High IQ and Narcissism: Fact or Fiction?

Quincy:

Lao Tzu—man, there’s just so much to unpack there. It’s one of those names that carries a certain weight, isn't it? You start reading his stuff and it hits you—it's not just ancient philosophy, it's almost like a roadmap for staying sane in a world that never stops moving. I was sitting in a coffee shop in Seattle the other day, just watching people rush around like they were running out of time, and I couldn't help but think about the concept of "Wu Wei." It's easy to say "go with the flow," but actually living it? That's the hard part. It's about effortless action—doing what needs to be done without fighting against the current of life. It sounds simple, almost too simple, but when you really dig into it, it's incredibly profound. Just something to chew on today. kaže: I’m honestly floored by that comment... look, you clearly don't know much about art—it wouldn't hurt to at least learn a few names of the geniuses who actually shaped history. Of course, just because someone can't paint doesn't mean they aren't smart—obviously—but most intelligent people usually have some kind of field where they actually put that brainpower to use.👍

It’s not just that he has zero clue about art—he clearly doesn't have a single grasp on psychology, either.

Lawrence Wells said:Man, whoever sang that song about being rich and carefree... hey, he can sing whatever he wants!😁 Anyway, total tangent!

Back when he was performing those kinds of songs, he and his band were just playing local garage shows for a couple of beers. 😁

Someone mentioned this earlier, but I have to disagree with the idea that a high IQ is what isolates people or creates a sense of alienation. It is actually different interests, differing worldviews, and varying life priorities that cause that disconnect, none of which are strictly tied to intelligence levels. Besides, individuals with exceptionally high IQ scores are just as rare as those with profound intellectual disabilities; most people simply fall within the average range.

Lawrence Wells said:So... what exactly was the poet trying to get at here???😁

That everything will eventually be covered by rosemary, snow, and ash.😉

Thomas Martinez67 said:That everything will eventually be covered by rosemary, snow, and ash.😉

Man, what kind of fairy tales am I reading here?😬

William Gonzalez3 said:🙄 🙄
'I have a high IQ, and I don't have any flaws; I'm just incredibly smart and perfect, but I'm not narcissistic.'

So, I guess we have a textbook example here of someone who—supposedly—is highly intelligent, yet instead of avoiding narcissism, they've fallen right into its center.
It almost seems like there might be some truth to the idea that highly intelligent people tend to lean toward being a narcis.

Your conclusion is rather shabby.😎
Everyone believes they are smart enough, or even smarter than those around them.
(Have you ever actually heard anyone complain about being too smart? Usually, it is just people fishing for compliments to prove they aren't.😁)
Only narcissists make such a point of stating it,(much like the person being quoted here,😉)
while the rest of us are too shallow or self-absorbed to see through it.

restlessridge36 said:Your conclusion is rather shabby.😎
Everyone believes they are smart enough, or even smarter than those around them.
(Have you ever actually heard anyone complain about being too smart? Usually, it is just people fishing for compliments to prove they aren't.😁)
Only narcissists make such a point of stating it,(much like the person being quoted here,😉)
while the rest of us are too shallow or self-absorbed to see through it.

It is often said that God was at His most equitable when distributing intellect—everyone assumes they received a perfectly sufficient, if not generous, portion. 😉

Don't you dare start this thread!!
🙂

Quincy:

Lao Tze... now there’s a name that carries some serious weight, isn't it? I was sitting here—probably overthinking things again, which is my specialty, I suppose—just ruminating on the sheer simplicity of his philosophy compared to the absolute chaos we deal with in modern American life. It’s funny, really. We spend our entire lives running around like headless chickens, chasing every shiny object from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, thinking if we just push harder, we'll finally "arrive" at some state of perfection. But Lao Tze? He’s basically telling us to take a breath and stop fighting the current. It’s about that concept of *wu wei*—effortless action. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting we all just sit on a porch in rural Montana and let life pass us by without a second thought—that would be lazy, and I have far too much nervous energy for that—but there is something to be said for moving *with* the world rather than constantly slamming our heads against it. We try to force outcomes, we try to micromanage the universe, and then we wonder why we're so stressed out. Maybe, just maybe, if we leaned into the flow a little more, things wouldn't feel like such an uphill battle every single day. I guess I'm just saying... it's worth considering. Just a thought. kaže: I am honestly just appalled by that statement... I mean, seriously, you clearly have absolutely no grasp of what actual art is. It wouldn't hurt—not even a little bit—to actually familiarize yourself with at least a handful of the major names who have left an undeniable mark of genius throughout history. Now, don't get me wrong—I’m not suggesting that someone who can't paint is suddenly lacking in brainpower—but I do think most intelligent people tend to have some sort of specific field where they actually choose to apply their intellect.👍

I have to say, I’m honestly just... stunned by how absolutely appalled you are. I mean, really—your level of outrage is something else entirely. 😉

I honestly can't remember much about history—I mean, really remember—but there is this one guy who sticks in my mind... and I think his name was something like those little snack balls you get at the movies? Or maybe it was one of those round candies? I don't know, my memory is a bit shot today, but that's the only one I can actually recall.
Mozart... or something like that.

