligent individuals are perceived as superior, causing resentment among those of lower intelligence.
• This resentment is often unconscious, leading to a hidden animosity towards those perceived as intellectually superior.
• The concept of "pathos of distance" describes the emotional gap and resulting bitterness between individuals of differing intelligence levels.

"A man must be still a greenhorn in the ways of the world if he imagines that he can make himself popular in society by exhibiting intelligence and discernment."

• Schopenhauer suggests that showcasing intelligence does not lead to social popularity, as it can incite negative feelings in others.

"With the immense majority of people, such qualities excite hatred and resentment which are rendered all the harder to bear by the fact that people are obliged to suppress even from themselves the real reason for their anger."

• The presence of intelligence can provoke hidden resentment, as individuals are often unaware of the true source of their negative emotions.

"A man feels and perceives that the person with whom he is conversing is intellectually very much his superior."

• Recognition of another's intellectual superiority can lead to feelings of inadequacy and resentment.

"They thereupon secretly and half unconsciously conclude that his interlocutor must form a proportionately low and limited estimate of his abilities."

• Individuals assume that those who are intellectually superior view them as inferior, which fosters bitterness.

• Schopenhauer discusses strategies for gaining social acceptance, emphasizing simplicity and humility.
• Showing intelligence is often perceived as an indirect insult to others' capabilities.
• Adopting a demeanor of simplicity and humility can lead to greater social acceptance and affection.

"And so Gassia is quite right in saying that the only way to win affection from people is to show the most animal-like simplicity of demeanor."

• Simplicity and humility are key to gaining social acceptance, according to Schopenhauer.

"To show your intelligence and discernment is only an indirect way of reproaching other people for being dull and incapable."

• Displaying intelligence can be seen as an affront to others, highlighting their perceived inadequacies.

"In order to be well-liked, the only way is to wear the skin of the simplest of animals."

• Emphasizing a simple and unassuming demeanor is suggested as a means to be liked and accepted socially.

• Schopenhauer makes remarks on the social dynamics among women, particularly focusing on beauty and judgment.
• He suggests that women judge each other based on beauty, implying that these judgments are superficial yet impactful in the social sphere.

"Towards the end, some perhaps controversial remarks about women and beauty and the ways in which women judge each other in a social sphere."

• Schopenhauer touches on the theme of social judgment among women, particularly regarding beauty, which can influence social dynamics.

• These insights reflect broader themes of social perception and judgment, extending beyond intelligence to other attributes such as beauty.

• Schopenhauer discusses the natural inclination of people to feel hostility towards those who are intellectually superior due to envy.
• Intellectual superiority often incites envy because it challenges the vanity of those who perceive themselves as inferior.
• The superior person, due to their self-valuation, may be less prone to envy and less likely to compare themselves with others.

"It is natural for a vulgar man to be violently agitated by the sight of opposition in any form, and in this case, envy comes in as the secret cause of his hostility."

• This quote highlights how envy fuels hostility towards intellectual superiority, as it threatens one's self-image.

"There is nothing of which a man is prouder than of intellectual ability, for it is this that gives him his commanding place in the animal world."

• Intellectual ability is a source of pride because it distinguishes humans in the animal kingdom, making it a sensitive area for envy.

• Insults are used as a means to bring intellectual disputes into the realm of will, where individuals feel they have equal footing.
• Social violence or verbal insults replace reason with a contest of wills, as it offers a chance to assert equality.

"The reason that people turn to insult is because insults bring the dispute into the realm of will where they have at least a fighting chance of being your equal."

• Insults are a strategic shift from intellectual debate to emotional confrontation, leveling the playing field.

• Rank and riches are socially respected, whereas intellectual ability often faces disregard or is viewed as impertinence.
• Society may attempt to humiliate those with intellectual superiority as a form of retaliation.

"Rank and riches may always reckon upon deferential treatment in society; that is something which intellectual ability can never expect."

• This quote underscores the societal bias favoring wealth and status over intellectual prowess.

"If people notice it at all, it is because they regard it as a piece of impertinence or else as something to which its possessor has no legitimate right."

• Intellectual ability is often seen as unearned or presumptuous, unlike wealth or social status.

• Schopenhauer contrasts with John Rawls' view that intellectual gifts are not truly owned by their possessor and are common property.
• Rawls suggests that one is not morally entitled to the benefits of intellectual gifts, as they are not earned.

"The treatment of intellectual gifts as being a thing that doesn't really belong to you... they are in a sense the common property of all mankind."

• This perspective challenges the notion of personal ownership of intellectual talents, framing them as societal assets.

• Even the humblest demeanor cannot prevent society from perceiving intellectual superiority as a crime.
• Intellectual superiority is often met with social resistance regardless of the individual's behavior.

"A man may be as humble as possible in his demeanor and yet hardly ever get people to overlook his crime in standing intellectually above them."

