There's A Reason Americans Pass By Homeless People In The Street Without A Second Glance

[chervilant]

106. Thank you so much

for JUST the response I hoped to see!

First of all, I was being flippant about 'measurable' (not in the least because we ALL learn in different ways and at different paces, but we LEARN nevertheless).

Second, I was specifically thinking of the apropos old homily: "Ignorance is bliss" (thanks for the quote), which is just another way of saying that anti-intellectualism will always have a niche market among those who feel intimidated by 'measurable' IQ.

Furthermore, those of us who are outliers on the 'intelligence' bell curve tend to face ostracism--if we're 'too smart,' our intellects are perceived as egoism. If we're 'too dumb,' we're 'special.'

Finally, sadly, (despite my sincere efforts to mirror my interviewer's language and mannerisms) my intellect has become a handy excuse for asserting that I am "over-qualified" and "likely to move to a better job," making it a waste of time for anyone to train me. Thus, a gift of the ability to learn rapidly, and retain information, is yet another negative strike against me, especially to the conservatives among my friends and family.