He is truly the quintessential example of a talented idiot—if such a paradoxical thing can even exist, which I suppose it can.

The radio station actually plays some incredible music—truly top-tier stuff—and I mean, he really had a solid, steady gig there... you know, one of those permanent positions that just stays put indefinitely. It’s a shame, really. 😛 At the court of Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Collored in Salzburg—well, I suppose if we were looking at a similar setup here in the States, you might imagine something akin to the high-stakes political circles in D.C.—it was quite the scene.

No, see—this guy was supposedly "brilliant," right? That’s what everyone said. But he just walks away from his career, decides he’s going to be some starving, free-spirited artist, and honestly? That lifestyle absolutely wrecked him. It cost him everything—we're talking total financial ruin, complete physical exhaustion, and then, well, he ended up dead at only thirty-six. I guess that's what happens when you trade stability for "artistic freedom."

I mean, honestly—this kind of thing just doesn't happen to an intelligent person. It’s almost impossible. I guess you could argue that anyone can have a lapse in judgment, but let's be real here—there's a certain level of mental acuity where you simply don't fall for this sort of nonsense. It's just... it's fundamentally incompatible with a sharp mind. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but I really can't see how someone with even a modicum of sense would find themselves in such a ridiculous situation. It's just not happening.

Here’s how I see the scenario playing out:
A kid with a high IQ- in a totally average environment quickly gets convinced that "something is wrong with them."
But since they don't actually know what that "something" is, they just use their brains to blend in.
Then one day—maybe even when they're all grown up—they realize the reason people were
looking at them weirdly was actually because of that intelligence, and suddenly, they're stuck in a dilemma.
They have no clue what to even do with all that brainpower.
Growing up among average folks taught them to hide it, so they still do (mostly because showing off just draws contempt),
but they can't find anyone else like them because everyone else is hiding too.
The second someone steps up and shows they're smart—or even *just* smart—
people assume they've lost their minds, like they're "putting their shame on display" in public.
All this might be why an organization meant to bring these people together (like Mensa)
can't really get off the ground.
So, if the need to be around people who actually get you
is considered narcissism, then I guess high IQ- folks are just naturally leaning into being narcissists.

Keith Lee2 said:Here’s how I see the scenario playing out:
A kid with a high IQ- in a totally average environment quickly gets convinced that "something is wrong with them."
But since they don't actually know what that "something" is, they just use their brains to blend in.
Then one day—maybe even when they're all grown up—they realize the reason people were
looking at them weirdly was actually because of that intelligence, and suddenly, they're stuck in a dilemma.
They have no clue what to even do with all that brainpower.
Growing up among average folks taught them to hide it, so they still do (mostly because showing off just draws contempt),
but they can't find anyone else like them because everyone else is hiding too.
The second someone steps up and shows they're smart—or even *just* smart—
people assume they've lost their minds, like they're "putting their shame on display" in public.
All this might be why an organization meant to bring these people together (like Mensa)
can't really get off the ground.
So, if the need to be around people who actually get you
is considered narcissism, then I guess high IQ- folks are just naturally leaning into being narcissists.

Are you referring to pure genius or just a specific type of giftedness? In that case, a person truly stands out because they are fundamentally different. Most people possess average intelligence and talents, so someone solving complex math problems at age three or composing pieces for a major symphony orchestra is clearly distinct. However, that doesn't mean such an individual must be socially isolated. That depends entirely on their personality and how their parents handle their giftedness. But such individuals are rare...
Most people with a high IQ- are limited in their talents and abilities just like anyone else. They may excel in certain areas, but they don't necessarily clash with their environment. It seems to me that society actually encourages competition in various fields, and parents generally support their children's education, provided the family dynamic is healthy. Intelligence is always an advantage. Parents take pride in having "smart kids," even when they aren't particularly brilliant. 😬

As soon as someone presents themselves as merely intelligent,
they are treated as if they are crazy, because they are essentially "putting their shame on display."

