My response to a recent question on the Mensa group at www.Linkedin.com

The Question:

“I am going to assume that those in Mensa are geniuses. That might be stretching it, but, as a definition.

I try to live by the motto, whom I don’t remember said it, and don’t care to look it up:
Talent does what it can, genius does what it must.

Is that a true statement, esp the last part?

If so, should we be trying to do more to help find solutions to some of the major crisis currently affect the world? There are many problems that aren’t just a US or European problem, but world problems.”

My answer:

It is pure “processing power” gives us our ability over the majority of people (98% of the population – by the entry rules for Mensa), and when applied to wider issues gives very clear logical conclusions to all that is about us: the “why” of things happening.

It is the ego – and following along closely behind emotions – that often interfere with logic, clouding judgement and giving false, inappropriate results.

It doesn’t mean we are cold, hard and emotionless, but Mensarians are by right in the best position to be the spokespeople for the earth – we can see what is happening, where most others cannot.

However, being the messenger is never an enviable position – denial, protectionism and maintaining the status quo (ego driven processes) often will overwhelm logical discussion – and often “kill” the messenger.

Remember two things: a healthy ego can kill a healthy human being (“he worked himself to death”), and the word “democracy” is the best worst form of government that is presently in use (the “best average” person is voted to the top). These two aspects feed each other and inevitably lead to collapse.

So, do we have a social responsibility?

Yes and No.

Yes: simply do what we do best: think and discuss our thinkings.

No: because the messages are read only when the majority are ready.

We do what we do because we enjoy it, and getting on with it is all part of that game.