Competing Intellectual Systems

This week, I ran across a podcaster who blamed the influence of the "Rockefeller-funded" General Education Board in the 1930s for the inability of Boomers to see that Israel was behind most of the problems in the world. The internet allowed podcasters to show younger people the truth. He thought most Boomers were stuck in limited ways of thinking like Mike Huckabee - - unable the process "gotcha" questions of Tucker Carlson, like one about the ancestors of the Prime Minister of Israel.

Hmmmm.

I kinda think that Mike Huckabee is not the best example of a guy who thinks on his feet in confrontations with intellectual foes. There has been some conflict centered around him recently in connection with his role as ambassador to Israel. While the "Woke Right" thinks he always kowtows to the Israeli point of view, he seems in at least one instance here to have gone in the other direction to appease Catholics and others without knowing the facts. I don't think this had much to do with the General Education Board in the 1930s and Boomers in general.

I'm also not real sure that the typical under-a-minute hot takes from today's podcasts are advances in our intellectual lives, especially if most people stay in "bubbles" with people who agree with them.

Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

"Figure 03" AI-powered robot accompanies first lady Melania Trump to a White House summit on empowering children with educational technology. pic.twitter.com/RShdfvEG38
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 25, 2026

Update: Think a robot would show this film to Tucker's followers, or the followers of podcasters who follow him?

This colorized video is a collection of B-roll footage mostly shot in the Arab town of Akko (a shot of Jewish sunbathers on a beach slips in momentarily) for a “March of Time” documentary on British ruled Palestine praising the prosperity brought to the land by the Jews 1/2 pic.twitter.com/Zxd8uLDWIa
— Boaz Arad 博雅 (@aradboaz) March 26, 2026

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When can being too smart get in your way?

The thread (not real current) below includes ideas concerning ways that being too smart can get in the way of progress. Several of them may be relevant to current military actions:

John Fowles explains in "The Aristos" (1964) how high IQ can subvert your will to act: "High intelligence leads to multiplicity of interest and a sharpened capacity to foresee the consequences of any action. Will is lost in a labyrinth of hypothesis." Rule 1: Do not lose the will pic.twitter.com/qvBc8TdHZg
— Jash Dholani (@oldbooksguy) September 15, 2024

A LOT of interesting stuff here. But below are a few selections from the thread above if you don't have time to read it all:

1/ Carlyle in 1841: "A man lives by believing something; not by debating and arguing about many things." Chesterton on how an open mind is no more a virtue than an open mouth: "The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid”

2/ A knight who owns a sharp sword should make sure he does not cut himself with it, and a man gifted with a great mind should make sure he does not start living inside it...

This is gold. One of the less talked about side-effects of intelligence—seeing every possible outcome from every possible perspective = philosophical rumination, stagnation. I practice now setting boundaries with my open mind, directing it wisely instead of being a slave to it.
— Masha (@mmaria_maya) September 15, 2024

Napoleon on how he planned wars: "There is no man more pusillanimous than I when I am planning a campaign" In the planning stage, Napoleon exaggerated, in his mind "all the dangers and calamities" possible BUT while fighting, he forgot everything "except what led to success"

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Weekend

The Week in Pictures: Iran Derangement Syndrome

Does it seem sometimes like life is just one long TSA line? Cheer up! You could be a ship stuck at the Strait of Hormuz. But I have an idea that will supercharge this weekend’s off-Broadway revival of the “No Kings” improv troupes. . .

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Music

✨🇨🇳Robots play traditional Chinese drums in perfect sync—what a cool mix of tech and culture! pic.twitter.com/wlkKjJ5QE0
— 🇨🇳XuZhenqing徐祯卿 (@XueJia24682) December 23, 2025

* * * * *

Hope you have something nice planned for this weekend.

This is the Thread before the Gardening Thread.

Serving your mid-day open thread needs

* * * * *

Last week's thread, Last week's thread, March 21, Women of The New Religious Wars

Comments are closed so you won't ban yourself by trying to comment on a week-old thread. But don't try it anyway.

Posted by: K.T. at 11:23 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Morning, KT!

Posted by: Duke Lowell at March 28, 2026 11:27 AM (2UnvF)

2 Slow day today.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:27 AM (dWhQJ)

3 Otters called

Posted by: Duke Lowell at March 28, 2026 11:27 AM (2UnvF)

4 John Fowles explains in "The Aristos" (1964) how high IQ can subvert your will to act: "High intelligence leads to multiplicity of interest and a sharpened capacity to foresee the consequences of any action. Will is lost in a labyrinth of hypothesis." Rule 1: Do not lose the will

Shorter version: Analysis paralysis

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:28 AM (Riz8t)

5 Good morning KT

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 11:30 AM (Ia/+0)

6 (sips second cup of delicious motel room coffee)

I am Burns, OR, this morning, on the way to Seattle, then onward to Victoria, BC, and points North.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:30 AM (dWhQJ)

7 I would wear those Thomas Sowell jeans. They would fit me!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:32 AM (dWhQJ)

8 👀

"U.S. Central Command
@CENTCOM
34m
U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets."

Just in case.

Posted by: runner at March 28, 2026 11:33 AM (GD0B3)

9 >>High intelligence leads to multiplicity of interest and a sharpened capacity to foresee the consequences of any action. Will is lost in a labyrinth of hypothesis.

Nonsense. That's an excuse for inaction.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:35 AM (viF8m)

10 Nice jean label

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 11:35 AM (tcsrY)

11 Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

--

So creepy
But maybe better than woke teachers
Dunno

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 11:36 AM (tcsrY)

12 Shorter version: Analysis paralysis
Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:28 AM (Riz8t)

That's good, I like that.

When I met a hot new associate for the first time, I can't decide if I want to wed her, bed her, or something in-between!

Posted by: Denny Crane - It Usually Ends Up Being All Three... at March 28, 2026 11:36 AM (dmDsy)

13 I think a bigger problem than high IQ people lacking will is highly educated people becoming NPCs or Borg drones. There are FAR more of the latter than the former, and a smart person who doesn't do anything isn't a threat to me.

Posted by: the lower depths at March 28, 2026 11:36 AM (GSy5R)

14 Shorter version: Analysis paralysis"

This. Intelligence =/= competence or ability

Posted by: man at March 28, 2026 11:37 AM (XuXeR)

15 I'm picturing a hamster running around on a wheel.

Posted by: Ben Had at March 28, 2026 11:37 AM (+nEug)

16 Cant say I would be so trusting to a robot
Too many Sci-fi movies maybr

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 11:37 AM (Ia/+0)

17 Nonsense. That's an excuse for inaction.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:35 AM (viF8m)

Or, perhaps, a reason for inaction?

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 11:38 AM (dmDsy)

18 2 Slow day today.

Analysis paralysis.

I noticed that Melania didn't stay for the discussion session after introducing the robot. I don't think she has quite figured out what it would be good for in education, either. Though it could learn a lot of things.

Posted by: KT at March 28, 2026 11:38 AM (7vIsy)

19 Nonsense. That's an excuse for inaction.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:35 AM (viF8m)

A good explanation of why it is an excuse for inaction; a facade for the "intellectuals" to hide behind, rather than admit they play for the other team.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:38 AM (dWhQJ)

20 14 Shorter version: Analysis paralysis"

This. Intelligence =/= competence or ability
----------------
Those are two different issues though. You are right that intelligence is merely he capacity for learning, and not achievement or wisdom in and of itself.

However, a competent or able person could spend much of their time thinking rather than acting. A certain amount of that seems laudable, as long as you don't overdo it.

