NationStates Jolt Archive

Which one would you rather have, assuming the two are mutually exclusive? Would you rather be extremely happy or extremely smart?

I'd rather be extremely smart.

knowledge, because not knowing things irritates me. i can't be happy if i'm irritated.

I'd say knowledge, but I accidently clicked happiness on the poll. Oops.:(

However, it seems to me that the more I have learned, the happier I have been. So I would definitely say knowledge, even if it didn't make me more happy.

knowledge as long as I’m loved I’m happy enough with two sugars and a cherry :D

Though I would rather be extremely wise :(

Knowledge. Then I would know how to become happy.

Knowledge. Then I would know how to become happy.

That.

Knowledge. Then I would know how to become happy.

The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :)

The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :)

Now I'm convinced your a troll

The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :)

but what about the knowledge of marmite or of masturbation? (were all thinking it)

Now I'm convinced your a troll

My point is that you have to pick one or the other. It's retarded and trollish to say "well, I'd rather be happy and smart, even though that goes against the entire point of the poll."

The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :)

Only in your sad and pathetic world.

Edit: Judging by your posts you must be the happiest person on the face of the Earth ;)

The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :)

Why? What would be the point in having no power whatsoever over the course of your life? How can anyone live life without knowledge?

The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :)

I reject your premise. Often the more I know about something the happier I am about it because the more I get out of it. And the stuff I find out that I don't like usually highlights what was bothering me in the first place and I'm able to be happier in the knowledge of what it is and in some cases fix the problem.

Your premise is flawed as it has no application. Rejected.

My point is that you have to pick one or the other. It's retarded and trollish to say "well, I'd rather be happy and smart, even though that goes against the entire point of the poll."
But I'm happy because I'm smart. See, I don't buy into the whole "ignorance is bliss" line of thinking. Ignorance may allow you a sense of well-being, but it's a false one. It's got the consistency of cotton candy--it's airy and fleeting. You could be blissful if your frontal lobe were removed, but would you be fulfilled? Happy? Well, maybe you would--I don't know.

But I'll take dealing with the trials and tribulations of life and the satisfaction I get from accomplishment over that airy kind of bliss any day of the week.

And if I decide I want some of that airy bliss, well there's always "puff, puff, give, motherfucker, and don't mess up the rotation." :D

I reject your premise. Often the more I know about something the happier I am about it because the more I get out of it.

I'm not saying that's not true. However, for the purpose of the poll, it is necessary to assume that with one, you cannot have the other. You have to pick which one matters the most to you.

Knowledge. Happiness through it, hopefully, but even if not, still knowledge.

You have to pick which one matters the most to you.

I wish I had put Mryth now :(

Knowledge. Happiness is merely an illusion that quickly fades once people realize that what they thought would make them happy indeed does not. Bless their grasping hearts.

Both.

no ledge for me. and i already have a penis.

This is a basic Flowers for Algernon question.
If you do not know the book, it is time to gain a little knowledge. ;)



There was once a venerated man who devoted his entire life to promoting learning. At a dinner honoring him for a long life of dedicated service in the pursuit of knowledge and angel appeared. This angel announced that due to his life of devotion he will be awarded a gift of his choosing – either infinite wisdom or unlimited wealth.
Being a man of learning he did not hesitate to choose infinite wisdom – which was then granted. A soft golden glow appeared around his head and the angel dissapeared.
The guests gathered around the table sat in awed silence for a while until one finally whispered “say something”. The learned man, now possessed of infinite wisdom said…


“I should have taken the money”

Both.

happy knowledge?

Knowledge. Then I would know how to become happy.What if you knew that you could never be happy?

I'd go for happiness.

I'm convinced RealAmerica is someones puppet created with the intent of making Americans look like stupid, bigoted trash.

happy knowledge?

More or less. I think the closest thing to it would be a mixture of this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureanism) with this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academia).

I'm convinced RealAmerica is someones puppet created with the intent of making Americans look like stupid, bigoted trash.

