Stop Having Sex With People Who Don’t Read Books: The Decline of Intelligence in Modern Society
In a world overwhelmed by the blinding glitz of social media influencers and the pursuit of wealth, one might be tempted to ask: Where has our thirst for knowledge gone? How did we find ourselves entrapped in a cycle of superficiality, mistaking wealth for wisdom, and abandoning the age-old quest for intellectualism?
The Misunderstood Geniuses of History
Throughout the annals of history countless intellectual giants have walked among us their brilliance often overshadowed by their lack of material wealth. Vincent van Gogh, the post-impressionist painter, is an exemplary figure in this regard. Despite producing over 2,100 artworks van Gogh only sold a handful during his lifetime. His evocative pieces now worth millions were not a reflection of his financial status but were a testament to his unparalleled genius.
Similarly the enigmatic poet Emily Dickinson, largely unrecognized in her time, penned nearly 1,800 poems. A recluse, her profound writings were mostly published posthumously revealing a depth of understanding of human nature and existence that was unparalleled. Neither Dickinson nor van Gogh saw significant financial success, but their intellectual and artistic contributions to humanity are immeasurable.
Such examples serve as poignant reminders that wealth is not always an indicator of one’s intellectual or creative prowess. In fact it often runs counter to it. Many great minds faced adversity, rejection, and financial hardships, but their legacies have endured, proving that true genius often lies beyond the confines of material success.
Wealth vs. Wisdom in the Digital Age
The digital revolution while bringing about unprecedented connectivity and opportunities, has also inadvertently created an arena where superficiality often reigns supreme. With the advent of social media platforms, a new kind of celebrity emerged: the influencer. Their reach, often spanning millions, is undeniable, but the metrics of their success are predominantly based on likes, shares, and followers, rather than the depth or breadth of their knowledge.
This phenomenon has led to a dangerous assumption in modern society: that popularity equates to expertise, and that wealth, especially when flaunted on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, is synonymous with intelligence. But are these metrics truly reflective of one’s cognitive abilities or understanding of the world?
To put it bluntly the ability to capture the perfect selfie or amass a following based on aesthetic appeal doesn’t necessarily correlate with a deep understanding of philosophy, science, or the arts. The viral nature of social media often prioritizes content that is easily digestible and shareable, rather than that which requires reflection or critical thought.
The very nature of these platforms with their emphasis on brief snappy content often discourages deep dives into complex topics. The result? A society increasingly content with surface-level knowledge mistaking virality for validity.
The wealth amassed by some influencers is impressive. Yet it’s essential to remember that this wealth is often a result of marketing prowess, brand collaborations, and an ability to tap into current trends rather than an indicator of raw intelligence or a deep understanding of complex subjects.
The Nuances of Wealth Accumulation
Wealth, particularly when it reaches the billions is a multifaceted outcome shaped by numerous factors many of which exist outside of an individual’s inherent intelligence. Intelligence is merely one component in the vast machinery of wealth accumulation.
Consider the tech moguls of our age. Bill Gates undoubtedly possesses a sharp intellect. Yet his ascent to wealth can also be attributed to the dawn of the personal computing era. Gates and his team astutely recognized the potential of software and its commercial applications positioning Microsoft at the forefront of a technological revolution. Their pivotal licensing deal with IBM, which laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of MS-DOS and later Windows, was as much about seizing a timely opportunity as it was about innovative software development.
While Gates’ intelligence and foresight played crucial roles his immense wealth also reflects the era’s zeitgeist, the opportunities he capitalized on, and the resources at his disposal. His journey from a garage in Albuquerque to helming one of the world’s most influential tech companies wasn’t solely the product of his cognitive prowess but also the culmination of numerous external factors aligning in his favor.
It’s also worth noting that wealth can sometimes be acquired through means that may not always align with ethical or moral standards. Market manipulation, labor exploitation, or leveraging monopolistic tendencies have been pathways to immense wealth for some. In such scenarios the amassed wealth reflects opportunism and a willingness to navigate gray ethical areas more than sheer intelligence or innovation.
It’s imperative to acknowledge that countless individuals, brimming with intelligence, insights, and revolutionary ideas, never find themselves in situations conducive to significant wealth accumulation. For every celebrated billionaire, myriad unsung geniuses remain obscured due to lack of opportunity, resources, or the whims of fate.
Championing Intellectualism in an Age of Superficiality
The provocative notion of “stop having sex with people who don’t read books” is less about dictating personal choices and more about emphasizing the value of intellectualism. At its core this statement underscores the importance of forming connections — whether romantic, platonic, or professional — with individuals who cherish the pursuit of knowledge and the joys of critical thinking.
Why is this so crucial, especially now? As society becomes increasingly inundated with bite-sized information and the dopamine-driven feedback loops of social media, there’s a risk of depth becoming a casualty. Deep reflective thought is often sidelined in favor of quick reactionary responses. The allure of a catchy headline or a sensational tweet can overshadow the nuanced narratives of books, academic journals, or thoughtful essays.
By championing intellectualism and choosing to surround ourselves with those who value it, we are making a collective statement about what we prioritize. It’s a conscious decision to foster a culture where depth is celebrated, where questions are encouraged, and where the quest for knowledge is seen as an enduring and attractive quality.
Engaging with well-read individuals often leads to richer conversations, more informed perspectives, and a broader understanding of the world. Such interactions can challenge our beliefs, refine our viewpoints, and stimulate personal growth. They remind us of the joy of discovery, the thrill of understanding a complex concept, and the satisfaction of a well-articulated argument.
It’s not just about reading books but about valuing the intellectual rigor they represent. It’s about seeking knowledge, being curious, and continuously learning. In a world teetering on the brink of an “Idiocracy” it’s an urgent call to rekindle our collective love for wisdom.
Rekindling Our Quest for Wisdom
Information is abundant but often lacks depth there exists a profound need to recalibrate our values. While wealth, influence, and virality have their places in modern society they must not eclipse the timeless virtues of wisdom, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
The true wealth of a society is not measured by its gold reserves or the net worth of its wealthiest citizens. Instead, it lies in the collective intelligence of its people their capacity for empathy, their ability to discern truth from falsehood, and their unwavering commitment to personal and societal growth.
The call to prioritize connections with those who read, who question, and who embark on lifelong learning journeys is not just a personal recommendation but a societal one. It’s a clarion call to future generations signaling the importance of depth in an age of increasing superficiality.
Let’s remember the legacies of the great thinkers and innovators of the past many of whom left behind wisdom far more valuable than material wealth. Let’s champion intellectualism, celebrate the seekers of knowledge, and ensure that the pursuit of wisdom remains a cornerstone of our global civilization.
Note: This article is meant to be thought-provoking and may not reflect the views of all readers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual pursuits in an age of increasing superficiality.
Rayshaun “Chu” Smith
CEO & Founder, Rayshaun Smith Enterprises
Author-Breaking the Code: Thriving as Black
Individuals in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
X @RSEChuOfficial