Posted by: the lower depths at March 28, 2026 11:39 AM (GSy5R)

21 I'm reminded of "Napoleon's Corporal" in which he would have his personal corporal present during battle plans presented by his generals. Once they were done he would have them leave and then ask his corporal if he fully understood what the plan was. The belief being if the lowest ranks of the military couldn't understand, then the battle plan was most likely doomed to fail.

Posted by: Sua Sponte at March 28, 2026 11:39 AM (GTw+O)

22 There's something in that thread about smart people getting promoted then doing nothing. Remind you of any organizations?

Posted by: KT at March 28, 2026 11:40 AM (7vIsy)

23 High intelligence leads to multiplicity of interest and a sharpened capacity to foresee the consequences of any action. Will is lost in a labyrinth of hypothesis.

Ok, time to be honest. How many of you thought "yeah, that describes me. I'm too smart sometimes."?

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:40 AM (Riz8t)

24 A good explanation of why it is an excuse for inaction; a facade for the "intellectuals" to hide behind, rather than admit they play for the other team.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:38 AM (dWhQJ)

I am genuinely wondering-- just who is the "other team" they are playing for?

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 11:41 AM (dmDsy)

25 So creepy
But maybe better than woke teachers
Dunno
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 11:36 AM (tcsrY)

Suckup kids will be leaving little cans of oil on the teachers's desks.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:41 AM (dWhQJ)

26 Shorter version: Analysis paralysis
Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:28 AM (Riz8t)

That's good, I like that.

I hate to tell you this, but the first time I heard that phrase was from Mitt Romney. I don't know if he created it, though. I kind of doubt it.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:42 AM (Riz8t)

27 >>Or, perhaps, a reason for inaction?

There is no try. There is do or do not.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:42 AM (viF8m)

28 > When can being too smart get in your way?
--------
A question never asked by the Horde, ever.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 11:42 AM (AkEZC)

29 You want a Hot Take? Here is an awesome Hot Take interview: California is bankrupt and that is a major risk to the country (Nick Shirley rates a mention). View the second video (the first is just a pitch for the second).

https://tinyurl.com/bdfj6kbc

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 28, 2026 11:42 AM (V6x/S)

30 Ok, time to be honest. How many of you thought "yeah, that describes me. I'm too smart sometimes."?
Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:40 AM (Riz8t)

I'm always guilty of that...

Posted by: Denny Crane -- Because I'm Denny Crane. at March 28, 2026 11:42 AM (dmDsy)

31 Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

I read many years ago that education was heading in this direction AND that the wealthy would not go this route but have real people teach their children.

That seems to track with tech people severely limiting their children's time on electronic devices.

Of course, the little people, like myself, still have the option of homeschooling, which I did.

Oh, vmom, I followed you on x.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 11:43 AM (RkOfE)

32 I am genuinely wondering-- just who is the "other team" they are playing for?
Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 11:41 AM (dmDsy)

The people on the wrong side of the issue, as WE see it.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:44 AM (dWhQJ)

33 Inbility to act can be a sign of ADHD - executive dysfunction.

Not a moral failing but an actual brain metabolic inadequacy.

Many high IQ people have ADHD

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 11:45 AM (DoBxX)

34 >>Ok, time to be honest. How many of you thought "yeah, that describes me. I'm too smart sometimes."?

Never. I'm not that smart.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:45 AM (viF8m)

35 31

That tracks with the current trend of woke professionals voting for their own destruction. Teachers unions have been one of the biggest and most consistent supporters of Dims for decades now. They have lots of interest in all sorts of woke nonsense about immigrations and trannies and whatnot, but little curiosity about things like AI.

It would be sweet karmic justice if public schools were gutted and most of the human teachers fired because of robots and/or AI. Ace would die from Pinhead levels of ecstatic joy at the pain of libtard teachers.

Posted by: the lower depths at March 28, 2026 11:46 AM (GSy5R)

36 There is no try. There is do or do not.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:42 AM (viF8m)

That may well work for Yoda, but you do realize he is a fictional character?

Everyday life for us real people involves a multitude of factors going into every decision we make, and sometimes the sheer number of possible outcomes can overwhelm us.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 11:46 AM (dmDsy)

37 40 x 32 ???

Shit, dude. Time for some bowling.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at March 28, 2026 11:48 AM (diia5)

38
Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

I read many years ago that education was heading in this direction AND that the wealthy would not go this route but have real people teach their children.

================

No way. Even if robots turned out to be more effective, the teachers' unions would block them. There would be a robot in the classroom instilling knowledge and creativity, and a teacher lounging around at the back snarling, yawning, and earning $120k/yr.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at March 28, 2026 11:48 AM (XJ22o)

39 I read Orthodoxy and came away unimpressed with Chesterton's thought process.
Just a string of "bon mots", gotchas, and counterintuitive witticisms. It was like reading a less overtly gay Oscar Wilde.

Posted by: gKWVE at March 28, 2026 11:48 AM (W0KIM)

40 The only thing worse than analysis paralysis is an unearned assumption of purity. I was reading a rather long post about a Brit diplomat who is now a prof at Yale, and is, of course, a hard leftist sucking at the public teat via his NGO.

JD Vance had this to say:
I’ve said before and I’ll say it again: the problem with Rory and people like him is that he has an IQ of 110 and thinks he has an IQ of 130. This false arrogance drives so much elite failure over the last 40 years.

Stewart’s career has been a long series of failures, and yet there he is, ensconced at Yale University, lecturing young people about international relations, while complaining on a podcast about how “racist” the English people are because they don’t want their country overrun by foreigners. And he’s angry because Trump took away the million dollars a year that U.S. taxpayers were sending to the Afghanistan NGO run by his wife.

You can’t understand his “lived experience,” you bigot.

...people like Rory Stewart are incapable of changing their minds because to do so would require them to interrogate their own motives and confront their own selfishness.

https://is.gd/9trDtM

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:49 AM (Riz8t)

41 I guess this is where KISS comes in Not the band

Posted by: doug at March 28, 2026 11:49 AM (Hy+R4)

42 32 I am genuinely wondering-- just who is the "other team" they are playing for?
Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 11:41 AM (dmDsy)

The people on the wrong side of the issue, as WE see it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:44 AM (dWhQJ)

Ah! I get your point. They are purposely obscuring their beliefs with the guise of "intellectualism" as to not show their true intent.

Pretty sneaky, sis!

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 11:49 AM (dmDsy)

43 For High-Church apologetic, plenty exist as are better than Chesterton, starting with Hilaire Belloc. Lewis to an extent. Hahn is very good lately.

Posted by: gKWVE at March 28, 2026 11:50 AM (W0KIM)

44 I hate to tell you this, but the first time I heard that phrase was from Mitt Romney. I don't know if he created it, though. I kind of doubt it.

---
I think it made the rounds through society. I heard it in my workplace. I understand being overwhelmed by the multitude of options, but with an easy catch phrase like this, anyone can now say, "I'm just too smart, I can't make a decision".

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 11:52 AM (RkOfE)

45 Safe travels AOP

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 11:52 AM (RkOfE)

46 Archimedes, most of that quote isn't Vance; it's RS McCain. Although Vance would likely agree with the McCain part of it

Posted by: gKWVE at March 28, 2026 11:52 AM (W0KIM)

47 Just in case.
Posted by: runner at March 28, 2026 11:33 AM (GD0B3)

Diego Garcia is within CENTCOM's AOR. That's where the USS Tripoli and the USS New Orleans are right now. I presume they will be heading north soon.

Posted by: one hour sober at March 28, 2026 11:53 AM (Y1sOo)

48 Anyone else feel an instant aversion any time they see the red flag of china?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at March 28, 2026 11:53 AM (bss/y)

49 46 Archimedes, most of that quote isn't Vance; it's RS McCain. Although Vance would likely agree with the McCain part of it

Yes, thanks for pointing that out. I had intended to put several lines between the two parts, but forgot. I'm so smart I couldn't figure out whether to put 3, 4, or 5 lines, and got stuck in a do loop.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:54 AM (Riz8t)

50 Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

CSPAN @cspan

"Figure 03" AI-powered robot accompanies first lady Melania Trump to a White House summit on empowering children with educational technology.

