I don't know of any. I was just impressed by the reasoning established in that science fiction short story. I read it in a Robert Heinlein anthology Assignment in Eternity; the story Gulf impressed me with its logic. If man was superior to the beasts only because of our brains, what would then be the next step of evolution to make a 'super man'? Greater strength? Keener sight? But gorillas and elephants are stronger than us. Eagles have better eyesight. Yet mankind is the dominant species. So the answer seemed clear. The next step of human evolution would be men ... who think better.
(I say this despite seeing X-Men: First Class last night. :-))
Now, this logic might all fall apart in the world of HP wizards, where maybe the wave of a stick can trump brainpower. After all, Rowling's wizards seem superior to we muggles, and that's because of their magic; she tries to show that they're a bit sillier than us when it comes to logic and brainpower.
But, still, if Rowling was a Founder who believed in *intelligence* as an admirable virtue, then I think it would be quite likely that she'd want to devise of ways to enhance that trait even more. That makes sense to me.
I'd think a truly smart person would realize that there are a huge number number of skills, attributes, and experiences out there.
Sure. I'd like to be able to play the piano. But I reckon 20 more I.Q. points would help me out a lot more - in my career, in investments, in making a good life for myself - than picking up that skill. If I was offered both improvements I'd take them. But if I was offered only one ... or asked which was the most important ... it'd be the opportunity to be a brainier Brad. :-)
I don't know of any. I was just impressed by the reasoning established in that science fiction short story. I read it in a Robert Heinlein anthology Assignment in Eternity; the story Gulf impressed me with its logic. If man was superior to the beasts only because of our brains, what would then be the next step of evolution to make a 'super man'? Greater strength? Keener sight? But gorillas and elephants are stronger than us. Eagles have better eyesight. Yet mankind is the dominant species. So the answer seemed clear. The next step of human evolution would be men ... who think better.
(I say this despite seeing X-Men: First Class last night. :-))
Now, this logic might all fall apart in the world of HP wizards, where maybe the wave of a stick can trump brainpower. After all, Rowling's wizards seem superior to we muggles, and that's because of their magic; she tries to show that they're a bit sillier than us when it comes to logic and brainpower.
But, still, if Rowling was a Founder who believed in *intelligence* as an admirable virtue, then I think it would be quite likely that she'd want to devise of ways to enhance that trait even more. That makes sense to me.
I'd think a truly smart person would realize that there are a huge number number of skills, attributes, and experiences out there.
Sure. I'd like to be able to play the piano. But I reckon 20 more I.Q. points would help me out a lot more - in my career, in investments, in making a good life for myself - than picking up that skill. If I was offered both improvements I'd take them. But if I was offered only one ... or asked which was the most important ... it'd be the opportunity to be a brainier Brad. :-)
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