Those whose opinions carry more weight, will usually avoid constructing generalisations based on characters such as RealAmerica.

jolt says i last visited on the 1st of january 1970 at 1am. i don't believe them. silly jolt

What if you knew that you could never be happy?

I'd go for happiness.
Hey, at least I'd know why I ain't happy. That in itself will leave a certain feeling of contentedness. ;)

knowledge as long as I’m loved I’m happy enough with two sugars and a cherry :D

Though I would rather be extremely wise :(

ditto.

wisdom would be my top choice.

Vanity.

Happiness, for sure. (I can't believe everyone is going for knowledge, happiness is so much more rewarding). :)

Happiness, for sure. (I can't believe everyone is going for knowledge, happiness is so much more rewarding). :)

I couldn't be truly happy if I were stupid.

If these were my options I would choose Myrth. Best of both worlds.

I couldn't be truly happy if I were stupid.

You wouldn't know the difference if you were truely stupid. :)

Besides, in this case, you couldn't be happy if you were knowledgable.

You wouldn't know the difference if you were truely stupid. :)

I think I would. Stupidity would mean being stuck in a supermarket job for the rest of my life, scrounging to make a living. I fail to see how I could be "happy" in such a reality, unless it was through a drug induced euphoria.

...which isn't true happiness.

Besides, in this case, you couldn't be happy if you were knowledgable.

I'd nonetheless prefer it to the above reality.

You wouldn't know the difference if you were truely stupid. :)

Besides, in this case, you couldn't be happy if you were knowledgable.

You could still be content and satisfied in your knowledge, and that's enough for me.

I choose knowledge.

I think I would. Stupidity would mean being stuck in a supermarket job for the rest of my life, scrounging to make a living. I fail to see how I could be "happy" in such a reality, unless it was through a drug induced euphoria.

...which isn't true happiness.



I'd nonetheless prefer it to the above reality.

*Sigh* You seem to be having some issues understanding the concept of happiness. :rolleyes:

You could still be content and satisfied in your knowledge, and that's enough for me.

I choose knowledge.

That's a fair enough position. Contentment alone is not enough for me, though. I want a high every now and again. :)

*Sigh* You seem to be having some issues understanding the concept of happiness. :rolleyes:

Probably; at the risk of sounding emo, I haven't been "happy" for as long as I can remember, and I have no idea what would truly make me happy.

I just don't see how giving up knowledge would assist that. How could I be happy without it, since the lack of it inevitably means material suffering?

Probably; at the risk of sounding emo, I haven't been "happy" for as long as I can remember, and I have no idea what would truly make me happy.

I just don't see how giving up knowledge would assist that. How could I be happy without it, since the lack of it inevitably means material suffering?

Surely you have moments at least of happiness?

Material things do not mean happiness. As cliched as that is, in my experience, it's true.

Probably; at the risk of sounding emo, I haven't been "happy" for as long as I can remember, and I have no idea what would truly make me happy.

A sack of weed, a super burrito and a foot massager.

I mean, it works for me...

Surely you have moments at least of happiness?

If I am engrossed in a task I enjoy, I can forget about what is bothering me for a while. Does that count? Apart from that, I can't sit back and say "All is good, I am happy." Maybe i'm pessimistic, but I think only a scant few people can actually do that.

Material things do not mean happiness. As cliched as that is, in my experience, it's true.

I'm not talking about material "things", which are indeed frivolous. I'm talking about material suffering caused by having a minimum wage job and not being able to afford basic necessities, possibly to the point of having to take on yet another job. In my view, that would be the antithesis of happiness.

A sack of weed, a super burrito and a foot massager.

I mean, it works for me...

Yeah, I dunno. The last few times I smoked weed I didn't have all that much fun, so i've gone off it for a while.

If I am engrossed in a task I enjoy, I can forget about what is bothering me for a while. Does that count? Apart from that, I can't sit back and say "All is good, I am happy." Maybe i'm pessimistic, but I think only a scant few people can actually do that.

I don't think that does count. :(

*Gives happy pills*

Eh? So I'm one of a small number of people who feel happy? I don't think so. Sure, I'm far from euphoric all the time, but every now and again I am, even when it's only because of something small.