Not just robot teachers. Chicago school is going with no teachers and all AI teaching of students.

Considering all AI other than xAI has been programmed to be woke and leftist and Marxist, this is going to be a disaster. Especially when this AI education is originating in Austin, Texas.

"AI Schools Are Replacing Teachers, Children In Class For Only 2 Hours?" Residents Scared of Changes

YouTube (Anton Daniels): https://bit.ly/4uSGlVz

Posted by: Clyde Shelton at March 28, 2026 11:57 AM (P5BPp)

51 >>Everyday life for us real people involves a multitude of factors going into every decision we make, and sometimes the sheer number of possible outcomes can overwhelm us.

I'm a real boy ever since Geppetto made me.

Pretty much everyone here is smart. We can all measure risk and reward. Smart guys got in a boat and sailed across a largely uncharted country and founded this country while knowing the odds. Other smart guys got in a can and went to the moon despite the odds.

We're all everyday people. Life is a risk every time you walk out the door. Some just walk further.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:57 AM (viF8m)

52 11 Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

--

So creepy
But maybe better than woke teachers
Dunno
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 11:36 AM (tcsrY)

***

The best teachers have empathy. Because at some point they too struggled with something. Robots won't have that. Their students won't learn it. The result is a society I am glad I won't be living in.

Posted by: Diogenes at March 28, 2026 11:59 AM (2WIwB)

53 >>> I kinda think that Mike Huckabee is not the best example of a guy who thinks on his feet in confrontations with intellectual foes.

That's me.
But over the last 29 years* I have found that these 'left field' questions are often an effort to 'gotcha', but more likely the left field questions are because the person asking it is working from false assumptions. IOW - no effin clue what they are talking about, which may drive the attempts to gotcha.

* Actually, always knew this. How to do deal with it is situational. A peer I can casually set straight and/or discuss further. A 'superior' or job interview can be very awkward while trying to not offend, similar in public or group settings.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 28, 2026 12:01 PM (/lPRQ)

54 I recently read a quick discussion on Alfred Adler's turn away from Freudian analysis, which the writer summed up (for his own points of course) as introspection and analysis of origin traumas are not useful, since we only remember and process the memories that are useful in supporting our current goals, biases and bigotries. It is akin to believing one's own propaganda, which rarely turns out well. He also stated the main path to change was to change, and that emotions and neuroses are tools, more than reactions to trauma.
This can be expanded to the idea that neuroses are the disconnect between what we need to remember to support our current impression of reality and what is actually smacking us in the face.

I don't know if Adler has the right of it but I do know we tend to build consensus realities to support our groups and cultures, but without the ability to fact check due to preconceptions these will always collapse or become dysfunctional.

Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 12:02 PM (rbvCR)

55 Palestine in 1945 is not 3 years before Israel existed, but something like 3945 years after it was founded.

Posted by: Diogenes at March 28, 2026 12:02 PM (2WIwB)

56 Jimmy Kimmel characterizing Markwayne Mullin as a mere plumber, with dripping condescension, is a great example of a glib man who has progressed far beyond where his brain power would normally take him. Adam Corolla, his friend and former partner, is much smarter and would never have fallen into the trap Kimmel did. Interesting contrast.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 28, 2026 12:03 PM (CBln3)

57 Ok, time to be honest. How many of you thought "yeah, that describes me. I'm too smart sometimes."?
Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:40 AM (Riz8t)

I tend to see many, feels like all, the things that could go wrong with any given course of action. I also find it painful to make a decision without *all* the information. Since it's impossible to truly have all the information, every decision is painful. One of the reasons I prefer being married.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at March 28, 2026 12:04 PM (lFFaq)

58 I don't know if Adler has the right of it but I do know we tend to build consensus realities to support our groups and cultures, but without the ability to fact check due to preconceptions these will always collapse or become dysfunctional.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 12:02 PM (rbvCR)
=======================
and then, the bourbon drinking starts....

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 28, 2026 12:04 PM (CBln3)

59 Jimmy Kimmel characterizing Markwayne Mullin as a mere plumber, with dripping condescension, is a great example of a glib man who has progressed far beyond where his brain power would normally take him.

It would be amusing to ask Kimmel how a toilet works. Chances he could explain it: zero.point.zero.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:05 PM (Riz8t)

60 No way. Even if robots turned out to be more effective, the teachers' unions would block them. There would be a robot in the classroom instilling knowledge and creativity, and a teacher lounging around at the back snarling, yawning, and earning $120k/yr.
----

Classroom management is a big issue that I don't see robots as having the ability to handle.

Also, my interactions with ai, make me think that while it is fine (with the right input) of presenting facts, it will not, at this point, if ever, detect where a child's curiosity is awakened nor where specifically a stumbling block presents itself.

Your scenario is definitely possible and that is not how I would like children to be taught, which is why I argue for the privatization of education.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 12:05 PM (RkOfE)

61 The whole idea of tradeoffs bothers leftists.

Now really they only care about the ends, but if you get them to talk about the details of their policies you get into silliness quickly. For example,

You believe Americans make more pollution/trash because we want too many things right?

Yes

And if we were more like third worlders with lower economic standards we would make less of this?

I've always said this!

So then if you bring people from the third world here and give them 1st world standards of living they will production more of the pollution you claim will literally destroy the earth...isn't that the logical trade off for large scale immigration you want?

[Thinks...thinks...thinks]...That's RACIST.

Posted by: 18-1 at March 28, 2026 12:05 PM (sKqQm)

62 >>> One of the less talked about side-effects of intelligence—seeing every possible outcome from every possible perspective = philosophical rumination, stagnation.

Another variation of Dunning-Kruger.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 28, 2026 12:06 PM (/lPRQ)

63 You are right that intelligence is merely he capacity for learning, and not achievement or wisdom in and of itself.

However, a competent or able person could spend much of their time thinking rather than acting. A certain amount of that seems laudable, as long as you don't overdo it.

Posted by: the lower depths at March 28, 2026 11:39 AM

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Posted by: Calvin Coolidge at March 28, 2026 12:06 PM (P5BPp)

64 Ok, time to be honest. How many of you thought "yeah, that describes me. I'm too smart sometimes."?

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 11:40 AM (Riz8t)

I'm too wise sometimes, which is different from being too smart. I actually have common sense, unlike the rest of my household. They're all high INT and low WIS (even the dog).

Posted by: pookysgirl has an exhausting superpower at March 28, 2026 12:06 PM (Wt5PA)

65 Posted by: Sua Sponte at March 28, 2026 11:39 AM (GTw+O)

They're the ones who are going to have to enact the plan, so it makes sense that the lower ranks can understand it. I guess they wouldn't necessarily need to understand the reasoning behind choosing that course of action though.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at March 28, 2026 12:07 PM (lFFaq)

66 Also, my interactions with ai, make me think that while it is fine (with the right input) of presenting facts, it will not, at this point, if ever, detect where a child's curiosity is awakened nor where specifically a stumbling block presents itself.

How many teachers actually do this? One in ten? twenty? one hundred?

Few of the teachers I have worked with or known have had any intellectual curiosity or desire to spawn it in others.

Posted by: 18-1 at March 28, 2026 12:07 PM (sKqQm)

67 One of the less talked about side-effects of intelligence—seeing every possible outcome from every possible perspective = philosophical rumination, stagnation.

But then if you are intelligent you can come up with a plan for that as well.

