- Nikko Scelzo
- Staten Island, NY
- United States
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Is everyone capable of deep intellectual thought?
I have been thinking a lot lately and I have wondered whether or not the average person is capable of the intellectual thoughts of the "geniuses" of our world. Is it possible that the geniuses of our world have just been fortunate enough to connect the dots and that everyone is capable of these thoughts, they just have not had that sort of... self discovery yet.
Phillip McKay
They chopped up Einstein's brain to see if it was any different to the average. And found little difference. For those who are lucky enough to enjoy the space and time and structure for deep intellectual thought that is applied to the data bases and understandings of our world - that is fine. But it has been the loonies that have taught me most about myself. I thank them all for that. I never met Einstein but i am sure he touched the hearts of those around him. Perhaps not. I guess in the end I fell a little uncomfortable with this question. Many people will never reach what you call - self discovery. There lives are filled with challenges far more pressing and important than reaching those dizzying intellectual heights. Genius is a right time, right place phenomenom. But it matters little. I am glad you have been thinking a lot lately and that you have had the time and space to do such . Others perhaps not so fortunate.
Chongjian Wen
Craig Patterson 10+
I would like to ask a question. What evidence in society reflects deep thought? By society I mean all societies the world over. Can anyone point out examples of where 'deep thought' manifests as benefits to society?
Eun A Jo 10+
As long as you're relentlessly challenging yourself to further the "depth" of your knowledge, I believe you're a deserving intellectual and that is regardless of whether the society recognizes or not.
Gisela McKay 30+
Deep thinking requires not only the mental faculty, but also the curiosity and drive to understand.
On the first requirement alone we can say that "no, not everyone is capable."
The question wasn't "is everyone capable of deeper thinking (than they are already doing, or than their cohort)" a relative term, it was about objectively deep thinking.
Frans Kellner 100+
On the following clip up from 5 minutes you can see someone that has more knowledge than anyone but I doubt he has much deep thoughts.
http://youtu.be/8Vs6R5YZQ3c
Colleen Steen 500+
It appears that Kim has lots of information, and cannot connect the information with the thought process? While Daniel can connect some of the information with thoughts?
SOFIA FLEGA
Everett B
Colleen Steen 500+
I agree that everyone is probably capable of deeper thoughts and feelings, and also agree that not everyone taps into the possibilities. It seems, however, that the mindset of society is changing, and perhaps those of us who like to explore on a deeper level ARE the current. It feels like those who do NOT want to explore are swimming against the current at this time. I honestly think that we are at a place and time in the evolutionary process when learning more about ourselves and others is the more prefered practice. I too love the exploration, and would not deny myself the opportunity to experience all that is possible in this human form.
Everett B
Colleen Steen 500+
Jack Jiang
Ann Chovie
I don't think that the "geniuses" of the world happened to be "lucky" enough to have harnessed an advanced part of their cognition that all humans are born with and that most have failed to utilise, rather, that they were simply lucky enough to have been born with the predisposition to be more skilled thinkers to begin with. However, going back to my analogy, although the first student spent more time preparing for the exam, assuming the test is knowledge-based, he has the same chance of succeeding as the other student because he has managed to retain that same amount of information. In that sense, although I believe that genius is innate and not something that anyone can learn or acquire, anyone can achieve the same things that a genius does if they put in the hard work. Thomas Edison said it best: genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.
I also have to agree with some of the previous commenters who said that it also depends on a person's ability to express himself. Synthesising a new idea is one thing, but to articulate that idea in a coherent and succinct manner is a challenge within itself, and is essential to demonstrating that you have the ability to think abstractly in the first place.
Christophe Cop 500+
Depends on your interest and effort.
Intelligence is something that needs training. (Thinking a lot, learning a lot).
If you compare it to physical exercise : Everybody can become athletic, through a lot of effort.
Of course some people have slightly better genes, and they might become the geniuses or top-ranked athletes.
Though everybody can become more capable of deep (deeper) intellectual thought.
