Intelligence vs. Wisdom

[mn dave]

It seems to me that there are some intelligent people who, because they feel they are so much smarter than everyone else, consider it their right to throw their brainy weight around and belittle others who can't (or don't want to) keep up with them. Yet many wisdom-based teachings warn against this sort of behavior. In general, one should be humble, caring and compassionate.

Thoughts?

[Szykneij]

It seems to me that there are some intelligent people who, because they feel they are so much smarter than everyone else, consider it their right to throw their brainy weight around and belittle others who can't (or don't want to) keep up with them.

True, but this is a human character flaw not limited to intelligence. There are rich people who are humble and others who flaunt their money. The same is true for individuals blessed with specific talents. Those who exhibit boorish behavior are probably trying to compensate for other insecurities.

Yet many wisdom-based teachings warn against this sort of behavior. In general, one should be humble, caring and compassionate.

That would be a nice.

[mn dave]

That would be a nice.

[mn dave]

True, but this is a human character flaw not limited to intelligence.

But if one is truly intelligent, shouldn't one be aware of this flaw and be able to correct it?

[Gurn Blanston]

Oh, I thought I was going to get to vote for one or the other....

On the upside, they aren't always mutually exclusive. Intelligence without wisdom is really of little value though.

[mn dave]

On the upside, they aren't always mutually exclusive. Intelligence without wisdom is really of little value though.

So, you can be intelligent without being "wise." But can you be wise without being intelligent? Doubtful.

[Szykneij]

So, you can be intelligent without being "wise." But can you be wise without being intelligent? Doubtful.

I guess it depends on how you define intelligent. I think my father was wiser than me although he went to trade school and I have a masters degree.   

[mn dave]

I guess it depends on how you define intelligent. I think my father was wiser than me although he went to trade school and I have a masters degree.   

Right. Does simple accumulation of knowledge equal intelligence? Just because you have a great memory, does that make you smart?

[karlhenning]

But if one is truly intelligent, shouldn't one be aware of this flaw and be able to correct it?

Well, there are different sorts of intelligence.

[mn dave]

Well, there are different sorts of intelligence.

Ah, there you go.

[karlhenning]

Oh, I thought I was going to get to vote for one or the other....

Gurn's eyes always lit up at the prospect of a fresh Poll . . . .

[mn dave]

Today's headline:

Bush: Russia's new president is 'smart guy'

How does he know? Did someone tell him? 

[Lethevich]

But can you be wise without being intelligent? Doubtful.

Hehe, I know plenty of everyday people, myself included, who can make sensible decisions and give good advice without being scholars 0:) I generally associate wisdom with an innate level-headedness combined with life experience.

[karlhenning]

Today's headline:

Bush: Russia's new president is 'smart guy'

How does he know? Did someone tell him? 

Maybe he was counting on Russia's new president returning, "Okie-doke, Bush smart guy, too!"

[mn dave]

Hehe, I know plenty of everyday people, myself included...

I don't meet people like you every day, Sara.

[mn dave]

Maybe he was counting on Russia's new president returning, "Okie-doke, Bush smart guy, too!"

[Papy Oli]

Today's headline:

Bush: Russia's new president is 'smart guy'

How does he know? Did someone tell him? 

takes one to know one ? 

[mn dave]

takes one to know one ? 

Maybe he meant "smart guy" as in, don't be such a smart guy.

[Opus106]

Intelligence+Morality=Wisdom?

There, now we have three ambiguous words.  0:)

[Szykneij]

Maybe he meant "smart guy" as in, don't be such a smart guy.

... or maybe he meant "wise guy" as in, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse".