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I spent years thinking this was hell and people were actively trying to fuck with me because I could not understand peoples ability to be ignorant... it literal
by seph-reed 6y ago
I spent years thinking this was hell and people were actively trying to fuck with me because I could not understand peoples ability to be ignorant... it literally was not possible in mind to be so oblivious.
I've since realized that "herd mentality" is a totally functional survival mechanism, and as long as you don't think logically the other parts of the brain have no problem accepting that culture isn't just some made up game of pretend, or that popularity is a reasonable judgement of correctness.
I've met many another unique thinker who couldn't understand how so many people could be so blind to things right in front of their face. And it drives them a little bit crazy too.
- HPsquared 6y agoPeople mostly get by on heuristics.
- robocat 6y agoVery smart people use “heuristics”. They will do something, tell you it was obvious, not be able to rationally explain why they are right, and turn out to be 100% correct. It is a pattern I have seen in some very smart people I know that appear illogical on their surface.
- astrange 6y ago"Not being ignorant" requires studying a lot, which might be caused by relative inability to go out and play sports, or a condition like hyperlexia, or ADHD-type hyperfocus on refreshing HN. Plus it's not always beneficial. For instance people like to heavily research before they vote in major elections but it's not like that's worth the effort.
- robocat 6y agoIt is also very intelligent to understand that “logical” thinking is not an optimal solution for many needs. Seriously: watch for smart “illogical” people and be prepared to have your mind blown by just how smart some people are at something you are likely subpar at (your comment fits a stereotype of mine).