Why are smart people so conceited?

[Anonymous]

That whole pecking order of things going on

[wolfcat87]

conceited - excessively proud of oneself; vain.

According to who? What makes their pride excessive? I only ever find that people who feel threatened, jealous, or insecure think that intelligent people are conceited, arrogant, etc. Other smart people rarely do. They are likely achieving far more than the average joe and have earned their right to feel good over it.

[Asker]

No I find some smart people to be super conceited it’s like they think others are beneath them

[wolfcat87]

Maybe others are beneath them...

[etsylo]

Usually smart people are that way because they think highly of themselves due to their IQ compared to those below their IQ level. Either that or some people are just mean.

It's probably annoying living in a world full of people that aren't on your level. Irritating as well. I don't think I'm smart, but I have common sense and am able to do assignments without needing to read or study much. I think they feel a sense of pride of being able to do something so easily :/

[Sonorous]

Human beings in general are conceited. I don't think we should single out smart people for this one. It may just be the case that the conceited smart people stand out more to you than the average conceited person.

[slatyb]

Really? Not my experience in a lifetime of working with very smart people (and playing bridge with them). The truly intelligent people don't talk about how smart they are, and don't put themselves above others.

[wolfcat87]

What field do you work in? Because, that has not been my experience with doctors, engineers, scientists, and computer guys. Architects and lawyers don't mention it but are more likely to act smug.

[slatyb]

@wolfcat87 I'm in high tech. Many of my colleagues are in the top 1% of measured intelligence. They don't talk about how smart they are -- most are quite considerate in and out of the office. For example, I've never observed anyone abusing waitstaff on after-work outings. They are polite and tip well. Arrogance comes from insecurity -- a need to establish one's position in relation to others. Highly intelligent people have insecurities, but it's usually not about their intelligence or social status.

[slatyb]

Most of us realize that we are simply lucky to be able to do what we do and be well paid for doing it.

[Asker]

But they look down on others for sure, some of them, becuase it's like they think others didn't work as hard as they did.

[wolfcat87]

Hmmm, maybe it's a work place thing. I don't work with them. I wouldn't call them talking about their intelligence being arrogant. It would have to be exaggerated to fit the definition of arrogant or be related to insecurity. Being int he top 1% is a pretty cool trait, so why shouldn't they discuss it any more than someone with blond hair or brown eyes would discuss their own traits?

I'm not really with OP on calling intelligent people conceited for embracing who they are in an era immediately following one where intelligent people were bullied and spit on for being who they were openly. In fact, that's just confidence and self love. On the other hand, I find the people who get angry about intelligent people embracing who they are instead of hiding are the ones who are insecure. Otherwise, why are they bothered about anyone being intelligent?

[slatyb]

I and most of my colleagues didn't have to work all that hard to get our positions. We can do something that most people can't, and it's in high demand. Perhaps a few did work hard. I didn't. I was doing algebra at 8, pre-calc at 9 or 10, calculus at 11. Programming came pretty easily to me as well. I was never a particularly good student, but a couple of years out of college no one cares.

[Still-alive]

This sounds like an insecurity on your part. work on that more.

[Asker]

No I’ve noticed them do it to others too

[Still-alive]

‘Them’ see thats your problem you’re generalizing a whole ton of people. This isn’t healthy thinking on your part.

Get help for this.

[exitseven]

It would be awesome to be really smart. I would be conceited too

[Fireguy17]

I don't think I am.
I don't know everything and you can always learn something new.

[Siri137]

Hey! I'm not conceited!