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I am fascinated by the underlying concept of this article, that society is evolving to support a shared awareness or a certain augmented intelligence of the ind
by pie 17y ago
I am fascinated by the underlying concept of this article, that society is evolving to support a shared awareness or a certain augmented intelligence of the individual. Just look at how much has shifted in society regarding specific knowledge vs. a more general intuition or analytical ability.
I'm somewhat annoyed by the depiction of stimulants as intelligence enhancing pharmaceuticals. These drugs certainly do affect behavior (and as such they obviously play into that old "99% perspiration" maxim). However, I would argue that stimulants (specifically powerful drugs like modafinil and ADD medications) usually cripple intuition and creativity.
To me, these aspects of mental agility are significant components of intelligence. Intensely focusing on an extended stretch of work seldom yields optimal results (aside from those truly inspired "in the zone" moments). Years of experience/experimentation would indicate that I need sleep, breaks, and a balanced mind to produce anything even resembling my best work.
Has anyone here actually felt MORE intelligent while taking modafinil or ADD medication (or to a lesser extent, even coffee)? I'm very curious to hear what you have to say.
- CoreyLoose 17y agoOnce a month or so during college I'd devote a day to taking an ADD medication and working all day. I feel that I did more, and better, work under the influence. I would start working on a Sunday morning at 8AM and besides a lunch break I wouldn't take stop until 10PM or so. I was working on an art major as well as doing some web development on the side at the time, and for these sessions I feel I was working at or above my normal creative and intellectual output for the majority of the time. Besides a stamina boost for the day I also feel there is a similar effect to the Balmer Peak. (http://xkcd.com/323/ http://xkcd.com/323/) I would be much more confident then my average self, and because of it try (and sometimes accomplish) things that I would normally shrug off as out of my league.