Why do people think intelligence is so important ?

Question

Aren't wisdom and knowledge much more useful. IQ tests test people's intellect but there are many more important things than intellect such as love and happiness. Intelligence seems to be what we are all striving for but should we not look for balance rather than simply one thing. A balance between intellect and creativity, passion and judgement etc.

Answer 1

wisdom and knowledge are the very example of intelligence. but intelligence is not measured in how much you know, or how many statistics you memorize- it's how much you care about something, that you become extremely passionate about it. that is true intelligence.

Answer 2

It's only important to monkey's that work  in a shop!

Answer 3

well, you can't separate between intelligence wisdom and knowledge there is a deep connection between these three, but why intelligence is the most important thing that we care about? simply there's no knowledge and no wisdom without intelligence because it's all about how much you can understand knowledge and how much logically can you think to get wisdom, being able to understand knowledge an get wisdom needs intelligence so it is the base, and the word intelligence almost means how much active your mind is, and that decides how much creative you can be in all the domains, that is the reason why intelligence is so important .

Answer 4

Hi pk,

I have been watching with interest your many questions.  Don't you find that you tend to think about things that many others don't?  

Most people will be quite fascinated by someone who can do something quickly.  Isn't this what intelligence is?  The ability to do something quickly?  Those intelligence tests are all timed and you get the most points for getting more correct answers quickly.   I think that they are trying to predict how you will approach things, especially study and learning, in real life.  

To answer your first question then I would suggest people feel it is important because it predicts someones mental efficiency.   At least on the tests.  But the tests do have an operational set of assumptions.  The first is that everyone is equally competent in things the tests are not measuring.  Like the ability to read and write.  Also there is the relative balance people use between short term and long term memory and between thinking quickly and completely.  

Some are smart because they can reach conclusions quickly and are confident enough to put the answer down and move on.  Others are always questioning things and tend to be confident about very little.  For them confidence is a bad thing.  They are searching for what everyone else can easily miss because they are only good at looking for the usual answers quickly.

Look at the definition of genius.  One definition is for someone who has an IQ of over 140 (or over 180 in another measure.)1   Other definitions require creativity, individuality or uniqueness.2  And it is acknowledged that some recognized "genius" may even include people who suffer some rather sever limitations in mental function and socialization.2

With respect to knowledge, we will sometimes call the person who fixes the office copier or our car mechanic a "genius" when they apply their knowledge and intuition to find a probem quickly.  

Wisdom is a tough thing to define.  I don't think it is so common as some people believe.  Some would say that when I stay home when I am sick I am exercising "wisdom" but I think it is just settled experience.  For me, wisdom is more like magic or intuition.  Often I suspect its best application is forbearance.  

I don't think we "strive" for intelligence as much as admire it.  There is some belief that intelligence is fixed and we can only reduce possible restrictions (like wild emotions) and temporary physical problems (like lack of sleep).  But love and happiness, are often our ultimate goals.  We use intelligence, wisdom and knowledge to try and reach our goals. They are all useful.  The problem is that when we are missing one we tent to try and fill in with the others inappropriately.  And yes, lacking intelligence; wisdom and knowledge will often do very nicely.  

Balance between these three things is good, but when I am always using a hammer to do the task I tend to be lazy enough to keep wanting to use the tool in hand forgeting about other possibilities.  And sometimes a hammer is the best tool.  You can do a lot with a hammer.  Intelligence is also sometimes the best tool.  Also equally, we should sometimes put the love, passion, judgement, intellect, creativity and even our short term happiness aside.

It is good that we have all these options because people have different tools in their personal toolboxes.  A wise person might strive for more options.  A wise person might choose the best option without having to go through too many negative experiences.   We tend to think ours is the best mix even when it is severely lopsided.  Unfortunately, everyone "sees the world through the light that is in their own eyes."

  

Answer 5

i have a friend that 175 IQ but is a complete dumb ***, with great wisdom comes no common cents  

Answer 6

I'm 154. Or I was. When I was ten. Anyway, you can know a lot but not be smart. Being intelligent is understanding things, not just knowing them.

You can know what 10+10 is, but you won't be smart until you understand why, so you can apply it to more. I enjoy being intelligent and I find it a nice thing to have, intelligence, that is. The downside is I'm a bit intense and stupid people bother me because when I speak to them they lack knowledge and I have to explain a lot.

Answer 7

I personally think that humility and a willingness to learn is far superior to a know it all.

I too know far too many ivy league college grads that fold when it comes to life cause no one can teach them anything.

Answer 8

They might just want to be known as the smartest. But, I agree with you. There are many different types of people in this world blessed with many different traits. If everyone one puts out what they have to offer, than we get much farther in the world. :)