“Among noisy geese, it is not advisable to appear as a swan.” Arthur Schopenhauer
Schopenhauer recognized the lack of social intelligence in the masses. He understood that intelligence often creates friction rather than admiration. Intellectual superiority can be perceived as a threat to the ego of others. It reveals what others do not see and implies that they know less. This can be painful.
Schopenhauer advised strategic retreat. Act without having to prove yourself. Observe before you intervene. Hide your superiority. Intellectual superiority is a tool, not a muscle to be flaunted. It can be used destructively or constructively. If you seem too intelligent, you can cause a feeling of inferiority in others. Then people automatically stop and look for weaknesses.
The Dunning-Kruger effect* says: “The least informed are the loudest, the most knowledgeable are the quietest. True intelligence consists in recognizing the right moment to speak. In some contexts, intelligence can blind rather than enlighten. It is important to assess the situation correctly.”
In power structures with fragile egos, bosses, teachers, narcissists, you should play dumb. It is also recommended in groups that value belonging above the truth. The same applies to conflicts with people who do not want to listen. Playing dumb does not mean being stupid. It is about gathering information, avoiding attacks and maintaining control. It is a tactical decision to achieve the desired result without causing unnecessary conflict.
- There are times when intellect is essential.
- When responsibility is at stake, it is important to get involved. Shine when you can inspire rather than overshadow others.
- If silence would be harmful, it is your duty to speak up.
- Tone, context, and purpose are vital.
- Choose your words wisely and consider the impact on your audience.
“The greater the intelligence, the greater the danger of arrogance. The temptation to look down on others is great. Isolation can be the result, the loss of connection with others. Self-destruction threatens if you always want to know everything better and thus are unable to learn.” Schopenhauer
Intelligence is a gift only if it is accompanied by humility. Without humility, it can become a curse. It is important to be aware of your own limitations and remain open to new perspectives. Self-control is key. Not every step is a step to the truth. Intellectuals win through time, composure, and silence. Sometimes the wisest sentence is the one you don’t say. It is about analyzing the situation and choosing the best course of action. Sometimes it is better to act in the background.
The real power of the intellect lies in its ability to understand and shape the world without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. Imagine you are in a meeting where an idea is being presented that is obviously flawed. Instead of immediately pointing it out, you could ask questions that subtly highlight the idea’s weaknesses. Or imagine arguing with someone who is firmly convinced of a false premise. Instead of directly correcting them, you could give them information that makes them question their own premise.
These subtle approaches are often more effective than direct confrontation. They allow others to recognize and correct their own mistakes without feeling attacked or humiliated. The art of mental restraint requires practice and introspection. It is a continuous learning process. Empathy is an essential part of mental restraint. It allows us to understand the perspective of others and adjust our communication accordingly.
Schopenhauer: “When we can put ourselves in the shoes of others, we are better able to identify their needs and fears. This helps us formulate our message in such a way that it is understood and accepted. Empathy also allows us to consider the impact of our words and actions on others. This helps us avoid unnecessary conflict and build positive relationships. The combination of intelligence and empathy is a powerful force that enables us to positively influence the world around us.”
Self-reflection is another important aspect of mental restraint. It enables us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses and adjust our behaviors accordingly. When we are aware of our own biases and assumptions, we are better able to think and act objectively. This helps us make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Self-reflection also allows us to learn from our mistakes and continually improve. This is an essential part of personal and professional growth.
Regularly take time to reflect on your experiences and analyze your behaviors. This will help you master the art of mental restraint. The art of mental restraint is not a passive strategy. It is an active decision that aims to bring about positive change without causing unnecessary conflict. It requires intelligence, empathy, and self-reflection. It is a skill that must be practiced and perfected. By mastering the art of mental restraint, we can improve our relationships, advance our politics, our ideology, and contribute positively to the world.
Schopenhauer: “What the herd hates most is the one who thinks differently. It is not so much the opinion itself, but the audacity to want to think for yourself, something they do not know how to do.“
*The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where people with limited knowledge or skills in a field overestimate their abilities, failing to recognize their inadequacy.
