Propose a way to cut down the unintelligent population of the planet

[Azure-Supernova]

Why doesn't everywhere just pull funding from something say... oh...state benefits and then re-route it to the education system. Make it easier for people of different abilities to learn. For instance, I was in most of my classes with four good friends, and despite all of us being similar in personality, we all learned differently.

Instead of trying to teach a class as one collective entity, take the time with each child.

It's not the people's fault for being stupid, it's the ignorant fucks who call themselves teachers. And specifically those ignorant fucks who think all kids can learn the same way and picks up on the kid who doesn't get your method of teaching. If you're a teacher and you give a damn about your students, I applaud you.

 

[Korolev]

There is nothing wrong with being unintelligent, and what you define as "unintelligent" matters a great deal when it comes to solving your "problem".

Are you talking about raw intellectual power? If so, then you're no better than Hitler. To deprive or give human rights based on how many computations you can perform in your head or how good you are at understanding scientific/mathematical/artistic concepts is barbaric. And evil. And a few other words.

Now you might be sitting there feeling very smug with yourself, thinking "well, it's OBVIOUS that I AM very intelligent" - but compared to whom? Unless you're Terence Tao, there are undoubtedly smarter people than YOU. How would you feel if someone smarter than you decided that YOU were a "lesser" person, hm? Not a nice thought is it?

I have a university degree in Biotech and I'm half way through getting my Master's degree (this time in microbiology), before moving on to my PhD. I study genetics, immunology and I perform yeast-cell assays involving the use of the Tetracycline on/off system. Can you match that? Many can, but can you? How would you like it if I decided that I was superior to YOU, just because I have a piece of paper?

I am not superior to any good citizen out there. My knowledge and intellectual skill was cultivated by my parents. Yes, some people are born with more intelligence than others. But everyone has different skill sets. Most can contribute. And those that can't due to NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, deserve our support.

If you plan on having a society in which the "unintelligent" are weeded out, consider that some might not find you as intelligent as they are and try to weed YOU OUT. To support this sort of thing is evil, immoral and down-right DANGEROUS to you and anyone else you know.

But perhaps you aren't talking about intellectual ability - maybe you're just talking about normal people who disagree with you. In that case, they are not unintelligent. They might be ignorant, stubborn or even a little insane. And they might even be RIGHT.

I am an atheist. This was due to the fact that I was raised in many countries, in a multi-ethnic society by parents who never talked about religion. But I know many who are religious. And you know what? Many of them are intelligent, decent, hardworking people. Some are members of my family. And I love them.

It is true that there is a SLIGHT GENERAL TENDENCY towards atheism by those who are more educated or intelligent. This is, however, a TREND, not a RULE, and a very slight trend at that. Some very smart people believe in their religion, simply because they were raised to believe in it - it's an emotional issue, and they can't analyze it rationally due to the emotional and personal pain it could cause. That doesn't make them stupid.

Are you talking about political opponents? People who don't believe as you do? Well, maybe they are ignorant, or maybe (shocker here) YOU are wrong and THEY are right! Ever thought of that genius?

Are you talking about nasty people like Pat Robertson and co? Or Bin Laden? Or the gangs and drug dealers? In that case, your question is flawed - it should be about getting rid of "unintelligent people", but getting rid of "bad" people.

 

[UncleAsriel]

As we have all known for quite some time, the world is overrun by idiots, religious zealots, and lunatic politicians, most belonging to more than one group at a time.

So, how do we cut down the population of the less-than-adequately intelligent people?

These could be anything from better education to the classic "Kill with fire" method.

For a little added fun, how would you determine who is or is not intelligent in the world today?

Remember, intelligence is not something that is easily determined, and killing a large population has major ramifications that you may not consider immediately.

Ensure massive public education initiatives to help encourage people to not be ignorant and fixed in narrow mindsets?

Actively try to understand people in your personal life who are different than you, rather than brushing them off as idiots?

Acknowledge that intelligence is not the same thing as rationality, social agreeableness and moral behaviour?

 

[SextusMaximus]

Shouldn't we try to educate stupid people instead of killing them?

EDIT: My ingenious Flow chart doesn't work...

The simple answer is: it's easier to kill them.

 

[Singularly Datarific]

We say: We will send a neutron bomb into your major cities, do not panic, just don't tell the dumb people. You may return safely after the bomb detonates in 48 hours.

 

[Wildrow12]

"Cut down the unintelligent population"?

Intelligence is a multifaceted thing and numerous models exist within Psychology to define it For today, I will using Gardner's Theory.

There is interpersonal intelligence (being able to interact with others effectively, the feelings of those around you, and empathy towards the needs of others).

There is intrapersonal intelligence (understanding yourself, you emotions, and generally having self-control/discipline).

