Intelligence Is Everything

Intelligence can be simply defined as how “smart” someone is. The difficult part of that definition to define is what “smart” consists of. In class we brainstormed numerous ideas of what makes people intelligence and what intelligence is. People that we classified as having intelligence included Albert Einstein and Bill Gates, and those we felt lack intelligence include Snooki and Paris Hilton. The reasons why we defined Einstein and Gates as having intelligence includes creativity, knowledge, wisdom, entrepreneurship, and the ability to accept being incorrect with the goal of correcting whatever that may be. The true question is, how is intelligence measured and what does intelligence say about us?

Intelligence can be measured by taking an Intelligent Quotient Test, or simply an IQ test. IQ tests ask a range of questions, but vary depending on the company that is distributing the test. I have never personally taken or even seen what an IQ test looks like and consists of, but I can speculate what they may ask. I feel IQ tests need to begin with testing the test taker in basic subjects such as mathematics, science, history, and English/literature. After this section of the test is completed, I feel the test then needs to ask you questions based on real life situations and experiences. Intelligence is not just being book smart or knowing facts, but how you handle yourself and others during any type of situation, with any type of emotion being displayed. These questions should aim at the core emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, love, stress, and jealousy. Intelligence is much more than just knowing facts.

Someone may have a very strong ability to recall facts and perform well on exams, but that does not mean they are necessarily intelligent. Someone could be a straight A student and not have to stress or study for many exams, but what if they suffer from anger management and depression? If they are in a real life situation, such as poverty or being a receiver of harassment, then this type of person may not act intelligently and may do what they feel necessary, such as robbing or acting violently. I don’t feel someone that cannot control their anger or feels it is acceptable to break the law has strong intelligence. I understand that some people do what they have to do to survive, and that people are sometimes born into situations that they could not control. However, I feel those born into situations such as that may not have intelligence levels are those born into higher socioeconomic statuses. Though many are fortunate to deal with their poverty or anger in a positive way and show true intelligence, it is proven that the odds are stacked against those with low SES.

Intelligence in my opinion is being knowledgeable with the world and society. It’s knowing how to perform in situations that require high performance, such as school, work, and at home. I feel intelligence can’t be justified until someone achieves something that proves their intelligences towards that topic, just like receiving a high score on an exam. Intelligence expands much farther than knowing facts; intelligence can be considered knowing how to live a productive and successful life. 

-Dylan Chisholm