What kind of "merely intelligent" person deserves contempt? What traits would they have? Should we expect universal social respect just because we inherited a certain capacity for logic that we can now express with a number? Intelligence serves no purpose if it isn't applied. And applied intelligence is quite visible, and I certainly don't believe anyone would call it "shameful."

hiddentrucker16 said:Quincy:

neonmarlin56 As specified by brighteagle39: It is simply because the fools surrounding you—those who insist on whispering their nonsense in your ear—have successfully convinced you that you are lacking in intellect.🙂

Let’s be honest—we aren't going to lie to ourselves this time...🙂 It has been officially established—with scientific certainty, no less—that I am quite simply lacking in the intelligence department. It’s a verified fact... and frankly, science itself is starting to become a source of significant frustration for me. Okay?

Well, hey, you're still alive and kicking, right? So why even worry about it? You're gonna end up in the ground eventually whether you're a genius or a total airhead.😎

And look, if you were sitting there hoping someone would jump on you and enjoy making fun of your "lack of intellect," I can't really help you out with that—but maybe you should just start a whole new thread, something like:
"I'm a complete dummy, so please, just mess with my head." Because honestly, what else is there to say?😕

Honestly, looking at the world, narcissistic types—if they aren't totally over the top—are usually just spoiled brats who grew up being told they were special. They end up staring at their own reflections thinking they’re some kind of divine gift sent to save humanity.

Of course, they think they’re top-tier in every single category. Sometimes they remind me of those old-school "know-it-alls" back in the day—you know the type, always acting like they've got a PhD in everything. Most of what they say is pure fiction, even if they try to act like it's fact. They love throwing around the term IQ to sound smart, clinging to it like a lifeline, but let's be real—their actual life skills are non-existent.

I actually ran into this guy recently who couldn't even pronounce basic words correctly—he was tripping over his own tongue! When I started laughing (and trust me, I couldn't help it, haha), he gets all serious with me. He goes, "Listen, you should realize that since my parents had me later in life, kids like me are born with massive brains and we can't even say R......................."😬 😬 😬

mistybison said:Are you referring to pure genius or just a specific type of giftedness? In that case, a person truly stands out because they are fundamentally different. Most people possess average intelligence and talents, so someone solving complex math problems at age three or composing pieces for a major symphony orchestra is clearly distinct. However, that doesn't mean such an individual must be socially isolated. That depends entirely on their personality and how their parents handle their giftedness. But such individuals are rare...
Most people with a high IQ- are limited in their talents and abilities just like anyone else. They may excel in certain areas, but they don't necessarily clash with their environment. It seems to me that society actually encourages competition in various fields, and parents generally support their children's education, provided the family dynamic is healthy. Intelligence is always an advantage. Parents take pride in having "smart kids," even when they aren't particularly brilliant. 😬

As soon as someone presents themselves as merely intelligent,
they are treated as if they are crazy, because they are essentially "putting their shame on display."

What kind of "merely intelligent" person deserves contempt? What traits would they have? Should we expect universal social respect just because we inherited a certain capacity for logic that we can now express with a number? Intelligence serves no purpose if it isn't applied. And applied intelligence is quite visible, and I certainly don't believe anyone would call it "shameful."

mistybison said:This test is total garbage. I got a 156—which is just straight-up impossible—so yeah... there's no way my IQ is actually that high. No way—not even in my wildest dreams..

Honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing when someone's clearly smart—like, really bright—but just chooses not to use it.
So, if she's "just" smart—but doesn't actually put that brainpower to use—then she's basically...
Worth checking out (if you ask most people).

So, here I am—basically trying to kill off parts of myself just because some people think it'll make me... better? Or whatever.
Man, people will really toss you aside just because you hang out in the same circles—it's wild.😬

Keith Lee2 said:Honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing when someone's clearly smart—like, really bright—but just chooses not to use it.
So, if she's "just" smart—but doesn't actually put that brainpower to use—then she's basically...
Worth checking out (if you ask most people).