...and so on and so forth. In total, Gardner suggested seven different kinds of intelligence.

The problem: which do we judge people by (or rather, which one can we say "the lack of this kind of intelligence is problematic for the world at large")?

For example: Acts of violence throughout history reveal that a lack of interpersonal intelligence (again, empathy and understanding about others) can be quite dangerous. After all, it is far easier to take a life when you lack an understanding of the value of a human life, or the sum total of a life's loves, memories, successes, failures, and hopes.

This is not to say that a person with high interpersonal intelligence is necessarily a saint, but you will find that the more violent individuals in any given society have deficits in their interpersonal intelligence (at least in regards to their empathy).

But (in keeping with my example) if we were to judge people by this interpersonal intelligence alone than I am sorry to say that many of the people (assuming that the anonymity of the internet allows them to reveal their true personality) who post on this very forum (and the internet in general) might find themselves labeled as "undesirables".

Trolls, flamers, people who coldly suggest death for those who do not fit their ideology, those who hand wave away human tragedy, etc. Such things may reflect limited interpersonal intelligence.

But how to solve this problem?


Community service. I recommend working with the homeless (really helps to give you an understanding of human suffering and the changes that a single act of compassion can accomplish).



OR


We can go with what Gardner and many other theorists have suggested and realize that labeling someone "Intelligent" or "Unintelligent" is rather pointless, because we all have areas where we excel and areas where we have weaknesses. Only by embracing these differences, and understanding that they are all necessary for the continuing progress and growth of our species can we truly make a better, brighter tomorrow.

 

[lacktheknack]

FOR THE LAST TIME, RELIGION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH INTELLIGENCE.

Anyway, since tons of money is being wasted anyway (largely on idiots), I vote that we send triple the tax money to a forced education system.

That would be pleasant.

 

[G.nie]

Take the safety lables off everything.

 

[lacktheknack]

Shouldn't we try to educate stupid people instead of killing them?

EDIT: My ingenious Flow chart doesn't work...

The simple answer is: it's easier to kill them.

Hypocrisy! Your avatar is Mr. Bean!

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

FOR THE LAST TIME, RELIGION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH INTELLIGENCE.

Anyway, since tons of money is being wasted anyway (largely on idiots), I vote that we send triple the tax money to a forced education system.

That would be pleasant.

Oy, I never said religious people were idiots, I'm talking about lunatics who justify their actions with religion, having no other justification to do so.

 

[Lukeje]

Blow up the Earth? That'll get rid of every unintelligent person.

 

[SextusMaximus]

Shouldn't we try to educate stupid people instead of killing them?

EDIT: My ingenious Flow chart doesn't work...

The simple answer is: it's easier to kill them.

Hypocrisy! Your avatar is Mr. Bean!

He hides a lot of dark secrets. Concealed in his teddy, is a switch blade!

 

[Wildrow12]

Shouldn't we try to educate stupid people instead of killing them?

EDIT: My ingenious Flow chart doesn't work...

The simple answer is: it's easier to kill them.

Hypocrisy! Your avatar is Mr. Bean!

Mr. Bean sees you when you're sleeping....MR BEAN SEES YOU IN YOUR NIGHTMARES.

 

[coldshadow]

a genophage

 

[rynocerator]

For a little added fun, how would you determine who is or is not intelligent in the world today?

You can't. Intelligence is not an easy thing to measure. Many people excel in certain areas of study, but fail others. The skills you would associate with intelligence could mean nothing to another person. You probably think your smart, but I guarantee someone's definition of intelligence disagrees. For example, I think it's stupid to classify people based on intelligence, and even dumber to try and kill people because of it. What you are suggesting is not an intelligent idea, at least to me.

And I don't think we should ever kill somebody because of intelligence, You don't have to be a genius to contribute to society. Whether you like it or not, the people you brand as unintelligent are probably still serving society in some way.

Or ask them something about politics, like if socialism is bad or good

Someone's opinion on socialism is subjective. Besides, you're suggesting that a person is only intelligent if they care about politics.

Its Easy... Eugenics. Stupid people or people with genetic deficiencies aren't allowed to make offspring. Its like forced evolution.

Yes because genetics automatically determines how smart someone will be. It has nothing to do with the quality of their education or their living conditions.


Also, how come the OP didn't even answer his own question? It's his goddamn thread.

I couldn't agree more. I thought this was called The Escapist, not The Elitest. There seems to be a lot of people on this site who think they're vastly superior to most of the world's population. I can guarantee you that everyone else on the face of this planet is better at something than you or me.

 

[DominicxD]

Make everyone smart.

 

[AlexWinter]

We will just have to wait for Japan to finish building their robot army and take over the world.

Our robot overlords will know what to do. And frankly, I welcome them.