For example, to stop analysis paralysis, set a time limit on making your decision. Then when the time expires go with what you believe is the best choice at that point

Posted by: 18-1 at March 28, 2026 12:08 PM (sKqQm)

68 I am so not down with robot teachers. I’m happy our kids are grown… largely avoided woke nonsense also… though that was luck it was definitely around when our kids were in school

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at March 28, 2026 12:08 PM (X5Baq)

69 I tend to see many, feels like all, the things that could go wrong with any given course of action. I also find it painful to make a decision without *all* the information.

I compare it to being James Bond, or being Q. I would be an abysmal agent because I don't do well with limited information and quick decisions. I'll study a topic to death before doing anything. That's one of the reasons I went into science. It's a field where your job is to learn the literature on that topic, obsess over the details, and consider every possible objection.

The world needs both types, as well as the spectrum of those in between.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:10 PM (Riz8t)

70 protest outside. "I'M OLD GIMME GIMME GIMME"

Posted by: gKWVE at March 28, 2026 12:11 PM (KAw7u)

71 Learning bridge on line has taught me I am quite able to act, but have a limited capacity for learning bid conventions. Humility has followed.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 28, 2026 12:11 PM (CBln3)

72 My own interactions with AI it is VERY good at doing something fairly straight forward and obvious - go make a webpage with these elements, check the tone and message of this email, find all meetings I've had discussing topic X.

But two things crop in quickly:

1) It confuses threads in a way people don't. If you ask it to find meetings on topic X and to fix that email on a different topic it will conflate the two in the way even an entry level person will not

2) It can and will on occasional hallucinate - some data point that isn't true gets stuck in its head and will iterate on it continuously...

Posted by: 18-1 at March 28, 2026 12:11 PM (sKqQm)

73 >>>>John Fowles explains in "The Aristos" (1964) how high IQ can subvert your will to act: "High intelligence leads to multiplicity of interest and a sharpened capacity to foresee the consequences of any action. Will is lost in a labyrinth of hypothesis."

This is what happens if you try to find the "best path" solution to a problem. The true solution is not to find a path, but to find a general direction to the goal that presents the greatest flexibility to improvise.
The term I am thinking of is "clade" as in do not look for a single evolutionary tree for decision making which is a subtractive method pruning extraneous paths, instead look for a clade that allows you to intermix the various solutions presented by the alternate paths explored along the way.

Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 12:11 PM (rbvCR)

74 I kind of think if I went over to my town's No Kings protest today I could speak with all sorts of automatons.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 28, 2026 12:12 PM (CBln3)

75 Two of the most intelligent people currently in public life are Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They can measure risk and reward as well as anyone.

Granted, they have gifts that most of us don't. But what separates people like them from us is not intelligence, its courage.

Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 12:13 PM (viF8m)

76 Time for horror movies and MS Now coverage of this month's No Kings Day protests! And to tell my ability to distinguish between the two.

Sorry people. No protest babes in sight. Unless you're in your 60's and like much older women.

It looks like many of them finally get to relive 1960's protests as full grown adults. At least the adult diapers come in handy.

Later....

Posted by: Stateless - Day 7 of 14 or so - extreme dog care at March 28, 2026 12:14 PM (Sco7b)

77 JackStraw , hear hear.

Posted by: Ben Had at March 28, 2026 12:14 PM (+nEug)

78 Morning.

Do you know what BRIDGE is?

A white anime fox woman explains.

https://tinyurl.com/ycydpauz

Posted by: Robert at March 28, 2026 12:15 PM (Z2yLo)

79 Meanwhile there is a 14 yr-old running for governor of Vermont.

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:15 PM (MnC2P)

80 I’d rather be super-wise than super-intelligent (two entirely different things). Although a lot of Malcolm Gladwell’s writing is nonsense he has nuggets there… one of those is in Outliers where he notes that super successful people (eg Steve Jobs) do have some threshold level of intelligence (like IQ of at least 125) but the rest is hard work, discipline, good decisions, practice… and also pure luck.

There’s some guy out there with an insanely high IQ (I forgot type number but like 180?)… he’s trying to do physics research and getting nowhere because he doesn’t know how to collaborate. Pure intelligence (whatever that is) needs to be mixed with other positive attributes to be valuable

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at March 28, 2026 12:15 PM (X5Baq)

81 There’s some guy out there with an insanely high IQ (I forgot type number but like 180?)… he’s trying to do physics research and getting nowhere because he doesn’t know how to collaborate. Pure intelligence (whatever that is) needs to be mixed with other positive attributes to be valuable

I disagree. I sent you a package listing my objections.

Posted by: Zombie Ted Kaczynski at March 28, 2026 12:17 PM (Riz8t)

82 75 Two of the most intelligent people currently in public life are Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They can measure risk and reward as well as anyone.

Granted, they have gifts that most of us don't. But what separates people like them from us is not intelligence, its courage.

Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat
Posted by: JackStraw
=======
That is the difference-willingness to act and take the consequences good or bad after.

Without a high iq and morality though, it becomes short time horizon of acting without thinking. That is the reason a lot of those folks get into trouble with the law and at jobs.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:17 PM (E4rtv)

83 and a man gifted with a great mind should make sure he does not start living inside it...

----
I'm not going to say that I have a great mind. I will say that I do start living in my mind at times and that is not a good place for me to be and I need to interact IRL with others to get out of my head.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 12:17 PM (RkOfE)

84 Robert, munya!!

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:17 PM (MnC2P)

85 > Two of the most intelligent people currently in public life are Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They can measure risk and reward as well as anyone.
-------------
They also have a fair amount of good old common sense.

That, by itself, can go a long way. "Don't do stupid shit" isn't just a tag line.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 12:18 PM (AkEZC)

86 If the 14yo is a Marxist the person might win

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 12:18 PM (Ia/+0)

87 Daleks could do a fine job of classroom management:

"Exterminate! Exterminate!"

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 12:18 PM (dWhQJ)

88 Would the teachers take the robot/AI lecturers if it cut the class size significantly? It should free up hours of teachers time to better serve the children on an individual basis, or some bullshit like that.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at March 28, 2026 12:19 PM (w/O5Q)

89 51 >>Everyday life for us real people involves a multitude of factors going into every decision we make, and sometimes the sheer number of possible outcomes can overwhelm us.

*Deleted inane Pinocchio reference*

Pretty much everyone here is smart. We can all measure risk and reward. Smart guys got in a boat and sailed across a largely uncharted country and founded this country while knowing the odds. Other smart guys got in a can and went to the moon despite the odds.

We're all everyday people. Life is a risk every time you walk out the door. Some just walk further.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 11:57 AM (viF8m)

I'm just wondering why you hold people that don't "walk further" in such contempt...

It's like you're saying everyone should be as discerning and decisive as you think you are...no room for those who fail to ...what? Meet your standards?

"Some just walk further"... I can't think of a more dismissive and hubristic sentence than that.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:19 PM (dmDsy)

90 That, by itself, can go a long way. "Don't do stupid s***" isn't just a tag line.

There is also great wisdom in realizing that EVERYONE does stupid s***, and it's best to learn from it and move on.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:20 PM (Riz8t)

91 Ben Had, you've made a brilliant life with more friends than anyone I know. Because you invented it.

You're one of the most courageous people I know.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 12:20 PM (viF8m)

92 Bet the Left will start claiming that Melania has been replaced ala Stepford.

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:20 PM (MnC2P)

93 And JackStraw, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to antagonize you, just really having a conversation...

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:21 PM (dmDsy)

94 80 I’d rather be super-wise than super-intelligent (two entirely different things). Although a lot of Malcolm Gladwell’s writing is nonsense he has nuggets there… one of those is in Outliers where he notes that super successful people (eg Steve Jobs) do have some threshold level of intelligence (like IQ of at least 125) but the rest is hard work, discipline, good decisions, practice… and also pure luck.

