On a similar vein, I recently listened to a story that argued intelligence in 2012 and beyond is not about possessing a wealth of knowledge. Years ago, acquisition was the most important part of being 'smart' because information was more limited and access was also limited (or restricted). But now that information is expanding exponentially, the real mark of intelligence is the ability to sort and organize that information. Everyone has access to Google, Wikipedia, and tons of other sources of data. So the necessity to know things is not as important as the necessity to find and organize things.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Are we getting dumber?
On a similar vein, I recently listened to a story that argued intelligence in 2012 and beyond is not about possessing a wealth of knowledge. Years ago, acquisition was the most important part of being 'smart' because information was more limited and access was also limited (or restricted). But now that information is expanding exponentially, the real mark of intelligence is the ability to sort and organize that information. Everyone has access to Google, Wikipedia, and tons of other sources of data. So the necessity to know things is not as important as the necessity to find and organize things.
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Interesting thoughts Von Pluma. It is incredible the wealth of information at our finger tips in day and age. It wasn't but 15 years ago that finding information on a specific topic meant grabbing an encyclopedia, making a trip to the library, or asking an expert in the field. Nowadays if we need to find something on any topic matter we simply go to google, or even ask our devices a direct question e.g. How tall is Michael Vick? As you mentioned this wealth of info is at everyone's disposal. Heck most people even consult WebMD before going to an actual doctor to diagnose symptoms. Whether we retain this knowledge or not may not be important any longer. To further your point, knowledge may no longer equal power. So with that being said, how do we become powerful? Perhaps it still lies in "Who you know, not what you know". We can not underestimate the power of our social network. Take for example a recent college graduate who comes from a middle class family. Isn't it much more lightly that that person has someone in his/her network, or their families network, that may be in a position to help them find a job, or gain a glowing reference at the bare minimum? On the flip side we see the young college grad from a working class family (who may be the first to graduate college in their family) struggle to make meaning connections with persons in power, who may be in a position to help them get a foot on the ladder. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but by enlarge I think we can agree that class structure plays a big role in an individuals chances at success. Experiences, and people we are exposed to throughout our life make us who we are. If I see my brother or sister striving for success, or witnessed my parents enjoy successful careers, isn't that much more lightly to make me want to emulate them. The fear of slipping down a class level is a tremendous motivator in life. It certainly trumps the ambition to move up a class structure.
Time for an end-of - work day comment on some very interesting thoughts on knowledge (to be succinct).
"I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots".
Both your comments LL and VP seem to pay homage to the adage that we are a product of our environment. I don't disagree. But i disagree with much of the analogy Crabtree uses. Most people today are blessed with social supports that minimize the arbitrary life n death situations for an individual. Slava Bogu! But more interesting is the correlation between intellegence and wealth and their offspring, power, you raise.
I stand by winning beach proverb that seems to fit the bill for this conversation: It's not how much you know but rather how you think that is really important. The time spent today by people chasing information on gadgets in a world with fixed # of hrs to explore and learn "Who Am I" worries me. I don't believe knowledge is a prerequisite for power. The beach bully lives on; good looks still opens doors; cash is still king; who you know is more important as what you know; white still trumps black..for all the wrong reasons; the smartest people still work for somebody who makes more $$; and fear will continue to be the the cause of strife in an individual and the world's conflicts. Pogo said it best; I have met the enemy and it is I. In conclusion; I don't believe our cozy lifestyles are dumbing us down. Rather i believe technology is making us feel superior and contributing to worldwide arrogance that is held over less fortunate individuals. Which, it could be argues, makes many people act really stupid. I believe power is held in the grip of each person.
Oh, the original quote....that was said by Albert Einstein. Right on?
So we can all agree that power is a combination of the following: money, intelligence, good looks, the circumference or span of ones cock, luck and circumstance. Phew! Glad we cleared that up. I think as a group we have an abundance of all of the above! Go Forth with thou powerful codpieces in hand.
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