I think there is a very significant difference between average LWers' and average peoples' happiness, but that very little of it has to do with intelligence directly. We probably spend less time on family, friends, sex, singing, and running around outside (all wonderful things that increase happiness) than average, though we probably do more dancing than average (also happiness-increasing).
Overall, I find this subject and framing tiresome. Go plan how to spend more time with friends and family.
We probably spend less time on family, friends, sex, singing, and running around outside (all wonderful things that increase happiness)
The first one of those (and, to a lesser extent, the last one) doesn't increase happiness for me...
“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” ― Ernest Hemingway, The Garden of Eden see here
Did you know The surprising downsides of being clever? Is Happiness And Intelligence: Rare Combination? There are longitudinal studies which seem to imply this: Being Labeled as Gifted, Self-appraisal, and Psychological Well-being: A Life Span Developmental Perspective
I found these via slashdot.
As LessWrong is harbor to unusually high-IQ people (see section B in here). I wonder how happiness compares to the mean. What are your thoughts.