There’s some guy out there with an insanely high IQ (I forgot type number but like 180?)… he’s trying to do physics research and getting nowhere because he doesn’t know how to collaborate. Pure intelligence (whatever that is) needs to be mixed with other positive attributes to be valuable
Posted by: LinusVanPelt
=======
The wider the spread in iq levels between the listener and the speaker, the less that a listener is able to even follow the conversation which in turn creates frustration from the speaker and frustration from the listener as well.

High iq people are often unhappy as a result. There is also the problem related to being able to shut down the brain and getting enough sleep, rest, nutrition, etc. Thinking can obsess the person.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:22 PM (E4rtv)

95 The true solution is not to find a path, but to find a general direction to the goal that presents the greatest flexibility to improvise.
---
I agree with this. To know where one wants to get to and head that way, knowing that circumstances will arise that will cause one to re-adjust one's path.

Flexibility is an important attribute to living life well.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 12:23 PM (RkOfE)

96 92 Bet the Left will start claiming that Melania has been replaced ala Stepford.
Posted by: Anna Puma
======
Floating around in the idiot fever swamps, you see nonsense about Trump being replaced by a shorter fatter man already. The current hook is trying like Candace Ovens to insinuate Melania met Trump because of Epstein.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:23 PM (E4rtv)

97 Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?

No. There's been a demonstrable inverse relation between the increased introduction of technology (computers and computerization) into the class room and children's literacy, measured intelligence, critical thinking and problem solving ability. I don't see any reason to think robot teachers will be any different.

Posted by: More money, more computers, dumber kids at March 28, 2026 12:23 PM (TbWk/)

98 >>I'm just wondering why you hold people that don't "walk further" in such contempt...

I don't hold anyone in contempt. You don't see me out there splitting atoms.

I simply disagree that intelligence is what separates us from those who do.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 12:24 PM (viF8m)

99 The Unabomber wasn't the only super smart killer, the Florida thallium killer was a member of Mensa.

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:24 PM (MnC2P)

100 This is what happens if you try to find the "best path" solution to a problem. The true solution is not to find a path, but to find a general direction to the goal that presents the greatest flexibility to improvise.
The term I am thinking of is "clade" as in do not look for a single evolutionary tree for decision making which is a subtractive method pruning extraneous paths, instead look for a clade that allows you to intermix the various solutions presented by the alternate paths explored along the way.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 12:11 PM (rbvCR)

Hmm. I think this may be very good and helpful advice.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at March 28, 2026 12:24 PM (lFFaq)

101 They also have a fair amount of good old common sense.

That, by itself, can go a long way. "Don't do stupid shit" isn't just a tag line.
Posted by: Martini Farmer
======
"Common sense" often comes from trying and failing at various things. A lot of people never get up the courage to try because of the possibility of failure.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:25 PM (E4rtv)

102 The human mind is lazy. Its natural inclination is to do the least it has to.

So give someone a calculator and their math skills will atrophy. Give them Vox and their thinking skills will atrophy and so on

Posted by: 18-1 at March 28, 2026 12:25 PM (sKqQm)

103 Daleks could do a fine job of classroom management:

"Exterminate! Exterminate!"
---
🤣 I just had a mini movie in my head, a combo of RoboCop and classroom experience. It was both comedic and horrific.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 12:26 PM (RkOfE)

104 People who speak publicly, absolutely need to make sure their oratory skills are top notch. I am talking about you , Rick Scott. He is awful, no matter what great message he has, he is impossible to listen to.

Posted by: runner at March 28, 2026 12:27 PM (GD0B3)

105 Kindergarten T-600

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:27 PM (MnC2P)

106 My phone has madd me dumber

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 12:28 PM (Ia/+0)

107 I don't hold anyone in contempt. You don't see me out there splitting atoms.

I simply disagree that intelligence is what separates us from those who do.

Fair enough...

*smiley face emoji*

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:28 PM (dmDsy)

108 It would have been interesting to get Isaac Asimov's take on robots and AI. He made an early distinction in his books between human civilization that relied to heavily on robots and those that continued letting humans struggle through, with approval to the latter and describing a weird end-game world for the former, and yet he made one character (a robot) common to almost all his books and, over time, made that character self-improving and almost evolutionary. But in the end, the robot needed a human to succeed him in his God-like functions.

Anyway, I bet Asimov would have fully expected AI to develop and as no big deal.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at March 28, 2026 12:29 PM (EPNZf)

109 AI, and that is very general term, is not going away. Robots, robotics is not going away.

Posted by: runner at March 28, 2026 12:30 PM (GD0B3)

110 6 (sips second cup of delicious motel room coffee)

I am Burns, OR, this morning, on the way to Seattle, then onward to Victoria, BC, and points North.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 11:30 AM (dWhQJ)

Make sure the coffee isn't too hot. You don't want to get burned in Burns.

Seems like you started your northern migration a little early this year?

Safe travels as always.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at March 28, 2026 12:31 PM (QGaXH)

111 Machinen Mench uber alles nyah

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:31 PM (MnC2P)

112 Rick Scott. He is awful, no matter what great message he has, he is impossible to listen to.

Couldn't agree more. Some gratitude would be nice.

Posted by: John Thune at March 28, 2026 12:31 PM (KAw7u)

113 Well, I am all showered and shaved, time to hit the tarmac. Later, Horde.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 28, 2026 12:32 PM (dWhQJ)

114 Anyway, I bet Asimov would have fully expected AI to develop and as no big deal.

Bernie Sanders, that apex predator of hard work, ideas and thought, thinks we need to have the government slow down the development of AI, meanwhile preserving mind-numbing jobs for the proles. While I think there is some merit to controls on AI's implementation, the government is the last organization that should do it.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:32 PM (Riz8t)

115 Safe travels AoP.

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:32 PM (MnC2P)

116 "Common sense" often comes from trying and failing at various things. A lot of people never get up the courage to try because of the possibility of failure.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:25 PM (E4rtv)

Kids are increasingly taught NOT to do this, which may be contributing the overall problem. In current form, try/fail/adjust/try is removed for self-esteem reasons (which has the opposite effect) and the overall bubble-wrapping of kids. Personally I was taught from an early age that to try and fail was the worst, most shameful thing you could do, instead of it being part of a perfectly normal human learning experience. This, among numerous other cruel and dysfunctional things, I was conditioned to not just believe but absorb into the deepest parts of myself. So while I am measurably quite intelligent, I'm kind of stupid because of neuroticism, indecision, and the utter conviction from my earliest conscious years that to fail at a task defines you existentially as a failure. This has led to multiple bad decisions and non-decisions that had very bad outcomes.

Posted by: Intelligent but dumb at March 28, 2026 12:33 PM (TbWk/)

117 There is also great wisdom in realizing that EVERYONE does stupid s***, and it's best to learn from it and move on.
Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:20 PM (Riz8t)

Part of moving on is forgiving oneself for the stupid shit. I will point out that part of forgiving oneself is to figure out what caused the dumb sh___ to be performed and then figuring out how not to do it again while still living one's life.

Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 12:34 PM (rbvCR)

118 103 Daleks could do a fine job of classroom management:

"Exterminate! Exterminate!"
---
🤣 I just had a mini movie in my head, a combo of RoboCop and classroom experience. It was both comedic and horrific.
Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 12:26 PM (RkOfE)

Kindergarten Cop meets Terminator....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at March 28, 2026 12:34 PM (QGaXH)

119 104 People who speak publicly, absolutely need to make sure their oratory skills are top notch. I am talking about you , Rick Scott. He is awful, no matter what great message he has, he is impossible to listen to.
Posted by: runner
=======
True ability in rhetorical speaking is being able to communicate with the audience with vocabulary, simplified sentence structure, and belief in what you are saying is true--relatively few politicians (or even professors, etc.) can do so. And you have to practice at it. Churchill famously spent time in the mirror, the bathroom, etc. trying to figure out the best way to convey his points and the accompanying stagecraft to present it effectively.