- and like in athletics, you can take doping -
Dan Goddard
This opinion does not preclude intelligent people - as many of the people I know who are like this are quite intelligent, but they do not have the patience for introspection nor to spend time to think deeper than how to solve the next challenge with shallow shot-gun blast of suggestions that will possibly hit the mark. We are each born with our own disposition, thought processes, and communication patterns. People born with this disposition are not deep thinkers with respect to the aforementioned assumption of what "deep thought" means here.
Third, "genius" itself is in the eye of the beholder. A genius is not often by him/herself considered a genius. Then by whom is a genius considered a genius? Other geniuses? Are not many "Old Masters" considered genius? Picasso? Beethoven? Mozart? We, the incapable, the non-geniuses, have recognized in others that which we have been unable to acheive or understand. When you consider these geniuses, and how they were masters at their art, and their art was the reflection of their genius, then we have to question whether the argument that genius and deep thought can be bound by culture, language, or articulation. I believe that the deep thoughts of true genius will always be articulated.
--Dan
Dan Goddard
Thanks for the question. This put me into a bit of "deep thought" to determine my point of view, and in my opinion, the answer is - no.
First, I think there is no such thing as an average person. Particularly relative to "genius", we cannot assume that any amount of people would fall into an average category. Average what? ...Intelligence? Education? Income? etc. None of the categories for which we could or would categorize someone to be "average" would have a sufficient merit to exclude a genius from being part of that class.
Second, I believe that not all people are capable of "deep thought" as understood by (as an assumption) most people reading this thread. Why I believe this is because, "deep thought" in this context requires observation, consideration, introspection and time in thought. I have known many people incapable of prolonged introspection - most of the information that flows through their lives, flows in an outward direction, diluted in accuracy and potency by whatever multiple the original input was multiplied by.
Continued...
Connor Greenwood
I believe that I am capable of intellectual thought, despite my age. I am fascinated by (almost) every video I watch, and believe that I comprehend, and analyze many of the theories, ideas, propositions, narratives, ect. much like many of the more mature TED frequenters.
When I show a video to one of my friends that I found very interesting, they usually do not seem to tap into the subject matter as intently as I did initially.
I do not believe that this is a result of my brain working any differently, seeing as I am not an exemplary student, nor do I test higher, have the ability to retain more knowledge, or function any differently then your average teenager. Although I do find it slightly curious that it is very hard for some of my friends to comprehend concepts that I find fairly basic.
I admit that this may be a result of them just not having an opinion about the topic at hand, or weather they do not care enough to devout any thought to the subject what so ever.
I also do not know if this issue is a result of my age, and by no means do I consider myself more mature then other people my age. I just seem to be more interested and engaged in many of the deeper topics discussed nowadays.
Because of this observation, I drew to the conclusion that either some people (my age specifically) have a greater ability to comprehend, analyze, and develop an opinion, then others. Or that some people are just more willing to devote time and effort into understanding the subject at hand, only if they care about the subject at hand.
Colleen Steen 500+
I appreciate your very thoughtful comment. I had a similer experience as a teenager, because I have always been interested in human behavior (mine included), and I enjoyed delving into philosophy, psychology, ancient practices and beliefs, etc.
I also was never an "exemplary student" in the class room. In fact, I was often "escaping" the class room setting, in favor of other ways to learn:>) I've always been puzzled by the fact that people often do not want to explore, what to me, are very basic concepts.
I think/feel that you are wise, to understand that sometimes people don't have an opinion about a topic, they may not care enough to spend time on the subject, they may be afraid to delve deeply because sometimes we don't like what we discover on a deeper level, and some people may have a greater ability to comprehend, analyze, and develop an opinion. For me, it all comes down to curiosity and fascination with being human. I am very interested in this life form, I believe I am on the earth to explore, and I enjoy the process:>)
You seem to be a very insightful young person, and I'm glad to see you joining in the TED conversations:>)
Anthony Loke
Comment deleted
Jom Bunsiri
natasha nikulina 50+
The " current bastardized use of the word, "Genius*" is changing nowadays. Some creative people
have sensed the threat of "being a Genius" and prefer to have a 'genie',
here is the talk , maybe you'll find it interesting
http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
And a question, you said: ".. some of us tap into it/ "Genius"/ naturally .."
