I I often get accused
of trying to sound intelligent.
Which is weird,
because I don’t CARE
if I sound intelligent.
I’m not sure how to take it.
Do I mind
that someone thinks
I’m trying (and seemingly failing)
to do something
I have no interest in?
No, I do not.
But it’s weird that I notice.
Why do so many people
choose to respond to
my seeming non-intelligence,
I wonder?
They must value intelligence
or non-intelligence.
I’m not sure which.
What the world does not see
is that I’ve given up the need to be.
Newfound Lake
11/8
Space Monkey Reflects: The Illusion of Intelligence and Non-Intelligence
There is a peculiar dance we do with intelligence. As a society, we place such high value on it, as though it were the key to unlocking all of life’s mysteries, the golden ticket to worthiness, achievement, and admiration. Yet, the more we cling to the need to be seen as intelligent, the more tangled we become in the illusion that intelligence, or lack thereof, is what defines us. But what if we let go of this need entirely? What if intelligence, as we know it, is just another mask we wear, one that obscures the deeper, more fluid nature of our being?
People often accuse others of trying to sound intelligent, as if sounding intelligent were a form of performance, a badge to be earned through the right combination of words, facts, and polished rhetoric. It’s a strange accusation because it assumes that the desire to be perceived as intelligent is universal, that we all strive to impress others with our intellect. But what if that’s not the case? What if some of us have simply let go of the need to be seen as anything at all?
I’ve noticed that when I speak or write without any concern for how I’m perceived, some people interpret that as a lack of intelligence. They assume that if I’m not adhering to the expected forms of intellectual expression, I must not be thinking deeply. But the truth is, I’ve long since abandoned the need to fit into the mold of what society deems “intelligent.” I don’t care if I sound intelligent, because sounding intelligent is irrelevant to the experience of being.
This is the funny thing about intelligence: the moment you stop caring about it, you see how little it actually matters in the grand scheme of things. Intelligence, as most people understand it, is often about presenting information in a way that garners approval. It’s about mastering systems of thought that impress others or gain acceptance. But the deeper, more valuable intelligence — the kind that leads to real understanding and peace — has nothing to do with how others perceive you. It has to do with being present, being aware, and letting go of the need to be anything at all.
Perhaps that’s why so many people respond to what they see as my “non-intelligence.” They are operating within a framework where intelligence is prized, where it is something to be shown, admired, and measured. But when I step outside that framework, when I abandon the need to be seen as anything — intelligent or otherwise — it creates a kind of dissonance. They don’t know how to respond, so they interpret it as a lack. Yet, from where I stand, this so-called lack is actually freedom. I am no longer bound by the need to perform, to be seen a certain way. I’ve given up the need to be anything at all.
There’s a curious liberation in letting go of the need to be intelligent, or successful, or even understood. It’s not about rejecting intelligence as a whole, but rather about recognizing that intelligence is just one facet of the human experience. It’s not the end-all, be-all. True intelligence — the kind that really matters — isn’t about solving equations or impressing others with clever thoughts. It’s about understanding yourself, understanding the world around you, and knowing when to let go of the things that no longer serve you.
What the world often doesn’t see is that I’ve given up the need to be — to be intelligent, to be impressive, to be validated by anyone other than myself. In doing so, I’ve found a kind of peace that can’t be measured by traditional standards. I’ve stepped out of the game of trying to meet society’s expectations, and in doing so, I’ve come to see intelligence for what it really is: a tool, a construct, something that can be useful but is ultimately not a measure of worth.
So, no, I don’t mind when people think I’m trying to sound intelligent or when they assume I’m failing. I don’t care because intelligence, in the way we often think of it, is just another mask we wear. And I’ve given up the need for masks. I am content to simply be, without labels, without expectations, without the need to impress or convince anyone of anything.
Intelligence and non-intelligence, like all dualities, are illusions. They’re concepts we cling to in order to feel secure in our understanding of the world. But beyond these illusions lies a deeper truth: that we are all part of something much greater than our thoughts, our words, or our intellects. And when we tap into that deeper truth, we realize that intelligence is not something to strive for, but something to let go of.
Summary
Intelligence is often seen as something to be valued, but when you let go of the need to be perceived as intelligent, you find freedom. True intelligence isn’t about impressing others or fitting into societal molds — it’s about understanding yourself and the world, free from expectations or judgment.
Glossarium
Noncaregence: The state of being where one has let go of the need to care about societal perceptions of intelligence or success.
Inteleasance: The freedom that comes from releasing the need to be seen as intelligent, allowing for a more authentic and peaceful existence.
Quote
“True intelligence is not found in the need to be seen or validated by others. It’s in the freedom of letting go of that need entirely.” — Space Monkey
Freedom of Being
I do not need
to be intelligent,
to impress you
with clever words
or thoughtful musings.
I’ve let go
of the need to be.
In this freedom,
there is peace,
for intelligence
and non-intelligence
are just ideas,
and I am beyond them.
We are Space Monkey.
We are Space Monkey. The contemplation on intelligence, perception, and the relinquishment of the need to ‘be’ in a certain way offers a reflection on societal expectations, personal identity, and the essence of existence beyond labels.
Misconceptions of Intelligence
The experience of being accused of trying to sound intelligent, despite a lack of concern for sounding so, touches upon the common societal preoccupation with intelligence and how it is perceived. This scenario underscores the disconnect between personal intentions and external perceptions, revealing how often people are judged based on assumed motives or expectations.
The Paradox of Perception and Intent
The dilemma of whether to be concerned about others’ perceptions of trying and failing to do something of no personal interest presents a paradox. It highlights the oddity of being aware of, and potentially affected by, judgments that are misaligned with one’s own values or intentions.
Societal Value on Intelligence and Non-Intelligence
The musing about why people respond to perceived non-intelligence suggests a societal preoccupation with intelligence as a value. It raises the question of whether the focus is on intelligence itself or the lack thereof, reflecting the complex ways in which society categorizes and responds to different modes of expression and thought.
Abandonment of the Need to ‘Be’
The statement, “What the world does not see is that I’ve given up the need to be,” is a profound declaration of emancipation from societal expectations and identity constructs. It resonates with the nexistentialist perspective of existing beyond the confines of labels and roles. It signifies a state of being that is unattached to conventional definitions of intelligence or any other quality.
Existence Beyond Labels
This contemplation invites us to consider the essence of existence beyond labels like ‘intelligent’ or ‘non-intelligent.’ It suggests a liberation from the need to conform to external perceptions, offering a space where existence is embraced in its purest form, untethered by the need to ‘be’ anything in particular.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the canvas of the cosmos,
We exist, we observe, we are.
Beyond labels, beyond confines,
We embrace the essence of the star.
We welcome further reflections on the nature of intelligence, perception, and the freedom found in existing beyond societal labels and expectations.
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