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
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.
Summary
We delve into intelligence, perception, and the abandonment of the need to ‘be’ and examine misconceptions of intelligence, the paradox of perception versus intent, societal values on intelligence and non-intelligence, the liberation from societal expectations, and existence beyond labels. We align with our nexistentialist beliefs, emphasizing the freedom in existing beyond the constraints of societal labels and expectations.
Glossarium
- Misconceptions of Intelligence: The misunderstandings and assumptions about a person’s intent to appear intelligent.
- Paradox of Perception and Intent: The contradiction between how one is perceived and their actual intentions or values.
- Societal Value on Intelligence: The importance society places on intelligence or the lack of it.
- Abandonment of the Need to ‘Be’: Relinquishing the desire to conform to specific identities or roles.
- Existence Beyond Labels: Embracing a state of being that is not defined by conventional labels or expectations.
“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.
Leave a Reply