Do you mean effortlessly? What is the natural way to make acquaintance with "Genius"
each of us has,but may never get to know?
Bernd Fesel 30+
But what bothers me much more is this questions: what do we do when 99% of our society is on deep thought? The social implications are obvious and would result in the end of our economic system which is built on the difference and elitism of deep thought. all taxi drivers being a steve jobs will not work -
and is it reasonable to strive for this? unity in deep thought might be as boring and dreadful....
Jom Bunsiri
John Locke
Bernd Fesel 30+
Jom Bunsiri
Jom Bunsiri
In addition, you before you try to solve some problems, be clear about what you do and just make a framework for your problem solving.
Borrah Campbell
If you raised Stephen Hawking & Hank Hill in an average middle class home. Stephen Hawking would still be a genius & Hank would still be an average guy.
There's a very clear difference between someone who is highly intelligent & someone who is not. It's on a genetic level. Environment plays a huge role, but the difference is real and observable.
Seth Powell 10+
It sounds like you are equating 'reason' with 'highly intelligent.' Do I understand this correctly?
"It is not taught."
It actually is taught in many high schools and universities across the country under the name of 'Logic' and you learn about the different fallacies and how to construct a reasonable argument.
"You can't teach a horse philosophy"
What are your thoughts on Plato's argument of pre-fabricated knowledge - the idea that philosophy is not a series of realizations but a series of memories - as it relates to your claim? It seems to me that you would subscribe to it, but it does have a lot of baggage.
"If you raised. . .Stephen Hawking would still be a genius & Hank would still be an average guy"
"Environment plays a huge role. .."
Clarification needed - What exactly is it that you believe? That intelligence 'is not taught' or that 'environment plays a huge role'?
SEP
Borrah Campbell
You are correct, logic IS taught... but only to a certain degree.
My last point isn't very complicated. I'm simply stating that your environment will boost or hinder your ability to learn, but your genetics plays lesser, yet stark role.
Some people are born that can learn a bit faster than average. Every so often a child is born that can learn much much faster than average.
For example...
Meet Moshe Kai Cavalin:
http://www.nowpublic.com/strange/moshe-kai-cavallin-11-year-old-graduates-east-la-college
He's 11, has graduated from college, and is taking a break to study martial arts... and "Einsteins Theory of General Relativity" in order to mathematically prove the existence of wormholes.
Now sure... you could probably take any random kid & put them in a program that would allow them to finish college early, but I doubt that everyone has the same level of ability as Moshe... I just find it hard to believe.
John Locke
"Everyone has the oppurtunity to be as great as they wish"
Jacob Miller 10+
I think "intellectual genius" is when someone takes a current idea and builds upon it in a unique way . There have been plenty of times here at TED where I have read a comment and thought ." Wow, that was a genius insight." :) And in all likelyhood it was. :) So,yes I would say everyone is capable of deep thoughts. It's just that some people are better at expressing them.
Nicholas Lukowiak 50+
Jacob Miller 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
To me, "depth" simply means another level of exploration, learning, understanding, ...as you say Nicholas...different paths/processes/methods to achieve another degree, level or depth of understanding.
You probably know this already, and I'll remind you:>) People tend to get to a certain level of understanding, are comfortable with what s/he "knows" and they stop exploring. It's a "human affliction" because we want to "know".
In my humble perception, Nikko seems to be suggesting that we ALL have the ability to go further with the exploration?
In my perception, you both (Nicholas and Jacob) ARE exploring deeper levels of understanding, and sometimes, when one is doing that and understanding the pleasure derived from that practice, it's difficult to understand why EVERYONE would not do it!!!
Nicholas Lukowiak 50+
I said degrees/levels of "depth". What is depth?
"Words have no intrinsic meaning" Is a phrase that destroys my thinking so often. Language very fuzzily equals culture. Although we will agree on what "depth" could be, it isn't fair to even consider it partially universally without considering everyone's languages, cultures, and life styles.
Latin-languages in the 18th to 19th century used the phrase "memento mori". It means "remember thy mortality" When the phrase should be used is during a moment in where you realize your morality. WE do not have words, phrases, and considerations like that in mass cultures, for those who use English. Why? Are we not more publicly intelligent than our ancestors? I would argue not percentage-wise.