Know your audience is easy to say, hard to do.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:34 PM (E4rtv)

120 ARiK

See #105

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:34 PM (MnC2P)

121 Well, having worked with a bunch of PhD's I can say with certainty that having one does not make you "smart."

Sure, they know a lot about a narrowly defined discipline, maybe. But they don't know how to operate a microwave that's been unplugged, or a copier, or change a tire. At least the ones I've dealt with don't.

I got tired of being dismissed when discussing routine matters because I didn't have one.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 12:35 PM (AkEZC)

122 Any good riots so far?

Posted by: Heroq at March 28, 2026 12:35 PM (tZs6V)

123 I spent part of a summer in Burns working on a highway project. It was then a charming place for all the other issues with it. I was commuting on weekends to Ontario, which was part of the problem with it

Stop and have lunch at the Balch Motel in Dufur AOP.

Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 12:35 PM (rbvCR)

124 122 Any good riots so far?
Posted by: Heroq at March 28, 2026 12:35 PM (tZs6V)

Just quiet ones.

Posted by: Good for metal health at March 28, 2026 12:36 PM (TbWk/)

125 Riots?

Atlanta calls them and drive-bys 'teen takeovers.'

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:36 PM (MnC2P)

126 120 ARiK

See #105
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 28, 2026 12:34 PM (MnC2P)

Both roles played by Ahnold as I recall.....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at March 28, 2026 12:37 PM (QGaXH)

127 Posted by: Intelligent but dumb at March 28, 2026 12:33 PM (TbWk/)

My intent is not to offend by any means... but could you say what ethnic and/or religious background you were raised in?

Again, no disrespect! Just don't answer, that'll be fine too.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:38 PM (dmDsy)

128 > Just quiet ones.
Posted by: Good for metal health
--------
Mental health will drive you mad...

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 12:39 PM (AkEZC)

129 So while I am measurably quite intelligent, I'm kind of stupid because of neuroticism, indecision, and the utter conviction from my earliest conscious years that to fail at a task defines you existentially as a failure. This has led to multiple bad decisions and non-decisions that had very bad outcomes.
Posted by: Intelligent but dumb
---------
Sorry to hear that. For me, Christian faith helps. There are no of us so low that Christ will not lend aid to and listen to in our time of need. And he and the Father are aware of everything (good and bad) about us including our failings. And yet still they still value and love each and every one of us as one of God's creations in his own image.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:39 PM (E4rtv)

130 127 Posted by: Intelligent but dumb at March 28, 2026 12:33 PM (TbWk/)

My intent is not to offend by any means... but could you say what ethnic and/or religious background you were raised in?

Again, no disrespect! Just don't answer, that'll be fine too.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:38 PM (dmDsy)

Also, I should have added, I was really moved by what you described.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:40 PM (dmDsy)

131 So. Thousands are marching in London at the No Kings protest. In a country with an actual king, and they are bitching about Trump.
Anyone else see the irony?

Posted by: Diogenes at March 28, 2026 12:42 PM (2WIwB)

132 but could you say what ethnic and/or religious background you were raised in

==

I suspect Peruvia..they always try to infiltrate our threads!

Posted by: runner at March 28, 2026 12:43 PM (GD0B3)

133 So. Thousands are marching in London at the No Kings protest. In a country with an actual king, and they are bitching about Trump.
Anyone else see the irony?

Not them, clearly.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:44 PM (Riz8t)

134 Well, having worked with a bunch of PhD's I can say with certainty that having one does not make you "smart."

Sure, they know a lot about a narrowly defined discipline, maybe. But they don't know how to operate a microwave that's been unplugged, or a copier, or change a tire. At least the ones I've dealt with don't.

I got tired of being dismissed when discussing routine matters because I didn't have one.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 12:35 PM (AkEZC)

I couldn’t agree with you more! And I happen to have a PhD… and I’ve worked with a lot over the years…. A PhD only means one has deep specialized knowledge in a VERY VERY narrow field…. It’s often meaningless in the real world. My dissertation is pretty useless…. It was rewarding to me because I formulated and worked through a complex problem… but no relation to everyday life. The diploma looks nice on my wall

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at March 28, 2026 12:44 PM (xT8gx)

135 "the IDF says that it is now close to having targeted around 90% of the key sites used to develop weapons that threaten Israel."

Industrial sites including air defense, naval, missiles, satellites, cyber.

They're re-striking some places now, based on BDA from initial hits. And "hits" on key personnel continue, another nuke scientist eliminated yesterday, and targeted hits in several cities.

if you (reasonably) fear that regime change is not certain, or within your practical capability given overall circumstances, you want to kick that can FAR down the road.

Posted by: rhomboid at March 28, 2026 12:44 PM (U/Byj)

136 127 Posted by: Intelligent but dumb at March 28, 2026 12:33 PM (TbWk/)

My intent is not to offend by any means... but could you say what ethnic and/or religious background you were raised in?

Again, no disrespect! Just don't answer, that'll be fine too.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:38 PM (dmDsy)

None inferred. White AF. Religious background would be a mix of Presbyterian Church of American (that's the conservative one) with a heaping helping of fundamentalist evangelical, non-charismatic type. I have a notion of why you ask, but why do you ask?

Posted by: Still intelligent but also dumb at March 28, 2026 12:44 PM (TbWk/)

137 The belief being if the lowest ranks of the military couldn't understand, then the battle plan was most likely doomed to fail.
Posted by: Sua Sponte at March 28, 2026 11:39 AM (GTw+O)

KISS: Keep It Simple,Stupid. And if it can't be simple, at least keep it straightforward.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at March 28, 2026 12:45 PM (g8Ew8)

138 How are you doing, whig?

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 12:45 PM (viF8m)

139 KISS: Keep It Simple,Stupid. And if it can't be simple, at least keep it straightforward.

It is axiomatic that if you can't explain it to someone else with less knowledge, you don't really understand it.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:46 PM (Riz8t)

140 May 16 ( If I remember right ) will be No Mullahs day rally in London

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 12:49 PM (Ia/+0)

141 I dated someone in academia long ago and met a bunch of PhDs in her circle. The most insufferable bunch of jackoffs you can imagine.

Posted by: Heroq at March 28, 2026 12:49 PM (tZs6V)

142 May 16 ( If I remember right ) will be No Mullahs day rally in London
Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 12:49 PM (Ia/+0)
---------
Will that be allowed?

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at March 28, 2026 12:49 PM (FvGZA)

143 but why do you ask, two dogs fucking?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at March 28, 2026 12:49 PM (Kt19C)

144 I go to school to get diploma. Went to school stupid, came out the same way.

Posted by: Short Bus Bobby at March 28, 2026 12:50 PM (oftw2)

145 Robot teachers? OK, who's programming the curriculum they will teach? The same who are developing curriculum for schools today? That's worked well. Do you bring one into your home to be a tutor or homeschool teacher? Again, who programmed it? My money says that little Johnny or Janie will be gender swapped pronoun experts inside of two months but can't add 2+2.

Posted by: George V at March 28, 2026 12:50 PM (HUbHH)

146 138 How are you doing, whig?
Posted by: JackStraw
=====
Thanks for asking. Just more boring medical issues but-
Winning the battle of attrition.

The critical point of the surgery comes after six more weeks. A percentage of spinal implants do not bond with the bone and when you are dealing with multiple levels, the risk goes up.

