3 ms·

I hold a position that very successful people can't be really dumb, you might not like their character, they might do stupid things from time to time but overal

by 2rsf 6y ago

I hold a position that very successful people can't be really dumb, you might not like their character, they might do stupid things from time to time but overall you need to be really intelligent to be highly successful in life.

Daho0n 6y ago
I believe this too but oh boy does Trump often put me on the spot.
Blikkentrekker 6y ago
I hold a position that many a newborn infant is already successful and that even many self-made men have done so in a field that does not require high intelligence. I'm fairly certain that being a high-paid world class figure skater does not require high intelligence.
- 2rsf 6y ago
  You have a point, you need to be intelligent and have good characters- stamina, devotion, punctuality etc. A figure skater might not be intelligent in the common sense, she wouldn't know a lot about world economics or physics, but I think she would definitely be life smart.
  - Blikkentrekker 6y ago
    > You have a point, you need to be intelligent and have good characters- stamina, devotion, punctuality etc. Not even that in many cases. Some men are famous for being famous that have none of that but were at the right place at the right time. > A figure skater might not be intelligent in the common sense, she wouldn't know a lot about world economics or physics, but I think she would definitely be life smart. Or perhaps simply have fine motor control, balance and generally high aptitude for figure skating? And I do think you underestimate how often success is either the product of being born into it, or a simple fluke as it so often is with celebrities. Jennifer Lawrence apparently never even followed any acting lessons but entirely coïncidentally discovered that he had quite the talent for acting and fame, and the monetary benefits thereof, came entirely as a fluke.
screye 6y ago
100% not true in many non-meritocratic societies. In India, the highly successful people tend to simply be children of the industry's market leader. Because nepotism is so blatant, you can easily pinpoint people like Arjun Kapoor and Rahul Gandhi who so clearly betray your claim. I believe the same is true of the American Mega-rich. They have simply gotten a lot better at hiding it. Use donations and legacy backdoors to get degrees. Be promoted to the 'board of directors' and claim credit for any growth the company sees, even if you're not involved in an active capacity. Be a varsity player in obscure sport with no competition, benchwarmer or not. Promote 'initiatives' that help <insert group that needs help>. They know how to build resumes. In India, there is no pretense. These folks know how to socialize with the mega-rich and curry favor with them. But spend that long with anyone and even a dog would learn how to get treats. Then there are memes. Those who kept their bitcoins in 2012 despite not knowing what they were and those who decided to invest big in drug development right before 2020. If you were banking on a massive 'once in a lifetime' event to propel you to overnight success without any real insights, then it is practically like participating in a lottery. Memes by definition, did not get successful due to their intellect.

by 2rsf 6y ago

Daho0n 6y ago

I believe this too but oh boy does Trump often put me on the spot.

Blikkentrekker 6y ago

I hold a position that many a newborn infant is already successful and that even many self-made men have done so in a field that does not require high intelligence. I'm fairly certain that being a high-paid world class figure skater does not require high intelligence.

2rsf 6y ago
You have a point, you need to be intelligent and have good characters- stamina, devotion, punctuality etc. A figure skater might not be intelligent in the common sense, she wouldn't know a lot about world economics or physics, but I think she would definitely be life smart.
- Blikkentrekker 6y ago
  > You have a point, you need to be intelligent and have good characters- stamina, devotion, punctuality etc. Not even that in many cases. Some men are famous for being famous that have none of that but were at the right place at the right time. > A figure skater might not be intelligent in the common sense, she wouldn't know a lot about world economics or physics, but I think she would definitely be life smart. Or perhaps simply have fine motor control, balance and generally high aptitude for figure skating? And I do think you underestimate how often success is either the product of being born into it, or a simple fluke as it so often is with celebrities. Jennifer Lawrence apparently never even followed any acting lessons but entirely coïncidentally discovered that he had quite the talent for acting and fame, and the monetary benefits thereof, came entirely as a fluke.

screye 6y ago

100% not true in many non-meritocratic societies. In India, the highly successful people tend to simply be children of the industry's market leader. Because nepotism is so blatant, you can easily pinpoint people like Arjun Kapoor and Rahul Gandhi who so clearly betray your claim. I believe the same is true of the American Mega-rich. They have simply gotten a lot better at hiding it. Use donations and legacy backdoors to get degrees. Be promoted to the 'board of directors' and claim credit for any growth the company sees, even if you're not involved in an active capacity. Be a varsity player in obscure sport with no competition, benchwarmer or not. Promote 'initiatives' that help <insert group that needs help>. They know how to build resumes. In India, there is no pretense. These folks know how to socialize with the mega-rich and curry favor with them. But spend that long with anyone and even a dog would learn how to get treats. Then there are memes. Those who kept their bitcoins in 2012 despite not knowing what they were and those who decided to invest big in drug development right before 2020. If you were banking on a massive 'once in a lifetime' event to propel you to overnight success without any real insights, then it is practically like participating in a lottery. Memes by definition, did not get successful due to their intellect.