Asymmetric comments on Rationality, Transhumanism, and Mental Health - Less Wrong

8 Post author: ialdabaoth 14 October 2012 09:11AM

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Comment author: Epiphany 15 October 2012 06:01:27PM *  3 points [-]

Alternate explanation for "insanity": If your IQ is high enough, you're likely to have problems fitting in with others. Normally I wouldn't suggest high IQ as a reason for not fitting in since an IQ high enough to cause that problem occurs in less than 1% of the population. However, here you are posting on LessWrong, a place that is known for it's intelligent members. (See Yvain's surveys to discover that most claim a high enough IQ for the average to be in the 140's). Not only that, but if you were using Bayesian techniques as a child and experimenting with making AIs as a teen, I'd say you're very likely to be smarter than the average bear.

If you want to look into this further:

Try researching a concept called "socially optimal IQ range".

Check out this article by the Prometheus Society: The Outsiders

Consider reading this book: Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults

Research the term: Existential depression (common to gifted adults, and your inability to hack utility table complaint is reminiscent of this).

If you or someone reading this needs a concierge into the subject of gifted adults, I can be one. If the prospect of being flamed for claiming giftedness / looking into giftedness is a concern, use PM.

Comment author: Asymmetric 19 November 2012 12:25:14AM 0 points [-]

Somehow the phrase "existential depression" clicked with me. For context, I'm an otherwise cheery person who breaks down with terrible fear (sometimes involving crying episodes) when I contemplate death. The fear generally lasts for a few hours, but is extremely potent.

Are there instances of existential depression which are more chronic, as opposed to acute, like mine? Is that what the phrase is referring to?