The risk is about one in ten to require the surgeon to go back in so I am still restricted in activity to give the bonding a shot.

Back Pain now is in the lower thoracic and lumbar as the load is being redistributed from the fused area. But the neuropathy in hands, arms, and shoulders is absent for now.

So we shall see.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 12:51 PM (E4rtv)

147 139 KISS: Keep It Simple,Stupid. And if it can't be simple, at least keep it straightforward.

It is axiomatic that if you can't explain it to someone else with less knowledge, you don't really understand it.
Posted by: Archimedes at March 28, 2026 12:46 PM (Riz8t)

This is why we get bafflegab "academic" papers and corpospeak slop - to create incomprehensible, impenetrable word thickets to give the appearance that the speaker or writer is sooper-smart but really doesn't know shit. And because the originator of the bafflegab is presented as some sort of authority, the audience will broadly speaking assume the reason they can't make heads or tails of it is they aren't sooper-smart like the person who's purveying the high-sounding bullshit.

Posted by: Obfuscation is not effective communication at March 28, 2026 12:51 PM (TbWk/)

148 Dems will never allow robot teachers. Half their money comes from teacher union donations.

Posted by: Heroq at March 28, 2026 12:52 PM (tZs6V)

149 Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:38 PM (dmDsy)

None inferred. White AF. Religious background would be a mix of Presbyterian Church of American (that's the conservative one) with a heaping helping of fundamentalist evangelical, non-charismatic type. I have a notion of why you ask, but why do you ask?
Posted by: Still intelligent but also dumb at March 28, 2026 12:44 PM (TbWk/)

I'm glad you were not offended, just seemed like it might be too personal a question...

As to the why, this phrase you used "...and the utter conviction from my earliest conscious years that to fail at a task defines you existentially as a failure."

I was just curious and intrigued by that sentence. I'm Lutheran by upbringing, but have know a bunch of people from a wide array of faiths, so that sentence just stood out, made me wonder what led you to have that experience.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:53 PM (dmDsy)

150 >>So we shall see.

Good to hear. Someday we'll need to have a couple drinks and compare outcomes.

Time for Elvis to walk me. Have a great day morons.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 28, 2026 12:56 PM (viF8m)

151 The worst crew of arrogant faggots I ever met were schoolteachers.
I've hung around PhDs (religion, near-eastern history, etc) at a conference and they were fine. Helped that we generally didn't get into politics although when they did, they weren't terrible about it. That might have changed since #woke though.

Posted by: gKWVE at March 28, 2026 12:56 PM (KAw7u)

152 Praying for your healing Whig

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at March 28, 2026 12:56 PM (xT8gx)

153 I'm sure that if I wanted to talk to insufferable douches I could go outside for the No Solid Stools protest.

Posted by: gKWVE at March 28, 2026 12:57 PM (KAw7u)

154 Last night I watched a Houthi Brigadier General give his death to America, death to Israel speech. And I thought of GySgt Hartman. "You piece of shit. You slimy cocksucker. You just signed your own death warrant!". Dumb fucker will probably answer his cell phone.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 28, 2026 12:58 PM (gm9Sb)

155 Dumb fucker will probably answer his cell phone.

===

Exploding hummus.

Posted by: runner at March 28, 2026 12:59 PM (GD0B3)

156 I predict a Nood in one minute...

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 01:00 PM (dmDsy)

157 Just one more....

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 01:01 PM (dmDsy)

158 152 Praying for your healing Whig
Posted by: LinusVanPelt

Thanks.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 01:01 PM (E4rtv)

159 This, among numerous other cruel and dysfunctional things, I was conditioned to not just believe but absorb into the deepest parts of myself. So while I am measurably quite intelligent, I'm kind of stupid because of neuroticism, indecision, and the utter conviction from my earliest conscious years that to fail at a task defines you existentially as a failure

----

I am so sorry to hear this. One of the reasons I enjoyed the movie Meet the Robinsons was because of the joy the family expressed when the main character failed. It might be worth watching.

I hope you are able to get rid of those types of thought and get to a healthier, more truthful way of thinking.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 01:01 PM (RkOfE)

160 Hey those are in my size (for IWB carry).

Posted by: epador at March 28, 2026 01:01 PM (TRnzq)

161 Do you think the next step from the internet - robot teachers - will help?
-------
But maybe better than woke teachers

Who do you think is going to program the robot teachers?

Posted by: Oddbob at March 28, 2026 01:02 PM (vTZFs)

162 Time for Elvis to walk me. Have a great day morons.
----
You too Jack

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 01:02 PM (RkOfE)

163 I have zero predictive powers.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 01:03 PM (dmDsy)

164 ChatGPT used reddit for 25% of the answers it provides. Imagine that is the curriculum of robot teachers.

God help us all.

Posted by: Heroq at March 28, 2026 01:03 PM (tZs6V)

165 As to the why, this phrase you used "...and the utter conviction from my earliest conscious years that to fail at a task defines you existentially as a failure."

I was just curious and intrigued by that sentence. I'm Lutheran by upbringing, but have know a bunch of people from a wide array of faiths, so that sentence just stood out, made me wonder what led you to have that experience.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 12:53 PM (dmDsy)

That's just a shorthand expression I came up with after many years of reflection and consideration. I've also discovered through a lot of research that having this belief inculcated in children is actually quite common within narcissistic and other dysfunctional family systems. Religion was used largely for manipulation, avoidance of accountability, and keeping an unchallengeable whip-hand, so to speak. Unsurprisingly I have a rather disillusioned and jaded view regarding religion. And I know people will say "well you have to separate the religion from its flawed practitioners" and I understand that as far as it goes, but it's also a bit hand-wavy when it was part and parcel of the experience as a whole.

Posted by: Lutheran? So...potlucks and Jello salad? at March 28, 2026 01:04 PM (TbWk/)

166
Dems will never allow robot teachers. Half their money comes from teacher union donations.
Posted by: Heroq

===========
Do it like the dock workers. Show up, sit around cursing and eating lunch, and pick up a paycheck and pennies while machines do all the labor.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia's Phone at March 28, 2026 01:05 PM (XJ22o)

167 Airport reports showing lines are still long. Poor little spring breakers are considering driving.And, so what? Enjoy the drive with three or four of your buds, a few cases of pony cans (honest, you won't get drunk) and three bags of Cheetos.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at March 28, 2026 01:06 PM (gm9Sb)

168 Most podcastors are either a shill or a fraud or both.
The use of AI in anything that requires intellectual introspection is frightening. Math or something with predetermined resolutions may work.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 28, 2026 01:06 PM (IictL)

169 Whig, as always appreciate your comments. Will continue prays for your healing, thanks for the update.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 01:07 PM (RkOfE)

170 So. Thousands are marching in London at the No Kings protest. In a country with an actual king, and they are bitching about Trump.
Anyone else see the irony?

Well, most of us are on the dole and the rest have to take a break from their rape gangs endeavors. It's not like we have much else to do with our time. I hope to visit the States soon and maybe even see a dentist while I am there. Cheerio!

Posted by: Arthur Cuckoldson, English Wanker at March 28, 2026 01:08 PM (T9e0q)

171 I've also discovered through a lot of research that having this belief inculcated in children is actually quite common within narcissistic and other dysfunctional family systems.
---
Sad, but true. However, now as an adult, it is on me to reject lies and embrace truth.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 01:11 PM (RkOfE)

172 170 So. Thousands are marching in London at the No Kings protest. In a country with an actual king, and they are bitching about Trump.
Anyone else see the irony?

They claimed a million in London... I'm sure they'll do the same here....

