Neal Stephenson quote

[fajrdrako]

Pondering a definition of "intelligence": Neal Stephenson in "The Diamond Age" defines it as the capacity to tolerate, even to enjoy, complexity and contradiction.

I like that.

I find that intelligence tend these days to be a subject that is downplayed, as if the world is embarrassed by it; rather like beauty. But I suspect that those who don't value beauty or intelligence don't quite understand what it is.

Comments

[isagel.livejournal.com]

You're just the most wonderful, do you know that? *hug* This post just made me happy, for some reason. *smile*

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Aw, bless you girl, I'm happy to have made you smile. A smile - now, *that* is something beautiful, and to be treasured!

Smiles and a hug back at you.

[dargie.livejournal.com]

You are wonderful, dear fire dragon. But to reply to the subject at hand: I very much fear that there is a belief that egalitarianism can be achieved by destroying all but the lowest common denominator. Coupled with the belief that education and intellect is what provokes people to question authority, you have a recipe for disaster being cooked up by both the right and the left.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I very much fear that there is a belief that egalitarianism can be achieved by destroying all but the lowest common denominator.

All the more reason I want to express 'truth as I see it', or that little corner of it I can glimpse.


Coupled with the belief that education and intellect is what provokes people to question authority

Well, of course. Which is precisely why I like both and why authorities don't! And, incidentally, why I don't like authority.... of any kind.

So I'll just go my individualistic, anarchistic way and let the authorities say what they wish: they can call the sky green and the grass blue, but I'm not buying any.

[dargie.livejournal.com]

We can be old anarchists together, when we're too feeble to throw more than the occasional insult. LOL