Intelligence is usually regarded as a desirable trait and often envied.

However, as
with most good things, there exists the negative. Intelligence is often damaging to those
who possess it to a high degree. It is known to have adverse effects on the well-being of
its possessors. Intelligence is not always a favourable attribute. Intelligent people are
predisposed to suffering from mental illness, and increased substance use.
To begin with, the relationship between intelligence and mental illness is a
phenomenon of great interest. Various studies on the topic have been executed and it has
been concluded that a positive correlation between the two exists. "...More than 30
academic papers support a link between intelligence and bipolar disorder - among related
illnesses..." (Mientka, 2014). The exact reason for this link is debatable, but it is argued
that being intelligent exposes a person to the harsh reality of life. Psychologist James
Webb calls this "existential depression," which involves the personal battle with
"mortality, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness" (Troia, 2013). In other words,
intelligent people often view life in an analytical and skeptical manner, hence coming to
the conclusion that life lacks meaning: people are ultimately alone and all die in the end
(Troia, 2012). This pessimistic view of life precipitates their foreboding view of reality.
In addition to their general tendency toward a negative view on life, there is also evidence
of a specific protein in their brain which can be blamed for their high rate of mental
illness. A study in 2009 "identified a bio-molecular connection between curiosity as a
trait and intelligence in general," (Mientka, 2014). It was discovered that "the neuronal
calcium sensor-1 protein was associated in a mouse model with spatial memory and
curiosity," (Mientka, 2014). In humans, this same protein is linked to bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia (Mientka, 2014). This means that the protein which is associated to

memory and curiosity in mice (which plays the same role in the human brain), also
contributes to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This protein is located in the
hippocampus which is responsible for memory, a crucial component of intelligence.
Therefore, in addition to intelligent humans' disposition toward depression simply
because they have a more negative and, arguably more accurate perception of reality, the
specific make up of their brains adds to their increased likelihood to suffer from mental
illness.
Furthermore, intelligent people are more prone to indulge in substance use,
namely alcohol. Alcohol and drug use are relatively modern activities, unfamiliar to our
ancestors until about 10 000 years ago (Kanazawa, 2012). Numerous studies have
established that there exists a positive correlation between a person's intelligence and
substance use, particularly alcohol. This correlation can be rationalized by the Savannah
IQ Interaction Hypothesis (Kanazawa, 2010). This theory concludes that those with
higher intelligence have a greater aptitude toward novel activities, such as substance use
(Kanazawa, 2010). The reason behind this is that those with lesser intelligence have a
more difficult time adapting to new things. Their more intelligent counterparts on the
other hand, are inclined to prefer evolutionarily novel activities (Kanazawa, 2010). Their
brains "tend to flourish on tasks that are novel" (Moss, 2009). "The human brain evolved
primarily to accommodate the conditions that were pervasive during a previous epoch"
(Moss, 2009). This developed mechanisms in the brain to allow humans to solve
problems when faced with tasks specific to this period, which represents general
intelligence (Moss, 2009). Meaning, less intelligent people are more likely to be
comfortable within the boundary of familiarity (where the brain's primary functions

developed) whereas more intelligent people are readily adaptable to more contemporary
ways. Therefore, higher intelligence enhances the understanding of, and tendency toward,
novel activities. In other words, the more intelligent a person is, the more likely he/she is
to adopt evolutionarily advanced behaviours, specifically drug use.
Generally speaking, intelligence is regarded as a gift. However, taking into
account its potentially damaging effects, it is clear that intelligence can negatively impact
its possessors. Upon careful speculation, it has been deduced that intelligence is often
accompanied by mental anguish as well as an inclination toward damaging substance use.
On account of these unfortunate facts, it is concluded that intelligence can be an afflicting
attribute, accountable for deep-rooted issues.