Which would you choose?

[Progo35]

A while ago we were having a discussion in philosophy class and the question of whether or not we would prefer to be a smart, mean person or a mentally disabled nice person came up. I was surprised when the other three people in the class all said that they would prefer to be the mean, smart person.

I was particularly surprised by this because this is a Christian college where spirituality is particularly important. Personally, if I had my choice, I would much rather be the mentally handicapped but innocent person than the mean person who was highly intelligent but lacked concern for others. My main reason for this is my idea of what it means to stand before God as a human being. Spiritually, a person with a mental handicap who doesn't always understand what's going on around him or her is much better off than a person who has incredible insight into other people's motivations, science and world events but is selfish and cruel.


What do you guys think?

[andrewlittle]

A while ago we were having a discussion in philosophy class and the question of whether or not we would prefer to be a smart, mean person or a mentally disabled nice person came up. I was surprised when the other three people in the class all said that they would prefer to be the mean, smart person.

I was particularly surprised by this because this is a Christian college where spirituality is particularly important. Personally, if I had my choice, I would much rather be the mentally handicapped but innocent person than the mean person who was highly intelligent but lacked concern for others. My main reason for this is my idea of what it means to stand before God as a human being. Spiritually, a person with a mental handicap who doesn't always understand what's going on around him or her is much better off than a person who has incredible insight into other people's motivations, science and world events but is selfish and cruel.


What do you guys think?


I'm definitely with you on this one, progo. I actually have been the mean, smart person in my "former" life - and it was just one more reason for a good dose of self-loathing. It hurt me, I think, even more than others around me.

[Progo35]

I'm definitely with you on this one, progo. I actually have been the mean, smart person in my "former" life - and it was just one more reason for a good dose of self-loathing. It hurt me, I think, even more than others around me.

Yes, that's how I feel, too. As I struggle to live more like Christ, I am constantly reminded of my own meanness that comes out sometimes. And, that hurts much more than not being good at math or having issues interpreting social cues. Isn't it great that when we are "born again" in Christ, we can leave our former lives behind? :D

[Alecto]

I think andrew brings up a point that I'm not sure was considered: did the people in question have to say WHY they chose as they did?

To me, it seems more likely that one's status as "mean" is going to change than one's status as disabled. In most cases, the latter isn't really reversible (to my understanding, and by all means please correct me if I'm wrong). Some people look a little beyond the "rules" of the question; my answer would probably be the same not because of which I value more, so much as which choice would theoretically leave me with the option of having the best of both options. (This obviously delves into other serious issues, and suggests something about my worldview of them, about fatalism and the chance for redemption, or Redemption for that matter)

[sailaway58]

I've had both things said about me, well mean anyway.
I would choose Nice and not smart. Smart is a relative term and nice is ...well, nice.

[Joe Brummer]

In a book called "Stumbling Towards Happiness" the author explores with the reader what are the key things that make us happy. One of the things examined was a set of conjoined twins. THe tiwns had no desire to be separated and were extremly happy just as they were. Many people would say they are happy because they don't know any better, but is that really the case? THey always have a companion, they are never alone. Their limits are met with a companion to "think" through the obstacles and barriers?

Happy is a subjective term. Perhaps the question should be what could you deal with better?

[Joe Brummer]

For one thing, we can't choose our I.Q. any more than one chooses sexual orientation. Our attitudes and how we treat others are a choice, assuming we're not extremely mentally disabled. From my observation, the more intelligent a person is the bigger ego he or she has, and along with that comes arrogance and so forth. Educated fools is a term that comes to mind. Having a PhD doesn't make one a good person, that's for sure. But I know smart people who are not that way. I also know people that aren't too bright who are quite nasty.

Sorry, but I find this post really judgemental. Perhaps you meant something other than I understood?

[antiochian]

Crap!! Rereading that post now I see it does come across as judgmental and I'm very ashamed of having typed that... deepest apologies, I'm choking on my foot...

[Joe Brummer]

Crap!! Rereading that post now I see it does come across as judgmental and I'm very ashamed of having typed that... deepest apologies, I'm choking on my foot...


Foot should always be served on a fresh plate of self-empathy!

[Progo35]

I think andrew brings up a point that I'm not sure was considered: did the people in question have to say WHY they chose as they did?

To me, it seems more likely that one's status as "mean" is going to change than one's status as disabled. In most cases, the latter isn't really reversible (to my understanding, and by all means please correct me if I'm wrong). Some people look a little beyond the "rules" of the question; my answer would probably be the same not because of which I value more, so much as which choice would theoretically leave me with the option of having the best of both options. (This obviously delves into other serious issues, and suggests something about my worldview of them, about fatalism and the chance for redemption, or Redemption for that matter)

I see what you mean, Alecto. It actually reminds me of my response to the question, "would you rather be really smart but really ugly or really dumb but beautiful?" I say ugly, because you could always use your incredible brain power to make lots of money and then have plastic surgery!

I guess in terms of this question, I mean someone who is mean their whole life but smart vs. someone who is mentally disabled but kind throughout their life.

[tpdncr4christ]

i'd go for whoever had the most stimulating conversation.

be they smart and an ass
or stupid and a sweetheart

whoever i could sit and talk with is who i would sit and talk with