• Humility does not shield one from the social penalties of intellectual superiority, which is often viewed as a transgression.

• The relationship between wise and foolish individuals is characterized by a mutual aversion, with foolish people being more averse to the wise.
• Foolish individuals may feel anger towards wise people, possibly due to an unconscious awareness of their own shortcomings.
• People instinctively seek environments where they feel superior, similar to seeking warmth when cold.

"You should know that foolish people are a hundredfold more averse to meeting the wise than the wise are indisposed for the company of the foolish."

• This quote highlights the natural aversion foolish people have towards the wise, emphasizing the discomfort and anger that may arise from such interactions.

"If you want to enjoy your feeling of superiority, you associate with people who are your intellectual inferiors."

• This statement suggests that people naturally gravitate towards those who make them feel superior, avoiding those who might challenge their self-perception.

• Social acceptance often requires individuals to downplay their superiority in intellect or beauty.
• In social settings, people often seek pretexts to justify their liking for those who are inferior, masking the true reasons behind their preferences.
• Mental superiority can lead to isolation, as it may provoke resentment and hostility from others.

"But this means that he will be disliked on account of his superiority and if a man is to be liked, he must really be inferior in point of intellect."

• This quote explains the social cost of being intellectually superior, suggesting that likability often requires an appearance of inferiority.

"This is why amongst men it is the dull and ignorant and amongst women the ugly who are always popular and in request."

• The quote illustrates how societal preferences often favor those who are perceived as less threatening in terms of intellect or beauty.

• Subrational forces drive social acceptance and harmony, with people often unaware of the deeper psychological motivations behind their social interactions.
• Possessing great ability can lead to pride, making it difficult to flatter those with lesser abilities, which can hinder social advancement.
• Conversely, those with less intellectual power may exhibit humility and affability, making them more socially appealing.

"The possession of a great deal of ability makes a man proud and therefore not apt to flatter those who have very little."

• This quote highlights how intellectual superiority can lead to pride, which may alienate those with lesser abilities, affecting social relations.

"This is why an inferior sort of man has so many people to befriend and encourage him."

• Here, the focus is on how humility and affability, often found in those with lesser abilities, attract social support and friendship.

• Mediocrity tends to be more readily accepted and recognized in society, whereas true merit often struggles for acknowledgment.
• Schopenhauer highlights the societal tendency to favor those who are sociable and affable, often resulting in mediocrity overshadowing merit.
• Individuals with superior intellect may find themselves isolated due to their nature, which is less inclined to flatter and socialize.

"Mediocrity, that very acceptable quality, is always to the fore whilst merit meets with tardy recognition or with none at all."

• Schopenhauer observes that society often rewards mediocrity over true merit, as mediocrity aligns with social norms and expectations.

"People of superior intellect are by their very nature disinclined to flatter people and to be friendly."

• The inherent nature of intellectuals often leads them to isolation, as they are less likely to engage in the social behaviors that promote acceptance and recognition.

• Social institutions are often dominated by mediocrity due to the natural human tendency to associate with others for personal gain.
• Those with lower intellectual abilities tend to be more sociable, as they benefit more from social interactions.
• Genius and superior intellect often lead to social isolation and unpopularity.

"We expect to find all social institutions dominated by mediocrity as this sort of natural fact about human sociability works its way out."

• The dominance of mediocrity in social institutions is a result of the natural human inclination to seek social connections for personal advantage.

"The genius will necessarily be isolated, unpopular, unsociable."

• Individuals with exceptional intellect often face social isolation due to their lack of interest in superficial social interactions and societal norms.

• Beauty in women can lead to social isolation, as other women may shun those who are prettier.
• The contrast in beauty creates a dynamic where women prefer to associate with those perceived as inferior in attractiveness.
• However, beauty combined with social rank can alter this dynamic, as rank provides a reflective social benefit.

"Very pretty girls have no friends of their own sex and they even find it hard to get another girl to keep them company."

• Schopenhauer notes that attractive women often face social exclusion from their peers due to jealousy and competition.

"Rank, unlike personal qualities which work by the force of mere contrast, produces its effect by a process of reflection."

• Social rank can mitigate the isolating effects of beauty, as it offers a reflective social advantage that beauty alone does not provide.

• Schopenhauer offers guidance for individuals of superior moral and intellectual quality on navigating societal dynamics.
• Understanding the interplay between mediocrity, beauty, and social rank can help such individuals position themselves effectively in society.
• The advice emphasizes the importance of recognizing societal tendencies and adapting one's approach accordingly.

"Schopenhauer's continued practical advice about how to conduct yourself in the world, especially if you are a person of moral and intellectual superior quality."

• Schopenhauer provides strategic advice for those with superior qualities, focusing on how to navigate societal structures that favor mediocrity.