I'm not talking about material "things", which are indeed frivolous. I'm talking about material suffering caused by having a minimum wage job and not being able to afford basic necessities, possibly to the point of having to take on yet another job. In my view, that would be the antithesis of happiness.

Unless you enjoy your job... Or you could join a hippy commune ;)

A sack of weed, a super burrito and a foot massager.

I mean, it works for me...

And gabbly, that's always a source of fun... :p

*Gives happy pills*

I mentioned before that drug induced euphoria isn't real happiness ;)

Eh? So I'm one of a small number of people who feel happy? I don't think so. Sure, I'm far from euphoric all the time, but every now and again I am, even when it's only because of something small.

*shrugs*

I don't think i've ever been "euphoric". I mean, it's not like I don't have anything to smile about at all, it's just that I don't find the bigger picture all that happy.

Unless you enjoy your job...

Well, I must admit, i'm hard pressed to find rewarding minimum wage positions... ;)

Or you could join a hippy commune ;)

Heh.

Simple = Happy.

Knowledge = Misery.

Most people of any brain power end up miserable with the reality. Most of the great thinkers suffer from their held knowledge (Existentialists) or are persecuted (Socrates). Further to this, the line between genius and mental instabilty is very thin.

The more you know the more you become aware of the complexities and problems of the world we inhabit.

Ignorance is bliss.

*shrugs*

I don't think i've ever been "euphoric". I mean, it's not like I don't have anything to smile about at all, it's just that I don't find the bigger picture all that happy.

Don't look at the bigger picture all the time.

*Well, I must admit, i'm hard pressed to find rewarding minimum wage positions... ;)

Well, I enjoy my job, and that's not even a skilled position. Part of it is attitude. And any pay has the potential to make a job rewarding, although, volunteer positions are arguably more satisfying.

Don't look at the bigger picture all the time.

I don't find much in the smaller picture of any note either. *shrugs*

Well, I enjoy my job, and that's not even a skilled position. Part of it is attitude. And any pay has the potential to make a job rewarding, although, volunteer positions are arguably more satisfying.

Well, you're lucky, I guess. I hate my job; the routine verbal abuse certainly doesn't help matters.

I've thought about volunteer work overseas, but in the meantime, I have to be realistic before trodding off to third world countries.

happiness is overrated. ı have been happy before and its not really that important for me now. I always choose knowledge. Knowledge is power.

I don't find much in the smaller picture of any note either. *shrugs*

:rolleyes: Ever the optimist, I see. It doesn't have to be much, just a good time with a friend or listening to a song you really enjoy...

:fluffle:

Well, you're lucky, I guess. I hate my job; the routine verbal abuse certainly doesn't help matters.

I've thought about volunteer work overseas, but in the meantime, I have to be realistic before trodding off to third world countries.

There are other jobs out there. Maybe volunteer stuff is worth looking into. Two of my friends went to Thailand to help supply an area with fresh water. They had a great time, and I can't think of many routine activities that could be more satisfying.

:rolleyes: Ever the optimist, I see. It doesn't have to be much, just a good time with a friend or listening to a song you really enjoy...

Oh, but that's what I meant earlier with the "If I am engrossed in a task I enjoy, I can forget about what is bothering me for a while." remark. I guess I should have rephrased it from task to activity.

There are other jobs out there.

I spent the better part of last year searching for one to replace my current one, and I didn't so much as get asked to an interview. The problem is being limited to part time work 'cause of uni at the moment, I think.

Maybe volunteer stuff is worth looking into. Two of my friends went to Thailand to help supply an area with fresh water. They had a great time, and I can't think of many routine activities that could be more satisfying.

Yeah, I dunno. I've never been outside of Australia before, so that's quite a leap.

Oh, but that's what I meant earlier with the "If I am engrossed in a task I enjoy, I can forget about what is bothering me for a while." remark. I guess I should have rephrased it from task to activity..

Oh, so you do feel euphoria?

