There’s a difference between displays of intelligence and excessive displays of intelligence. A working definition could be that it’s excessive when its purpose is to show off rather than to communicate the point at hand. (I think we agree here, just sort of thinking out loud and making sure.)
So obviously it’s a bad idea to show off. To me the question really is what do you do when you need to communicate something, but doing so will be seen as excessive. What are the best strategies to mitigate the perceived excessiveness?
I guess something along the lines of trying to impress people.
But I think Lumifer is right in saying that it depends on the situation. I meant to say that it’s usually a bad idea to show off because it’ll usually just make people dislike you.
I don’t think it’s rationality per se, but rather flamboyant displays of exceptional intelligence. For most people, this is very difficult to like.
Given the social dynamics involved, I suspect this isn’t easily fixable.
There’s a difference between displays of intelligence and excessive displays of intelligence. A working definition could be that it’s excessive when its purpose is to show off rather than to communicate the point at hand. (I think we agree here, just sort of thinking out loud and making sure.)
So obviously it’s a bad idea to show off. To me the question really is what do you do when you need to communicate something, but doing so will be seen as excessive. What are the best strategies to mitigate the perceived excessiveness?
That really depends on the situation. Sometimes it’s an excellent idea in order to establish dominance or to impress someone.
High status is useful.
An obvious one would be to flavor your communication with some low-status signals.
Could you define “showing off”?
I guess something along the lines of trying to impress people.
But I think Lumifer is right in saying that it depends on the situation. I meant to say that it’s usually a bad idea to show off because it’ll usually just make people dislike you.
If you go see a circus performance, do you think the performers are wrong to try to impress the audience?