Yeah, I have explored "deep" levels of philosophy, but I was lucky enough to be given the chance to explore. East African kids, not going to be as lucky. But, they most certainly do have the brain to do so.
It is not hard to understand why some don't think "deep". It is because some can't, won't, and/or do not have the means to do so. Without an education that prides openness, broadness, and ambiguity then you are a social slave to some culture or language somewhere on this planet.
Some can't because they have to worry about living constantly. Some do not want to because as you say they feel comfortable with their knowings. Some can, but are not challenged to do so, or their environment does not inspire the challenge to do so.
We all do have the same means to explore further because we are all built the same. SOME are better and can do it quicker, but all can get their by their individualistic method/path if that is where the positive emotions of that individual leads.
If someone's happiness does not take the steps towards "awareness, wisdom, intellectualism, enlightenment etc." as my "God" is, their happiness is no greater nor poorer than mine because we are both following the idea of "God" the idea of "knowing".
Colleen Steen 500+
I agree with most of what you've written. I do not agree that location (East African kids) or lack of education necessarily prevents deep thinking. I've witnessed some very deep thinkers in rural, isolated areas of the world, where formal education is lacking.
Everett B
Robert Galway 20+
The amount of training to achieve the organization of thoughts required to have the laser like focus or powers of observations of a genius may not be present in everyone.
I subscribe to the belief of multiple intelligences as discussed by the provided wiki. The capability of genius like behaviors in one or more of these types of intelligences is a more complex question that just intellectual capacity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences
Denomyar 01
I say this because it seems that that geniuses of the past accorded with two principle patterns:
1. They had the ability to observe and then postulate a very simple and valid explanation for a thing that was already thought to be explained by the populace. Eg. Galileo's proving of the heliocentric solar system.
2. They had the courage and tenacity to postulate it despite their knowing that ridicule and criticism would come relentlessly from those 'most knowing' of the day. Eg. Galileo again.
And since the act of observation and the ability to form simple explanations are available to all and are not dependent on the educational level one has achieved, it follows that genius could come from anyone and from any level in society. Indeed a multi-facetted 'education' might actually get in the way. So from there on, one only need call on one's inner courage and tenacity to see a simple idea through.
Frans Kellner 100+
I started out in life to believe that it was only natural that everyone would understand the same. If someone didn't, I thought that some information was missing.
This turned out to be totally different as I found out the hard way. Most people had a lot more of emotional awareness than I had, so I started to keep my mouth and learn from them.
Jacob Miller 10+
Neither a lofty degree of intelligence or creativity or both together go to the making of genius
Love,love,love-that is the soul of geinuis.
Mozart
Craig Patterson 10+
When money is the measure we seem to destroy our ecosystems for short term profit. Is that the result of deep thought?
The linear path of logic and deduction leads to control and domination and data. A sustainable path understands the circular nature of reality and is based in reverence. Deep thought should understand the differences and know where each leads.
If integrative, holistic, life cycle cost and impact analysis was truly deep, I can't imagine we would be in the situation we find ourselves today. We would know better with deeper thinking.
Nikko Scelzo
Frans Kellner 100+
Thinking is a tool to provide the heart for a way to reach its desires.
To know we have to listen to that inner feeling/voice.
Ed Schulte 50+
just for the fun of it .....after reading your response to Craig ( the one in which he offered to diferentiate "intellect/ intelligence and "wisdom"
could you please give your take on this Rumi quote
Think of who created thought.
Why do you stay in prison
when the doors are so wide open?
This would help to se your prespective and statement ". my idea is that everyone is and everyone does do these things... .........that is the difference in being enlightened in my personal opinion shedding light upon the subconscious. "
Nikko Scelzo
"Think of who created thought, why do you stay in prison when the doors are so wide open?"