I spent the better part of last year searching for one to replace my current one, and I didn't so much as get asked to an interview. The problem is being limited to part time work 'cause of uni at the moment, I think..

Yeah, that is a problem. Might not be so bad next year though. :)
Also: summer jobs.

Yeah, I dunno. I've never been outside of Australia before, so that's quite a leap.

Maybe you spend too much time looking before you leap? ;)
One of those girls I mentioned had never been OS before either. And there's always got to be a first time for everything. :)

Maybe you spend too much time looking before you leap? ;)
One of those girls I mentioned had never been OS before either. And there's always got to be a first time for everything. :)

Screw that, the outside world is scary, that's where they get you. Trust the bubble, feel the bubble, love the bubble. Keep your arms and hands inside the bubble at all times...

Myrth.

Oh, so you do feel euphoria?

Hm, no. But momentary contentment, yes.

Yeah, that is a problem. Might not be so bad next year though. :)

Dunno. I'm not too happy about the current prospects there :/ I guess I can stick with the supermarket for a few more years.

Also: summer jobs.

Meh, I usually get 25+ hours a week in the holidays as it stands.

Maybe you spend too much time looking before you leap? ;)
One of those girls I mentioned had never been OS before either. And there's always got to be a first time for everything. :)

I suppose.

Screw that, the outside world is scary, that's where they get you. Trust the bubble, feel the bubble, love the bubble. Keep your arms and hands inside the bubble at all times...

Sure it's scary. But it's exciting. :D

Sure it's scary. But it's exciting. :D

So is falling from a tall building. Right up to the end.

Hm, no. But momentary contentment, yes.



Dunno. I'm not too happy about the current prospects there :/ I guess I can stick with the supermarket for a few more years.



Meh, I usually get 25+ hours a week in the holidays as it stands.



I suppose.

IM? :)

So is falling from a tall building. Right up to the end.

That's a different kind of exciting. But you're right, there is a certain thrill in risk-taking. :p

That's a different kind of exciting. But you're right, there is a certain thrill in risk-taking. :p

See!?!? Siren! You're just trying to dash people on the rocks! Don't listen to her, tie yoursleves to the mast!!!

See!?!? Siren! You're just trying to dash people on the rocks! Don't listen to her, tie yoursleves to the mast!!!

*Sings* ;)

Which one would you rather have, assuming the two are mutually exclusive? Would you rather be extremely happy or extremely smart?
Knowledge is my happiness. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than thought.
I'd say knowledge, but I accidently clicked happiness on the poll. Oops.:-(

However, it seems to me that the more I have learned, the happier I have been. So I would definitely say knowledge, even if it didn't make me more happy.
Precisely. Though, to be fair: it is not in my nature to be happy without knowledge.
knowledge as long as I’m loved I’m happy enough with two sugars and a cherry XD

Though I would rather be extremely wise :*(
Wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing.
The two are mutually exclusive. The path to happiness is lack of knowledge. :-)
But they aren't exclusive. And no, it really isn't.
Now I'm convinced your a troll
It might seem that way...
My point is that you have to pick one or the other. It's retarded and trollish to say "well, I'd rather be happy and smart, even though that goes against the entire point of the poll."
No, it isn't. Just because it doesn't fit the black and white intentions of the OP doesn't mean it's a wrong answer.
Why? What would be the point in having no power whatsoever over the course of your life? How can anyone live life without knowledge?
It really isn't even about power with me. I just have a natural love of knowledge.
I'm not saying that's not true. However, for the purpose of the poll, it is necessary to assume that with one, you cannot have the other. You have to pick which one matters the most to you.
Not so. There's a Myrth option. That could be for those who find an either-or fallacy to be too irritating to choose one of the real choices.
What if you knew that you could never be happy?

I'd go for happiness.
It wouldn't matter. I could never be happy without knowledge anyway. At least then I would understand why.

