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Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:17 pm
by _asbestosman
It's strange, but when I look at my really old posts ad MADB, I think I was much more intelligent than I am now. It seems like I'm becoming less creative, less insightful, and even less entertaining as time goes on. Maybe it just means I need to get more sleep instead of staying up playing computer games and watching anime.

Anyone else notice that happening with others (themselves) in general? What's happening and how can I make it stop?

I'm too young to be getting old.

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:19 pm
by _Moniker
abman, you are quite intelligent and always a joy to read. I think burn out is probably common. Don't sweat it.

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:23 pm
by _asbestosman
Maybe it's just that I wish I were more like a mix between Cinepro, Daniel Peterson, and a dash of The Nehor.

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:29 pm
by _Moniker
asbestosman wrote:Maybe it's just that I wish I were more like a mix between Cinepro, Daniel Peterson, and a dash of The Nehor.


Why?

You are really unique. You sense the absurdities and I appreciate that in you. You're genuine, you're passionate, you're informed, you're patient, and you've made me think about things in a new way more than once.

Don't compare yourself to other people. I have never really noticed anything Cinepro wrote... maybe it's cause I'm not an ex-Mo? His posts I haven't even noticed or they haven't stood out, to me. Daniel Peterson has a wit that I appreciate, yet, irritates the hell out of other people. Nehor can be pesky intentionally and that's not something you want to strive for, is it?

You're someone I always read and enjoy. You're perfect!

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:42 pm
by _asbestosman
Moniker wrote:Nehor can be pesky intentionally and that's not something you want to strive for, is it?

I'd better clarify. I do like to be a little mischevious or rather to tease others a bit. That's the dash of Nehor I like. Well, that and I think he is also often insightful and humorous. I think he's better than in the past, but sometimes he comes across as more combatative or condescending than I'd wish to be (not that I avoid all condescension myself). A pinch of salt can be great in a recipie, but I need to use caution so I don't overdo it.

I don't want to completely emmulate any posters, but I would like to incorporate some of the parts I admire.

Sleep. I definately need more sleep. And good books. I should probably cut down on Anime (I don't think I could ever quit) and find out what entertaining and enlightening books educated people actually read. Either that or I'll reread the Hitchhiker's trilogy.

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:50 pm
by _Moniker
Well, I think there's nothing wrong with appreciating certain traits in others and attempting to emulate them. Yet, I just don't see you lacking where you think you are. That you compare yourself to those 3 is such an oddity, to me.

When we talked I was so impressed with your mellow voice that stayed calm even when others were pushing your buttons about MMM (I think?) and you have always been such a caring, patient soul. You are witty in an off beat way. You have a beautiful wife and a future planned with her. You're pursuing your dreams career wise, right? You have a family that you care about and envelopes you in times of need and heartache. People that are complete strangers that you've "met" on the net even love you. Doesn't that tell you how special you are?

The Hitchikers is a good one to start. I think you'd enjoy that. Just go to a book store with your wife and browse. Linger. See what interests you.

Sleep deprivation can cause some pretty radical issues for an individual. Grab some good books and attempt to sleep more and I hope you'll feel more at ease with yourself.

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:51 pm
by _The Nehor
Moniker wrote:Nehor can be pesky intentionally and that's not something you want to strive for, is it?


Why not? :biggrin:

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:53 pm
by _Moniker
The Nehor wrote:
Moniker wrote:Nehor can be pesky intentionally and that's not something you want to strive for, is it?


Why not? :biggrin:


Well, it fits you, Nehor, yet, I'd hate to see abman change becuase he feels inadequate in anyway.

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:00 pm
by _asbestosman
Moniker wrote:Well, it fits you, Nehor, yet, I'd hate to see abman change becuase he feels inadequate in anyway.

Well, the initial and indeed primary comparison was the three-years-ago me with present day me. I envy the former's ability to entertain, provide insight, etc. But maybe that's just a misperception on my part and I haven't lost anything.

Or maybe time on internet boards has made me dumber (even when it doesn't appear to adversely affect Cinepro or Daniel Peterson).

Re: Aging and Intelligence--I think I'm getting dumber

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:20 pm
by _The Nehor
asbestosman wrote:
Moniker wrote:Well, it fits you, Nehor, yet, I'd hate to see abman change becuase he feels inadequate in anyway.

Well, the initial and indeed primary comparison was the three-years-ago me with present day me. I envy the former's ability to entertain, provide insight, etc. But maybe that's just a misperception on my part and I haven't lost anything.

Or maybe time on internet boards has made me dumber (even when it doesn't appear to adversely affect Cinepro or Daniel Peterson).


I think the question you should be asking is if you're more or less happy. If less, that's where you need to start. If you just feel like you're in a rut do something to alter your life. Take up sky-diving or paintball. Try a new sport. One thing I've found is that if I don't have some daily physical activity I get stupid and sad. If you've already got that come up with something that really challenges your mind. If you feel worthless help someone else out. That's what I do. Your mileage may vary.