I interpret this as a statement that basically promotes insight... it encourages people to think for themselves. when it says think of who created thought, the first thing that came to my mind was myself...because you create thought for yourself... nobody else can teach you to think much like nobody can teach you anything...they can merely shed light upon or nudge you in the proper direction... you must teach yourself... through your experiences...also i believe that this quote as a whole is explaining a lot of what I had been thinking about when I first posted this question... and really captures it well.... if we are all capable of inner-thought ... learning from within ourselves...then why do we allow for such a societal influence without questioning it? I do not believe that being influenced by society is necessarily a bad thing it is the fact that most of the time we do so without even questioning why we are doing the things we do... i think that if people had a better understanding of the things they do it would allow us as a society to become more collective and work together to make the world a better place... but we must clearly be able to communicate... without misinterpretation of our intentions... which I think is where the big problem is...clarity... i have noticed that many conflicts throughout life have been due to lack of clarity...
Ed Schulte 50+
own conviction(s) wrt "clarity" within communication
and wrt " i think that if people had a better understanding of the things they do it would allow us as a society to become more collective and work together to make the world a better place.."
I would concur with that but add ...if this doesn't occur ....that is acceptable too because as the ancients and also the Sufi such as Rumi point out ...."There is nothing you know now that would not change when you know more" and also "none of us has gone far" too Key pointers handy for maintaining that "open door" Rumi spoke about.
I will leave it there Thanks again for your clear follow up ...well ....why not place another context pointer here ....this from Dr D. R Hawkins ....this one is a constant evolving model of consciousness of consciousness ( of which thinking/thought plays but a very small part) for me.
"Ego thinks, field consciousness knows, Self is"
Frans Kellner 100+
By thinking you divide, deduce, you discriminate and analyze until you shatter the world to pieces.
Then you organize and regulate, adjust and tune until the world is an archive to define and quarrel about.
It is the sphere we every moment agree on and recreate.
It wouldn’t be so bad if we saw all that as language, a way to speak about things but that it isn't the world at all.
The world has no boundaries other than we make.
Ed Schulte 50+
Thinking is the double edged sword is it not. Yes on one side it both prison and prison guard and on the other ....the applier of the flow of Insight and creativity. Putting it into a context with with "thinking " may then contribute to the Understanding of OF the nature and structure of consciousness ...
Thinking resides in the lower realm of conscious, the "dual" realm (yes yet another "word" and must be continually monitored or it will become "self serving" . Intuition emanates from the higher realm ...the Non-dual..."sphere" does not know itself therefore not prone to servin itself.
Thinking is both the highest blessing of manifest creation and at the same time ...its worst curse.
Colleen Steen 500+
I believe everyone IS capable of deep intellectual thoughts, and our programming as humans sometimes interferes with the exploration that all of us may be able to participate in. It's difficult to say what is "average" is it not? We are all different...on a different life path...pursuing different interests.
While volunteering with the dept. of corrections for years, dealing with convicted felons, for example, I discovered that they are very intelligent and street smart. However, because of certain programming, they have directed their intelligence in a way that is not productive, beneficial or safe for society.
Thinking beyond any programming we have been given, is a choice, and I think/feel that with encouragement and support, many people are capable of moving beyond the information s/he has been given.
Nikko Scelzo
Colleen Steen 500+
I believe we are very much like computers in that we can be "programmed" to believe certian things. We are influenced by parents, families, societies, etc., to accept the "common belief", and if we do not accept what is acceptable within our "society", then we are shunned. I'm presenting this as a general belief, and do not personally care if I am "shunned" because of my beliefs or not.:>)
I agree that programming sometimes happens in our subconscious, and I agree that to move past it, we must first come to the realization that it exists within us...shed light upon it, and learn what it is about for us as individuals . We can only know what is " truth" for us when we have evaluated all the information. If we listen to, and accept other people's words as truth, then our exploration stops, and we may prevent ourselves from discovering our own truth. From my experience with offenders who are incarcerated Nikko, I agree that they are people who do not properly weigh the decisiions they make. I agree...decisions are made by analyzing the possible outcomes...weighing the various aspects and outcomes of the decisions. If we are limited by the information we have, we cannot make informed decisions. If we are stuck in a certain belief system, we will probably stay in that belief system that has become "safe" for us because we know what to expect...even if the outcome is not that beneficial.
