Do nerds live the "good life" later down the road, or is that just a myth?

student01 · 08-11-2009, 01:22 AM

Some parents teach it to their kids, but, is it true?

rchhay · 08-11-2009, 01:37 AM

Let's hope so.

MPD14 · 08-11-2009, 01:40 AM

Quote:

This is a stupid question.

Seriously. All depends on the person.

Skywalker23 · 08-11-2009, 02:15 AM

I doubt it's true. You need good social skills in order to succeed in the real world, and need to know how to interact with all kinds of people, get them to be on your side, and get them to help you get what you want.

RedTapePatrol · 08-11-2009, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywalker23

I doubt it's true. You need good social skills in order to succeed in the real world, and need to know how to interact with all kinds of people, get them to be on your side, and get them to help you get what you want.

This is true. The definition of a nerd is someone who is only capable of handling a few things in life and therefore can only manage to stick to such things throughout the course of his/her life. You can be an inquisitive person who always strives to gain more knowledge, but you do not necessarily have to be a nerd. As a college student you should challenge yourself in a multidimensional way and always strive to live outside your comfort zone.

Macgruber · 08-11-2009, 03:03 AM

I agree with you guys, but I also think that a lot of people work hard now so that they can have a comfortable life in the future even though they hate doing it at the moment. I remember a great quote by Ali, "I hated every minute of training, but I said "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." I think it applies to education as well.

nhsharvard · 08-11-2009, 03:45 AM

I think that a student that works hard and studies, but knows how to network, will do well. A person does not have to go out and party every single night (unless you're planning to be a party planner) and a person does not have to study everyday (well, unless you're planning to be a researcher).

student01 · 08-11-2009, 04:18 AM

^lol. thanks, nhsharvard. that was pretty witty too

pandem · 08-11-2009, 06:20 AM

What a sad, sad person.

Just go to college, do well, make friends, and you'll be fine.

GeekNerd · 08-11-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

The definition of a nerd is someone who is only capable of handling a few things in life and therefore can only manage to stick to such things throughout the course of his/her life.

LMAO Facepalm.
A nerd is good with theory, a geek is good with hardware, and a dork is bad with social skills. I think the last one is a bit hopeless, and the OP was probably talking about nerdy dorks, in which case, they can get along comfortably as researchers, but there are few positions for nerdy dorks in industry. It's very hard for them.

A nerdy athlete or socialite, on the other hand, will easily end up very well. Examples are Bill Clinton and Barack Obama (the latter moreso - I hear he's an introvert).

Geek+Nerd without Dork = Win

Dorkiness is a disease. It is not an acceptable state in which to exist. Fortunately some people grow out of it, though, so I wouldn't judge too soon.

Vigilent24 · 08-11-2009, 09:31 AM

Nerd (pronounced /ˈnɜrd/) is a term often bearing a derogatory connotation or stereotype, that refers to a person who passionately pursues intellectual activities, esoteric knowledge, or other obscure interests rather than engaging in more social or popular activities. Therefore, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and considered a loner by peers or will tend to associate with like-minded people.

I dont think that being a 'nerd' automatically guarantees you success in the future, if anything it hinders it due to the lack of a likable or relatable personality and social skills. You can be a person who pursues intellectual knowledge and stimulation without having to be a loner who strays away from athletic and social activities.

JLaw45 · 08-11-2009, 10:40 AM

I don't see how being a nerd is necessarily a hindrance for future success. If a "nerd" has a high degree of intelligence(which is assumed given their dedication to intellectual pursuits), then I would have to assume that success would find them. Not all high paying, lucrative careers rely wholly onpersonality and/or social skills. A nerd could very easily succeed in a number of careers, from medicine to engineering, nevermind IT.

Nerdiness could even serve as an advantage in fields where massive amounts of solitary intellectual discovery(read: studying) are required. A nerd, with a well established pre-disposition to independently pursue knowledge even when he/she isn't required, will probably fit quite well in that respect. The work required at higher levels of education(particularly at top graduate schools) will probably be less of a shock to them.

AuburnMathTutor · 08-11-2009, 11:49 AM

No, people who are nerds in the 3rd grade are basically nerds for life, and will never pass on their genetic material to future generations. It's nature's way of saying "be cooler".

Skywalker23 · 08-11-2009, 03:14 PM

"Watch out, he reports you for harassment if you don't like him."

I'm not surprised at all, from seeing some of his other posts on this forum.

lordofthespiderm · 08-11-2009, 04:10 PM

nerds usually end up as grunt workers/technicians in industry/science.