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The Simple Mind

Mephisto

Philosopher
Mephisto
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Messages
6,064
I heard a quote recently by a young lady, who I imagine, was parroting someone she knew (she's only nine). I can't remember the exact discussion, but it was regarding intelligence.

She said, "a simple mind is an honest mind."

This young lady is one of the neighborhood kids whose grandparents (she's being raised by them) are devout Baptists/Republicans/Conservatives. Her statement popped out of her mouth in a manner that made me believe it was in common usage in her home.

Now, Bertrand Russell has plenty to say on the supposition that a simple mind is an honest mind, but I fail to understand WHY people have a natural tendency to believe the simple-minded are inherently more honest than anyone else. Jails and prisons everywhere are full of simple-minded criminals, and I wager that the majority of prisoners in either place are not particularly well educated.

What I'm trying to understand is why intelligence is seen as somehow malevolent while people who are stupid or feeble-minded are seen as incapable of dishonesty. Does anyone really look up to the simple-minded for morals and honesty?
 
1) People fear the unknown
2) Simple minds are easier to understand

so...
 
Paul C. Anagnostopoulos said:
Perhaps by "simple" they mean "uncluttered with complicated stuff you have to lie about."

~~ Paul
Click to expand...

I would like to believe that this was the case (sounds very Zen), but if I remember correctly her statement reeked of mistrust of anyone educated. I don't know whether this was mirroring the atmosphere in her home or whether I'm reading too much into the statement, but I would honestly like to believe the statement was tinged with philosophy as you suggest.

However, Bertrand Russell seemed to think that many people equate stupid with honest. I don't know whether it's because people like to believe that crime requires intelligence, or that intelligent people are more conniving, but it's not an unheard of prejudice.

For whatever reason, there seems to be a current of anti-intellectualism flowing through the U.S. lately and the fact that Intelligent Design is being taught on equal grounds with science is only signals further stupifying of Americans. This era in our history seems to be touted as one in favor of the common man, but when average intelligence becomes the goal and the common man is in dire straits for all his struggling, are we being gently misguided by ridiculous prejudices and those intelligent enough to manipulate them?
 
El Greco said:
1) People fear the unknown
2) Simple minds are easier to understand

so...
Click to expand...

Good point. It becomes more a case of mental one-up-manship for ignorant and suspicious people. In a sense, it's a fear promoted by people who like to manipulate others and are afraid of being manipulated themselves . . .

Unfortunately the idea is bought by people of all cultures, races and nationalities.
 
Mephisto said:
I agree, and nearly everything in the modern world contributes from advertising to religion.
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Religion is kinda, not funny.....or fun at all......it only serves to give false hope.

I live to have fun, and Jesus isn't very fun.
 
Good thread, another view I was inculcated with from childhood and must now dredge up and question.

When it doesn't concern them children know no guile. However I can state with confidence that it is a demonstrable fact that children are capable of deceit when it concerns them (I'm a parent but I don't rely on anecdote alone. see below). In fact they can be quite bold and imaginative at doing so and they begin at a young age. If you have children at home you quickly learn that sometimes "nobody did it".

I would say the notion is based on the observation that children are fairly honest when reporting on events that don't concern them. Of course one must disassociate from the very real fact that children do in fact lie when they don't want to get into trouble.

Lying

Children develop through progressive stages of moral development. Two-year-olds may not understand the concept of truth versus deception, but children three years and older certainly can. They might not like to own up to it, but preschoolers know right from wrong, truth from falsehood, and certainly don't like to be lied to. However, many don't seem to mind stretching the truth at times, especially if it gains them attention or a coveted treat, privilege or reward.
Click to expand...
I would add to avoid punishment.

So, bottom line, I used to ascribe to the notion that children were innocent and didn't lie even when I knew that they did.

According to the bible Christ said, "Except you become as little children you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Which I guess means that we should be complaint to authority and don't lie.
 
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