Yes....yes...yes....it's beneficial to consider all variables in any situation...and before we can consider various possibilities, we need to believe that there ARE various possibilities. People get "stuck" in their own programming, and limit the possibilities, thereby limiting him/herself.
Nikko Scelzo
Nikko Scelzo
Success is a very complicated word and in a sense can vary vastly from person to person. Though I believe a general definition could be to complete a challenge with a desired outcome. The reason for such variation is due to the fact that your desired outcome in most cases is completely subjective and depends on your feeling of contentment. Like one’s opinion, there are many variables that could effect an individual’s success. When looking at success in terms of life, I would see life as the challenge that one must complete. The tricky part is deciding what your desired outcome is and the route you willtake to get there. Individual’s cannot really determine another’s level of success in these terms since everyone needs something different to be successful, very much like people need different things in order to be happy. Happiness and success can be related but it is not always the case that they are directly dependent.
When determining your level of success there are two main points that must be evaluated, benefit and opportunity cost. Benefit comes from what you have gained from the decisions you have made and opportunity cost is what you gave up when making that same decision. If in the end your benefits out-weigh your opportunity cost then you are indeed a successful person.
When pursuing success there are specific skills and principles that are necessary. Clarity is the most important because you must figure out what it is exactly that you wish to be successful in, what your life goal is. Dedication and drive are among the largest factors that will determine your success because they set the opportunity cost; these principles greatly display what you are willing to give in order to achieve success. This concept of giving in order to succeed also tied into your self-control and open-mindedness. Self-control is an important skill when achieving success, the more predictable and controlled variables you have in a situation
Nikko Scelzo
Through the principle of new experiences being directly related to knowledge and success then it is obvious that the more you move out of your “comfort zone” the more you are able to learn. When your goal in life may be success you should always realize that it is the everyday decisions that determine whether you arrive there. This shows that success cannot be determined by your end destination, but it is more about the journey or the route it took to get there.
Jom Bunsiri
Colleen Steen 500+
I think/feel that safety is one big reason people do not move beyond what they think they "know". "Knowing", or believing we "know" what our position is on various topics, sometimes offers a sense of confidence and self esteem...yes? Some people have difficulty saying "I don't know". I believe "not knowing" to be the strongest and most powerful place to "be" in ourselves, because it is unlimited! Once we "know", or think we "know" the exploration usually stops, and then we limit ourselves.
Like you say Nikko...to move out of our comfort zone may offer some wonderful experiences, but we never "know" unless we take the risk to "not know". It's a cycle that keeps people in a place of fear, and doesn't really serve any useful purpose, in my humble opinion:>)
Re: Success in Life
I agree with everything you have written, and to me, it is a pleasure and joy to evaluate each step in life and ask myself the question "why"? That, to me, is being mindful and aware of how I impact the world, and how the world impacts me and those around me. I LOVE the exploration, and could never understand why some people do not enjoy the process. It is the ONLY way we can achieve a deeper level of thoughts and feelings. It is the ONLY way we can be clear with ourselves, and when we are clear with ourselves, we are more clear with everyone else. We are like mirrors to each other, reflecting back and forth all the time.
An open mind and heart is ALWAYS beneficial in any situation. I agree...all life experiences offer the opportunity to learn, grow, evolve, and move to a deeper level of thinking and feeling:>)
Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...it is about learning to dance in the rain.
James Turner 10+
What is a genius? MENSA measures genius with facts, math, and a few other measures, Great play writes are called geniuses, Kenny G the musician is called a genius, We have a student in 8th grade that is a math genius and taking college calculus etc. Could a football player be considered a genius on the field, how about a TED comment writer that has 10,000 TED creds would that person be a genius and have intellectual thoughts? I think every person has intellectual thoughts all the time when they are thinking beyond survival instinct and the level of most Television commercials. All of us are geniuses some are recognized like the old time Nobel prize winners and some are not. Who's to say your next door neighbor who cares for yards is not an intellectual thinker? Certainly not I. Maybe, what has been said by Howard Gardner comes closer to the truth that we are all geniuses in a particular area.
Peace to all
Nikko Scelzo