Posted by: It's me donna at March 28, 2026 01:11 PM (FtULh)

173 169 Whig, as always appreciate your comments. Will continue prays for your healing, thanks for the update.
Posted by: AmericanKestrel
=====
I appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: whig at March 28, 2026 01:13 PM (E4rtv)

174 > Dems will never allow robot teachers.
---------
They may not have a vote. If AI ever becomes really useful for the general public and especially education, a parent could choose the model that suits their needs and home school with it.

That could be most any discipline, political tilt, religious affiliation, education interests, etc.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 01:14 PM (AkEZC)

175 156 I predict a Nood in one minute...
Posted by: SSBN 656 (G)
--

Of course, I just got here.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 28, 2026 01:15 PM (IictL)

176
Here is an awesome Hot Take interview: California is bankrupt and that is a major risk to the country

It wasn't that long ago that Newsom claimed that California was propping up the deadbeat red states.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 28, 2026 01:15 PM (Cqx++)

177 Posted by: Lutheran? So...potlucks and Jello salad? at March 28, 2026 01:04 PM (TbWk/

---
Btw, I agree that you are intelligent. You often have humorous insightful posts with a nic like the one that you used here, which makes me want to know what nic you usually post with.

I only know that you use these fun nics. I don't know if you ever post with a main nic.

Posted by: AmericanKestrel at March 28, 2026 01:15 PM (RkOfE)

178 Here is an awesome Hot Take interview: California is bankrupt and that is a major risk to the country

It's a write off Jerry! They just write it off!

Posted by: The National Debt, Tick Tock at March 28, 2026 01:17 PM (T9e0q)

179 empowering children with educational technology

You don't empower children with technology. You empower children by giving them truth and critical thinking. They're better off learning that without technology at the start.

Posted by: GWB at March 28, 2026 01:17 PM (x9vBb)

180 >>>34m
U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7)
---

USS Tripoli, looks like a heavy dose of Trump messaging.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 28, 2026 01:18 PM (IictL)

181
If AI ever becomes really useful for the general public and especially education, a parent could choose the model that suits their needs and home school with it.

Then they will ban home schooling.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 28, 2026 01:19 PM (Cqx++)

182 When can being too smart get in your way?

Napoleon on how he planned wars: "There is no man more pusillanimous than I when I am planning a campaign" In the planning stage, Napoleon exaggerated, in his mind "all the dangers and calamities" possible BUT while fighting, he forgot everything "except what led to success."

Maybe being purely academic, in a sheltered environment, I'd say yes. But, it has also been written several WW2 commanders demonstrated various Napoleonic traits and could read battle and act decisively. For example: Patton for rapid armored warfare. Georgy Zhukov was apparently known for strategic offensive planning; Rommel, aggressive tactical leadership, and more.

And I imagine great commanders throughout history in all places of the world have had to exhibit "Napoleonic traits."

And that brilliance coupled with decisive action would likely be an advantage in medicine, engineering, and more too.
---
The robot drum players were super but I couldn't stop looking at the robot dog that fell over, whether intentional or accidental, during the presentation.

Cute. And always an interesting thread. Thanks!

Posted by: L - No nic... at March 28, 2026 01:20 PM (NFX2v)

183 "And I know people will say "well you have to separate the religion from its flawed practitioners" and I understand that as far as it goes, but it's also a bit hand-wavy when it was part and parcel of the experience as a whole."
Posted by: Lutheran? So...potlucks and Jello salad? at March 28, 2026 01:04 PM (TbWk/)

LOL I appreciate the name change, Still intelligent but also dumb!

I only mentioned that to say I'm not from the much stricter sects... and yes, I remember there being some bake sales after church...

I had a whole bunch of stuff written, but then decided to just say this:

I feel sorry for your experiences with religion, and I hope that you can find peace.

Posted by: SSBN 656 (G) at March 28, 2026 01:21 PM (dmDsy)

184 181 Then they will ban home schooling.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr

There is already a demand that the government do that. This is why certain segments of the population need to be flogged.

Posted by: NR Pax at March 28, 2026 01:22 PM (+NIRm)

185 Cat napping

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 01:24 PM (Ia/+0)

186 Robot teachers could be better than this:

Delco DA Press Release: Charges Brought Against 20 School Employees for Abusing Children Under Their Care, Mar 31, 2025

Media, PA – District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced the charging of twenty (20) individuals who worked in the Chester Community Charter School with multiple counts related to child abuse against twenty six (26) children in grades K-5 who were enrolled in the school’s Team Approach to Achieving Academic Success (TAAS) program. These charges come after a police investigation begun after two parents complained to school officials in January of 2025 that their children reported being afraid to attend school due to fears of being placed in “holds” by school staff.
-----
Not every family, every parent or guardian can homeschool their precious child/children.

And when some try their best to protect them through other educational methods, that doesn't necessarily work for the best either.

Posted by: L - No nic... at March 28, 2026 01:30 PM (NFX2v)

187 In my experience, anslysis paralysis is more linked to an active imagination.
Being able to imagine how things can go horribly wrong as the result of one's decisions is a huge obstacle.
Courage is the thing.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 01:31 PM (tcsrY)

188 Maybe being purely academic, in a sheltered environment, I'd say yes. But, it has also been written several WW2 commanders demonstrated various Napoleonic traits and could read battle and act decisively. For example: Patton for rapid armored warfare. Georgy Zhukov was apparently known for strategic offensive planning; Rommel, aggressive tactical leadership, and more.

Patton was actually mentored as a cadet by Col. John Mosby, I think Zhukov was influenced by Russian cavalry tactics as learned from the Mongols, and Rommel learned deeply from what didn't work with armor in WWI and the Spanish Civil war.

Add to this George Washington who developed incredibly complicated assaults that were probably beyond the ability of his troops commanders to coordinate, but always had ways of breaking contact successfully, and worked a surprising number of times.

Posted by: Kindltot at March 28, 2026 01:32 PM (rbvCR)

189 It the opposite of Dunning Kruger.

Those that know more about a subject know more about the problems of that subject. This particularly true on a new field of endeavor.

Angels fear to tread where fools gladly go is true.

In the engineering consulting game we used to say; "How do you tell the expert in the room? He is the one that says it will cost the most and take the longest."

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at March 28, 2026 01:32 PM (xvV+O)

190 > USS Tripoli, looks like a heavy dose of Trump messaging.
------------
One of 3 "aviation optimized" LHA's. No well deck for landing craft or other boats to take Marines ashore. Instead they use helicopters and V-22's. The Tripoli and her sisters can also support up to 18 or 20 F-35B VTOL jets. Another LHA is heading to the Gulf. With a bunch of Marines too.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 28, 2026 01:33 PM (AkEZC)

191 "The easiest people to fool are those that think they are real smart."

Words of wisdom from my father the used car salesman... the successful used car salesman.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at March 28, 2026 01:41 PM (xvV+O)

192 GARDEN THREAD IS BLOOMING
NOOD

Posted by: Skip at March 28, 2026 01:42 PM (Ia/+0)

193 Intelligent but dumb, you described me as well!
We might be twins

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 28, 2026 02:01 PM (znREB)

194 *sigh*

There are only two LHA's in the Tripoli Amphib group -- the flagship Tripoli and the USS New Orleans, which were in port in Diego Garcia as of March 23.

The third ship that was part of the group earlier, the USS San Diego, did not make the trip to the CENTCOM AOR. It is currently in port in Sasebo, Japan.

Posted by: one hour sober at March 28, 2026 02:06 PM (Y1sOo)

195 "Common sense" often comes from trying and failing at various things. A lot of people never get up the courage to try because of the possibility of failure.

Posted by: whig

I kind of favor "Uncommon good sense".

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 28, 2026 02:32 PM (/lPRQ)

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