It is, at its root, a case for frequent re-examination of one’s assumptions about the world and for a readiness to spot and exploit moments of cataclysmic change – those times when our perceptions of events and events themselves are likely to interact most fiercely.Ignoring the silly preoccupation with exploiting opportunity, it's a model description of a self-aware intelligence.
But Soros' intelligence is a form of sociopathy.
“You like the game?” Soros asked his host with a smile.
“Yes,” the white-haired Bergman replied.
Then, in a flash of the competitive spirit that makes Soros an avid skier and player of tennis and chess, Soros asked: “And how old are you?”
“75.”
“I’m 78,” Soros replied. “But what’s the use of good health if it doesn’t buy you money?” The vigorous septuagenarians flashed each other a complicit smile.
More generally, I think, it's this: being good at calculating the odds. In a society based on competition, financial success and status that's what counts as intelligence.
ReplyDeleteIt can be exploiting "moments of cataclysmic change" or it can be something like day-traiding, playing very small fluctuations.
The common concept is that your intelligence is your ability to calculate the odds and, of course, to take the full advantage of this ability.
This certainly is a form of intelligence.