Happiness, for sure. (I can't believe everyone is going for knowledge, happiness is so much more rewarding). :)
They are the same to me. Well, in large part.
You wouldn't know the difference if you were truely stupid. :)

Besides, in this case, you couldn't be happy if you were knowledgable.
Not so. The case is flawed in that it assumes they are mutually exclusive, which is by no means the case.
Probably; at the risk of sounding emo, I haven't been "happy" for as long as I can remember, and I have no idea what would truly make me happy.

I just don't see how giving up knowledge would assist that. How could I be happy without it, since the lack of it inevitably means material suffering?
I hadn't felt happy for so long either. Well, not in reality, anyway. Not until I "met" The Beautiful Darkness. Not immediately....but after I stopped being a jerk to her.:p
Surely you have moments at least of happiness?

Material things do not mean happiness. As cliched as that is, in my experience, it's true.
I concur with that last statement.
If I am engrossed in a task I enjoy, I can forget about what is bothering me for a while. Does that count? Apart from that, I can't sit back and say "All is good, I am happy." Maybe i'm pessimistic, but I think only a scant few people can actually do that.
I can right now. But I have my girlfriend to blame for that.:p You need to find a passion. Something that fulfills you.
I don't think that does count. :(

*Gives happy pills*

Eh? So I'm one of a small number of people who feel happy? I don't think so. Sure, I'm far from euphoric all the time, but every now and again I am, even when it's only because of something small.



Unless you enjoy your job... Or you could join a hippy commune ;)
No, it doesn't count. And I suppose. Thanks for dragging me down into the ranks of that blissful minority.:D

I don't find much in the smaller picture of any note either. *shrugs*
Then find a different small picture.

Oh, but that's what I meant earlier with the "If I am engrossed in a task I enjoy, I can forget about what is bothering me for a while." remark. I guess I should have rephrased it from task to activity.

I spent the better part of last year searching for one to replace my current one, and I didn't so much as get asked to an interview. The problem is being limited to part time work 'cause of uni at the moment, I think.

Yeah, I dunno. I've never been outside of Australia before, so that's quite a leap.
Yeah, but that change could be just the invigoration you need.
Oh, so you do feel euphoria?

Yeah, that is a problem. Might not be so bad next year though. :)
Also: summer jobs.

Maybe you spend too much time looking before you leap? ;)
One of those girls I mentioned had never been OS before either. And there's always got to be a first time for everything. :)

No, there isn't always a first time. But then there's also a lot of regret floating about, too...

So is falling from a tall building. Right up to the end.
Depends on one's phobias.:p
See!?!? Siren! You're just trying to dash people on the rocks! Don't listen to her, tie yoursleves to the mast!!!
:eek: But...but...y'know, I always wanted my own personal siren...;)
*Sings* ;)

*swoons*;)

Depends on one's phobias.:p

:eek: But...but...y'know, I always wanted my own personal siren...;)


*swoons*;)

Got one *whistles innocently* ;)

Also, I'm glad I have apparently somehow managed to make you happier. :D

:fluffle:

I can right now. But I have my girlfriend to blame for that.:p You need to find a passion. Something that fulfills you.

Ha. Yes, I have been told numerous times in so many words "you need a girlfriend", or "you need to get laid", or something to that effect. Which doesn't help. :headbang:

Anyway, I do have a passion, music. I just don't get time for it much lately.

Got one *whistles innocently* ;)

Also, I'm glad I have apparently somehow managed to make you happier. :D

:fluffle:
;)

Somehow, indeed. You put up with me consistently for all these months.:p :fluffle:
Ha. Yes, I have been told numerous times in so many words "you need a girlfriend", or "you need to get laid", or something to that effect. Which doesn't help. :headbang:

Anyway, I do have a passion, music. I just don't get time for it much lately.

I'm not saying you need a girlfriend or that you need to get laid. Just that passion is roughly equivalent with happiness. Assuming we're using the same definition of "passion." :p But yeah, see, you might be happy if you had more time for music, then. I'm not saying you can really afford to make that time or not....just that you might be happier if you did.

Knowledge.

In a world where the two were truely mutually exclusive, knowledge would be the key to changing that, and though it might not make me happy, it would be too important to ignore.