There is no acceptance of intelligence or, especially, philosophy in the teenage junior high. I've been shunned by the unthinking majority of the school, barely having a few friends, who one doesn't understand philosophy, the other is too serious and likes hurting people who make jokes too often (me), the other hard to read, and the last too organized for her own good. I have a random poetry journal that I like to quote from occasionally because I have no life.

All that rambling probably bored you to tears, no? To say it shortly, I'm lonely when it comes to talking about my philosophy and trying to deepen my mind. I'm hoping all you nice people will become my friends. I have no idea what I want to be when i grow up, and the term "grown up" sends me on a tangent, so I'll restrain myself for the moment.

Finally a teenager who enjoys philosophy and realises that school does not accept intellect

ThoughtAsStupid;

Wow, sounds like its a ruff time, just remember if you like entertaining those philosophical thoughts you are a minority. As a teacher told me once if you want meaningful dialogue you don't go to the ball park, their going to talk baseball. Nothing wrong with baseball of course, but you get the drift. It sounds like you will be in your element here, so, welcome ThoughAsStupid we are most please to have you with us. boagie

Me, too. That's the whole reason I'm here. (Until I joined this forum a couple of days ago, my only philosophical "conversations" have been with books.) Welcome!

I totally understand. I went though high school with one friend, because I made all the jockets feel stupid, so they ignored me. As they said. In college I was in an Intro to Philosophy class where there was only 6 people in my class. I then was asked by that teacher to restart the Socratic Society and I was actually surprised with all the people that showed up and wanted to discuss things on a more philosophical level. That teacher also was my science teacher to, and he used to say I was more of a why person (which annoys people more) than of a how person.

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Philosopher Queen

High school can be a tough time for the curious student.

Refuges like this forum are great, and we're glad to have you.

Though, I would also advise trying to relate to your peers regardless of how disinterested they are in philosophy or anything else. Don't be afraid to talk baseball (to carry Boagie's example).

I think high school in the U.S. serves as a means to beat any remaining intellectual curiosity out of the remaining inquisitive students. Take notes, memorize terms that can be looked up at ease when necessary, and regurgitate for multiple choice tests. Be good little sheep.