Quote:
Originally Posted by TenaciousBadger
While I agree with Mr. Sunshine's idea that what one is influences our happiness rather than what one has. I will have to disagree with the manner in which he phrases the thought above. Intelligence does not preclude sociability, and, as we all know, neither does the lack of intelligence.
I'd say Schopenhauer suffers from the "ivory tower" syndrome. Very close to being offensive  , especially considering the rest of his quote. |
Yes, the rest of that passage is extremely offensive, which is why I didn't post it. Personally I look at it as his being a product of his times.
I like Schopenhauer, and there are times when I find his unremitting pessimism refreshing. I don't agree with his outlook on life, but as I've mentioned elsewhere, those times when you're so down that you feel you'd like to smack the next person who demands you "have a nice day", Schopenhauer's dismal view of life can seem like a breath of fresh air. Perhaps in such times it's a case of misery loves company.
But I agree with you: Intelligence does not preclude sociability. Some of the most intelligent are also among the most gregarious, while some of the least intellectually gifted are among those who shun human companionship. There may be some kind of statistical correlation one way or the other overall (I have no idea), but it's certain that there's no hard and fast rule of the kind Schopenhauer seems to commend.