In an old episode of the television program "Cheers," Cliff Clavin explains his theory of intelligence to Norm.
- "Well, you see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first."
- "This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members."
- "In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells."
- "Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first."
- "In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine."
- "And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers."
If we were to ask Cliffy about his theory of love, it would probably go something like this.
- "Well, you see, Norm, love between two people can only develop as fast as the slowest love sentiments, and these are the ones that are destroyed first in a relationship."
- "This natural selection is good for love as a whole, because the general speed and health of the overall love experience keeps improving by the regular killing off of the weakest love sentiments."
- "Now, as we know, criticism is a love toxin. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest love sentiments first."
- "In this way, the regular use of criticism eliminates the weaker love sentiments, making couples faster and more efficient lovers."
- "And that, Norm, is why you always make better love after criticizing each other."
But as we all know, if you want to destroy love with one blow - cheat.
And if you want to slowly bludgeon it to death - criticize.
So much for Cliffy wisdom.....
