The cryptic puzzle

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday November 6, 2023 06:00

A delicate balance, ego dances on the precipice between confidence and arrogance. Its power lies in our ability to tame it, to use it as a compass, not a crown. For in ego’s reflection, we see not only ourselves but the world beyond, and when we choose humility over hubris, we open the door to profound growth and deeper connections, embracing a truth greater than ourselves.

Amidst the brisk, open air, laughter, like intermittent bursts of sunshine, illuminated our path towards the university parking lot. Beside me, my roommate Dave Jasey and my dear friend Dan Ceccacci strolled, sharing both frivolity and musings. It occurred to me, as the conversation meandered, that Albert Einstein, in his pioneering work on relativity and time, likely never ventured into the intricate labyrinth of human physiology and its connection to time. Yet, if he had, I couldn’t help but believe that he would have unearthed a profound connection that could endure not just the test of time but transcend its bounds. As we ventured forth on our path, I couldn’t resist noting the effervescent jubilation bubbling within the three of us. None of us were lottery winners to my knowledge, we were merely dental students immersed in the daily rigours of academia and life’s pressures. Hence, I couldn’t help but ponder the elusive source of this euphoria. Upon closer examination, it became apparent that one solitary catalyst appeared at the heart of it all: Friday. The mere arrival of this fabled day seemed to work its enchantment, infusing our collective bloodstream with the feel-good elixir of serotonin, orchestrating a joyful transformation of our physiology, and leaving us awash in good cheer.

As we reached the parking lot, we bid a temporary adieu to Dan and slipped into the comfort of Dave’s car. Our parting was but a brief interlude, for we planned to rendezvous later at a university town club. Back at our apartment, Dave and I freshened up at home, revelling in a luxurious supper that primed us for the night’s adventures. Transformation seemed to hang in the very atmosphere, as our innocent , clean-cut city assumed the pulsating guise of a student’s playground.

The potent stresses of academia, once so oppressive, melted away into the crisp night air. Fashions underwent a metamorphosis of their own, as the evening’s allure coaxed forth the secrets of their wearers. Fresh faces, once immersed in classroom discourse, now spoke a language of synergy with the nocturnal world, where dreams danced beneath the stars. Guided by Dave, we gracefully navigated past the expectant line of club-goers. With a warm greeting, the formidable bouncer deftly unlatched the barrier rope, ushering us into the heart of the popular establishment, christened “The Penn Zone.” This popular club belonged to a close friend of Dave’s, bestowing upon us the coveted membership of the Zone’s exclusive VIP club. In our early 20s, this seamless transition into the club massaged our fledgling egos and, perhaps, elevated our standing in the eyes of our university peers. Such were the playful indulgences of our youthful days, a delicate dance of status and camaraderie. Fortunately, the ceaseless passage of time has since seen the retirement of our egos. But is every club as easy to join as The Penn Zone’s VIP Club? What about a club like Mensa? Mensa, an exclusive society of intellects, thrives as a sanctuary for the extraordinary minds. Founded on the principle that brilliance should be celebrated and cultivated, it stands as a living testament to human potential. Yet, its allure hinges on its enigmatic exclusivity. Mensa’s gates are adorned with an invisible threshold, and those who aspire to cross it must first unlock the cryptic puzzle of an elite IQ test. The chosen few (98th percentile) who pass this intellectual crucible earn the privilege of membership.

They form an eclectic fellowship, a tapestry of diverse talents, backgrounds, and passions, united by their exceptional intelligence. The exclusivity of Mensa mirrors the dichotomy of its members. On one hand, it’s a coveted haven, a sanctuary where minds that seldom find equals can thrive, commune, and find kinship in the pursuit of knowledge. On the other hand, it’s a challenging fraternity, a society that demands members to rise continually, to feed their voracious intellectual appetites, and to serve as beacons of brilliance in their fields. Yet, Mensa is more than a badge of intelligence; it’s an ongoing symposium of ideas and discoveries. The exclusivity, in this context, acts as both the gatekeeper and the key. It safeguards the essence of the organisation, preserving the purity of its mission, and ensuring that every member brings an incandescent spark to the intellectual bonfire. As such, Mensa remains an exclusive harbour for those who traverse the intricacy of the mind with brilliance and grace. Striving for intellectual evolution is a worthy pursuit, and it’s essential to remember that intelligence, whether as a member of Mensa or not, serves as the guiding light of human potential, illuminating the path to progress and understanding.