So, here I am—basically trying to kill off parts of myself just because some people think it'll make me... better? Or whatever.
Man, people will really toss you aside just because you hang out in the same circles—it's wild.😬

Intelligence manifests in many different ways beyond just wealth or material success. Furthermore, a high IQ offers no guarantees in life. I once watched a program featuring members of Mensa, including one individual ranked among the top five highest IQ scores globally. He explained clearly that intelligence is merely potential—you can utilize it, but you aren't obligated to. Additionally, an IQ score only measures logical intelligence, which doesn't ensure success in anything outside of solving logical puzzles. It is much like having a talent. You might have a brilliant ear for music, but if you never practice or perform, no one will ever know you are gifted, nor will they despise you for it. If you don't exercise your intellect, no one will even realize you are intelligent, so there won't be any disdain to deal with. 😬

There are those who stubbornly suppress certain traits because they fear their environment will reject
them for it.😬

On the contrary, they are simply demonstrating a specific trait by realistically assessing their own capabilities. 🙂 😬

mistybison said:Intelligence manifests in many different ways beyond just wealth or material success. Furthermore, a high IQ offers no guarantees in life. I once watched a program featuring members of Mensa, including one individual ranked among the top five highest IQ scores globally. He explained clearly that intelligence is merely potential—you can utilize it, but you aren't obligated to. Additionally, an IQ score only measures logical intelligence, which doesn't ensure success in anything outside of solving logical puzzles. It is much like having a talent. You might have a brilliant ear for music, but if you never practice or perform, no one will ever know you are gifted, nor will they despise you for it. If you don't exercise your intellect, no one will even realize you are intelligent, so there won't be any disdain to deal with. 😬

There are those who stubbornly suppress certain traits because they fear their environment will reject
them for it.😬

On the contrary, they are simply demonstrating a specific trait by realistically assessing their own capabilities. 🙂 😬

Fine, whatever you say😉

Keith Lee2 said:Fine, whatever you say😉

Let’s not derail this thread any further, or we might just get wiped out by the Mad Scientist. 🙂

Keith Lee2 said:Here’s how I see the scenario playing out:
A kid with a high IQ- in a totally average environment quickly gets convinced that "something is wrong with them."
But since they don't actually know what that "something" is, they just use their brains to blend in.
Then one day—maybe even when they're all grown up—they realize the reason people were
looking at them weirdly was actually because of that intelligence, and suddenly, they're stuck in a dilemma.
They have no clue what to even do with all that brainpower.
Growing up among average folks taught them to hide it, so they still do (mostly because showing off just draws contempt),
but they can't find anyone else like them because everyone else is hiding too.
The second someone steps up and shows they're smart—or even *just* smart—
people assume they've lost their minds, like they're "putting their shame on display" in public.
All this might be why an organization meant to bring these people together (like Mensa)
can't really get off the ground.
So, if the need to be around people who actually get you
is considered narcissism, then I guess high IQ- folks are just naturally leaning into being narcissists.

Is there anything more fascinating than the intersection of deep cognitive science and the raw, unbridled energy of modern art? I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately thinking about "neuromantics"—that strange, beautiful space where our neural pathways meet our deepest romantic impulses. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Are we truly in love, or is it just a highly sophisticated chemical dance orchestrated by our biology? I was reading this incredible piece on how dopamine spikes during the initial stages of attraction, and it really puts things into perspective. It’s almost like our brains are being hijacked by a very specific set of biological instructions. But then again, isn't that what makes it so special? If it were all just predictable math and chemistry, would the feeling be quite as profound? Or perhaps the magic lies exactly in that tension between the predictable biology and the unpredictable heart. It reminds me of those old discussions we used to have about how much of our personality is hardwired versus learned. Does our brain's architecture dictate who we fall for, or do we carve out new paths through sheer willpower and experience? It’s a massive question, I know, but sometimes you just have to let your mind wander down those rabbit holes. What do you all think? Is romance an evolutionary trick, or is there something more... transcendent happening in those synapses? 🙂
Is it just me, or does Mensa struggle with its own internal mechanics? It feels like the organization often trips over its own feet, mostly because it seems to be working against itself. Why does that happen? It’s almost as if the inner workings aren't quite aligned, leading to a bit of self-sabotage from within.
Check out this blog over at It’s a little corner of the internet dedicated to all things high intelligence and mental agility! Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the minds of those who qualify for Mensa? This site offers some pretty interesting perspectives on that whole world. It's worth a look if you enjoy pondering the complexities of the human brain!

I definitely see myself in this: I’ve got all the hallmarks of someone with a high IQ. A little bit narcissistic, people thought I was "off" or just different from everyone else when I was a kid, and yeah... I tend to struggle with depression sometimes.😬

Honestly, there is absolutely no payoff for being intelligent. Smart people just end up getting screwed over by life every single time.
Being ignorant and blissfully happy? Now that is the ultimate winning combination.🙏

Man, it’s honestly such a relief to be blissfully ignorant!😁 😁 😁