I realized that “Mensa” didn’t contain enough numerals to be a phone number, and knew it must be understood that any future member would be able to figure out the next two digits in the sequence. I tried dialling MENSANE, MENSAIL, MENSAFE, and MENSAAB, but got three rebuffs and a fax tone.
From “How I Joined MENSA” by Steve Martin
It’s like buying a knighthood from an organization that claims to have rights to grant such things. Even though the title is meaningless.
Mensa is the same.
IOW it’s an organization designed to take your money for a title. They get money, you get a meaningless membership.
Hey my knighthood came with a certificate and everything! It’s easily given me $100 worth of joy, anything that’s not survival is bullshit. Lean into stupid if you can afford it and it makes you happy.
I see one key difference, in social value:
Someone tells me they bought a meaningless knighthood: hearty laugh and a high five.
Someone tells me they’re in MENSA: Awkward silence and maybe a mental note to check how they’re doing more often.
Hah, yes. This is a good take.