There’s an old adage that says, “If ignorance is bliss, it’s folly to be wise.” This statement argues in favour of a preference for a kind of “Forrest Gump” happiness over a potentially less-happy state of higher intelligence. Yet, it would always be my preference to have as high an intelligence as possible because I, personally, have an insatiable need to understand more about my existence and the universe in which I exist–even if it results in less happiness. Of course, someone could challenge my position by arguing that I am choosing the higher intelligence because I think it will bring me more happiness. This is the kind of paradox faced by Jeremy Bentham, when he tried to quantify pain and happiness. With all this said, I prefer 150 to 110.
