Wayfarer

Random musings

[socho]

Intelligence

Raymond Cattell developed the theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence in the 1940s. Fluid intelligence is related  to the ability to think and act quickly, solve complex problems and deal with situations requiring an innovative or hitherto unknown (to the individual) approach. Crystallized intelligence is developed by learning stuff and is more about memorizing existing knowledge.

Research suggests that fluid intelligence for humans has been increasing from one generation to another (Flynn Effect). But what about crystallized intelligence? In an age when knowledge rests not inside the human brain, but on smartphones and computers and cloud, its hard to believe that the current generation can remember (know) more than the older generations. But that’s just me thinking aloud and I have not come across any scientific studies done in the last fifteen years to back the idea of declining/rising crystallized intelligence. Youtube is full of videos highlighting shocking ignorance of the “youth” with respect to very common topics- president’s name, neighboring countries, independence/republic days (India), Hindi alphabets (for North Indian Hindi speakers), national anthem, and so on and so forth.

Today, practical intelligence is in knowing where to find answers rather than in knowing specific answers. With increasing reliance on technology, the motivation to know is more important that actually knowing. Its okay to not know the exact details of an internal combustion engine as long as the individual knows that Wikipedia or some other website has the details. This calls for a change in our examination systems which still largely check the ability to memorize and promote learning by rote. It would also be interesting to know the impact of technology reliance and outsourcing of knowledge on the individuals’ critical thinking ability and specialization over a subject. And artificial intelligence....?

[socho]

Anti common-sense generation

In an age when leaders of the tech world are debating on the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, when cyber espionage and cyber security are top corporate concerns, when so much is happening in areas of technology, health care, space research, environmental studies and behavioral studies, when business leaders are releasing their reading lists for the year, when so many experts and non-experts are writing books and blogs, when there is abundance of information and when there is so much to think about and learn, the dominant discourse of the day would suggest a phenomenal rise of stupidity in all societies. 

Take a look at the top news items on news channels and you would know that common sense has become a rare commodity. We have seen the top news items in recent times- the way Trudeau shakes hand with Trump becomes news with no mention of whatever the two leaders discussed on more substantive issues, the chief minister of a state wears saffron dress and ear rings and feeds cows makes for a big news, a media channel outrages against an advisory issued by an educational institute asking girl students to wear decent (formal) western or Indian outfits for an event and so on and so forth. Look at the news channels and you would realize how intelligence is fleeting in a world of “he said.... she said...” journalism. Corrupt journalists, news anchors and agenda driven shrewd activists, actors, writers and intellectuals are peddling unadulterated stupidity day in and day out. Analyze the facts and question the opinion makers of the day, and you will be branded a fascist and a troll. A juggernaut of leftist elites control the opinion making centers worldwide, not just in India. They have no patience or tolerance for anyone with a different view or opinion on any matter. The classy left-liberal elites with their posh language skills, glib talk, attitude and claims to be the proponents of liberalism and progressive thought, vouched by others from within their circle, will manipulate facts, present half-truths or none at all, use insinuations and trickery to peddle propaganda. An article’s headline is more important than the content within, and I should mention here that there have been cases when the article’s headline and the content conveyed totally contradictory messages.

Little critical thinking, reading and fact-checking are all that are required to expose the propagandists. But we have become a generation of stupid people. We don’t like to read books and check facts. We would much rather accept the crap shown on viciously biased news channels as biblical truths. Our biases are premised not on experience, research, facts or common sense, but on opinions of corrupt journalists, activists and intellectuals. We are too lazy to do any amount of self research even with abundance of information all over. We have no interest in our history and we have outsourced development of our views and ideas to leftist ideologues and propagandists. We would rather have someone tells us what is right and wrong than do our own homework to come to a decision. Result- preponderance of anti-commonsense discourse, policies, societies.

[shiveshr]

Nandi Hills: ancient hill fortress of southern India, in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka state. It is approximately 60 km from Bangalore. Best time to visit- early morning to enjoy the sunrise, the clouds and mist all over. Otherwise choose evenings for a calm sunset view. Note that visitors are not allowed after 6 P.M.

[socho]

Happiness comes to happy people.

[socho]

The Past Year

Minutes from now and the new year (2015) will have embarked. And while new beginnings are to be celebrated, it is good to reminisce the old- as much for remembrance sake, the sentimentality we tend to attach to the past, as for an honest and meaningful assessment of our own endeavors, successes and failures.

The year 2014 has been eventful for me in that I graduated from B-school, got a job, left the place I love and settled in a new city- nothing that can be termed as ground-breaking. Much of what happened through the year was a certain consequence of having chosen a path. I would say, the year was a mixed bag- the first half of the year was definitely a happy one, the latter half not so much.

The first half of the year was a time spent in campus, in posh restaurants and bars and by street-side dhabas and at Home- with family and friends. The last semester of the two year MBA program ended in May. What got me to pursue MBA will remain the topic of another blog, hopefully. The two year program was extremely satisfying and enlightening. It gave me a new perspective about how businesses operate, excel and fail; about life and relationships; and changed my worldview altogether. Equipped with all the gyan imbibed at B-school, I was excited, pumped up and ready to conquer the world. And then, as the second half of the year started, I got a job with a reputed MNC.

It started off well. In a short span, I had built a reputation for myself. I was sought after- by my managers and by the clients I served. I thought I was excelling. Driven by an urge to be the best and be indispensable, I was also spending most of my time in office- 48 hours at a stretch on several occasions. As work occupied most of my time, friends drifted away and I didn’t care. I was spending nights after nights in the office during conference calls, often scribbling random patterns on the whiteboard of conference rooms during breaks to keep me engaged, and awake. The routine has continued with no signs of let up. I guess working all alone in the office bay, night after night, can impact different individuals differently. The feelings of loneliness and frustration, the stress, the sheer work-load are now too much to take. My nice job has become an all-consuming drudgery. The initial excitement around attending client calls at 1 AM from an office conference room has been replaced entirely by gloom. I am burned-out. How quickly all the initial enthusiasm wears off? Misplaced priorities?

I have pondered and realized that what is happening to me is commonplace. I have also realized that true happiness for me is not in the exclusive pursuit of professional goals. I need time for myself, for my interests, hobbies and relationships. It is important to find personal time for ourselves, for friends, for family, and for nothing at all, amidst our busy schedules at workplace. Just talking to parents and siblings every day and talking to all the friends frequently can do a lot of good. Even a two minute conversation works. I now realize some things need to change. 

Seeking new is seeking change. Celebrate the new. But keep few things constant. Set aside plans and new year resolutions for a while. For a while, just be happy doing nothing. Well I am just at it. Happy New Year :)

[traverik-blog]

“Yours never will.” said farer to fearer… - W. H. Auden

[shiveshr]

Auckland-

The Maori’s of New Zealand call it Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland- the city of sales is the largest metropolitan city of New Zealand. From idyllic islands to the vibrant city waterfront, Auckland is a traveler’s delight. The city of sails, as it is called, Auckland has everything...