Bad News For Aspies.

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As we all know, intelligence is NOT a one-dimensional attribute. However, humans often use a heuristic to determine intelligence, since we're not able to effectively juggle multiple variables in our head (see: Footnote 1). Most NTs use the same heuristic for intelligence, which is bad news for aspies because it is particularly bad for us: it's theory of mind.

When NTs talk about who is 'smart', they are not talking about who has the most raw mental computational ability. They are generally referring to who has the best understanding of the theory of mind. Who can jump deepest down the rabbit hole of levels? What kind of guy is Mr. X? What is Mr. X thinking about me? What does Mr. X believe I think about him? What does Mr. X believe what I think he thinks about me? Etc. If you can win this game, you can GET PEOPLE TO DO WHAT YOU WANT.

DO NOT REJECT THIS AS UNIMPORTANT. It is very important understand other people; they exert enormous control over your life. They decide if you will get a raise, if you will get to slide by on that ticket, if you will be accepted to X, if you get sex. By learning to play the NT's game you will be happier, even if the game makes no sense to you. Rejecting the NT world is a doomed coping mechanism; yet I see it again and again on these boards. It makes me cringe every time.

Footnote 1: See the episode of Radiolab, "Choice." (http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/episodes/2008/11/14).

Practical intelligence is base. I have no interest in what the unwashed masses value; they exist to be the raw material for the great, and the oppressors of the wretched.

You should be interested in what the unwashed masses value, since it's very likely one of the "unwashed masses" will end up being your boss, or your lover. Learning how to deal with NTs is only practical, even if it's not what seems perfect and right to us.

viska wrote:

Yes I agree. You must always try to understand other people.



Yes that is one way; but there is more than one way to skin a cat and as out of the box thinkers you may be amazed as to what some of us can come up with as not only playing the game but winning it in our own way.

Please elaborate; I am intrigued.