I have pondered these questions for a long time and I have a theory on the answers but would like to hear other opinions. Why would an intelligent person smoke cigarettes? Why would an intelligent person drink alcohol? Why would an intelligent person eat until they are 50 to 60 pounds over weight? Why would an intelligent person not brush their teeth?
Taste, people act irrationally even if they know something intellectually, emotional drives, pick one.
Boredom. I dropped out of high school because drinking and smoking was way more entertaining. School was boring a hell. There was no challenge and information was passed as "memorize this" rather than "this is how it works". My friends and I still drink and smoke to this day, some more or less than others. Anyway gotta have some fun in your life. Same reason I ride a motorcycle. As interesting as software engineering is it lacks the thrill I got when I was an Army Infantryman.
because they lack other coping mechanisms needed to deal with the realities of daily life... and then it becomes an addiction they can't break... (although the teeth brushing one is a left field addition to this, lets chalk all these up to depression, if you're including all these together and not separate)
I heard on Fox Sports Radio the other morning that Nat King Cole smoked 100 cigarettes a day and he was an intelligent man. There are a considerable amount of intelligent people who smoke cigarettes. But one point to remember is there are some people who live a long time who smoke, so, not everyone is going to get cancer who smokes. An intelligent person will drink alcohol with moderation. There are some intelligent people who are overweight but food is their happiness. They live for food, A person who does not brush his/her teeth is not intelligent.
I think if a person does all of these things they may have a huge psychological problem. But they could still be a genius in some way. Almost everyone does one or two of those things.
People are people. Not everyone is as perfect as you. Or as perfect as you claim to be on the internet anyway
What is it that you consider intelligent? Is this intelligence that of man? Was a certificate handed to you, that said you are intelligent? For that matter, why would any intelligent person sin, or go against the word of God. Which can be summed up in the 10 commandments. Mr. Einstein smoked the pipe.
1. Intelligent people have smoked cigarettes for years...centuries. Self abuse does not correlate to intelligence 2. ditto. Alcohol & tobacco provide an altered state of consciousness.. mildly so, which appeals to human beings, apparently. Intelligence is not a factor. Both smart & stupid people drink. 3. Fatties sometimes just like to eat, others have disorders, some is genetic. It is not tied to intelligence. Self control & self love are not indicators of intelligence. 4. Some people like plackers, have no teeth, or have bad teeth genetically. Plenty of stupid people brush a lot, as well as intelligent people. That is more a matter of upbringing & personal hygiene, not intelligence. There are many smart people who stink & have bad personal habits, as well as lots of stupid people who bathe regularly. Intelligence is not the issue in these factors, but personal choice & upbringing.
I read the OP and did not get the sense that the poster had a superiority complex. It's an honest inquiry. If people need an escape mechanism, my general feeling is that they can't be all that smart. As for Einstein, he failed math; he was no genius. He had good people behind him to help make his dreams come true.
Nope. http://www.todayifoundout.com/index...nstein-did-not-fail-at-mathematics-in-school/ You realize you're IN your escape mechanism RIGHT NOW right?
Well I drink alcohol because I enjoy the relaxed feeling it brings. Yes I am fully aware that it isn't healthy to get hammered but as far as I'm concerned I'm going to live my life and be happy instead of walking around on eggshells hoping that I die at age 100 of old age. You can ask this same question about people who have dangerous hobbies like skydiving or rock climbing. Why would any intelligent person do such a thing as "fun" that carries such risk? Why do people race cars or go skiing or things like that? Skiing down a hill going 30+mph and one trip up and you run a very good risk of breaking your neck. I'd much rather simply be happy during my life rather than doing any and everything in my power to ensure I live as long as possible. I've met people like that and more power to them but I won't do it. I would much rather live 60 or 70 happy years and live 100 boring years.
i am not saying that i have but is there not a difference between wisdom and intelligence ? - - - Updated - - - is that not the use of intelligence ? Or can anyone have wisdom ?
To answer the bolded question.... Drinking alcohol is a social release. After a week of hard work and/or high stress, it's good to be able to relax with a cold brew. I love beer, wine, and some liquors. In small amounts, drinking isn't a bad thing. It's only bad if you overindulge and/or become addicted.
Healthspan is more important than lifespan. That being said, if you never drink or smoke, that can certainly improve your healthspan, but temperance is inconsequential without also having a healthy diet and proper exercise. If you eat well and exercise regularly, you can drink a fair amount and still be fine. Smoking tends to degenerate your health faster than drinking, but even that can be ok in small amounts.
Intelligence only means you understand why those things are bad. Whether you do them or not depends on whether you care.