Sunday Musings - May 15, 2022
Intelligence
This morning I found myself unwilling to refer to a person who understands religious texts as literal, who does not believe that religious truths are in the process of evolving or being revealed at ever deepening level as an being intelligent or having a keen intellect.
Later I reviewed how Merriam-Webster defines intelligence. “The power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will; the capacity for knowledge; the capacity for rational and intelligent thought especially when highly developed.”
It was asserted that this same person has an amazing talent for memorizing “facts” or at least information which others have posited as facts.
Once again, I found myself asking how one measures intelligence? I do know the ability to memorize information does not necessarily correlate with problem solving abilities.
What then is being measured when one attempts to measure intelligence? Is it:
· The ability to solve complicated mathematical or engineering problems- think conceptually?
· The ability to face life on life’s terms?
· The ability to think in terms of relationships?
· The ability to think creativity - to see what is not apparent or what is not yet there?
· The ability to impose what is often referred to as common sense on one’s life dance?
· The ability to not take oneself or life too seriously?
· The ability to be empathetic?
· The ability to simultaneously be the participant and the observer?
Perhaps it would be more useful to think in terms of types of intelligence such as:
o Emotional intelligence- to be in the world but not of it or the ability to be empathetically present without losing oneself or losing the ability to embrace life as it is.
o Spiritual intelligence - the ability to see oneself as a necessary but not sufficient part of the whole - a being whose actions or inactions affects the entire universe.
o Academic intelligence - the ability to take tests, memorize information, determine what the test maker or giver wants and deliver accordingly without analyzing the material.
o Genetic or instinctual intelligence. Birds can fly thousands of miles, breed, take care of their young and then let go, breathe while flying, build a home, gather food and feed themselves `and their family. Are these behaviors indicators of intelligence?
o Robotic intelligence - the ability to stay focused, solve problem and not become emotionally involved or attached to the facts or the outcome -situation + desired outcome + plus available resources.
o Concrete intelligence - the ability to accept surface facts and not analyze or question beneath the surface.
Perhaps the reader can think of some other types of intelligence or at least other ways of living one’s life dance,
In the United States as well as other countries, certain universities or professional schools are considered ideal for educating leaders and/or making the connections one might need to gain a foothold or maintain a foothold on the ladder to a leadership positions. It would seem a number of our politicians, CEO’s and other top leadership positions are filled by those who have gone to the right schools and made the right connections. If we look at their ability to problem solve in a way which benefits the breath of the community, would one consider them intelligent?
One might also ask, “What is the difference between intelligence and talent?” If one thinks of child prodigies, it can seem as if some children are born with an innate talent; perhaps a talent developed in a previous life journey. Whether the talent is the ability to understand and apply math theories, write a symphony, or to perform some physical feats, it seems clear that some are born with these abilities. Would one say that child is intelligent?
I recently had lunch with a man who, without a formal post high school education, has an acute, seemingly innate sense that what is important is how well we humans take care of each other. He is a man who seems to have very little need to have his ego massaged by being told he is right. He is also a good problem solver. Could one say that this man has spiritual, emotional and academic intelligence.
Perhaps intelligence is gifted to we humans in many different forms. Perhaps we need to ensure that all forms of intelligences are honored and rewarded with an equal share of the resources of this universe.
Written May 15, 2022
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Intelligence
This morning I found myself unwilling to refer to a person who understands religious texts as literal, who does not believe that religious truths are in the process of evolving or being revealed at ever deepening level as an being intelligent or having a keen intellect.
Later I reviewed how Merriam-Webster defines intelligence. “The power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will; the capacity for knowledge; the capacity for rational and intelligent thought especially when highly developed.”
It was asserted that this same person has an amazing talent for memorizing “facts” or at least information which others have posited as facts.
Once again, I found myself asking how one measures intelligence? I do know the ability to memorize information does not necessarily correlate with problem solving abilities.
What then is being measured when one attempts to measure intelligence? Is it:
· The ability to solve complicated mathematical or engineering problems- think conceptually?
· The ability to face life on life’s terms?
· The ability to think in terms of relationships?
· The ability to think creativity - to see what is not apparent or what is not yet there?
· The ability to impose what is often referred to as common sense on one’s life dance?
· The ability to not take oneself or life too seriously?
· The ability to be empathetic?
· The ability to simultaneously be the participant and the observer?
Perhaps it would be more useful to think in terms of types of intelligence such as:
o Emotional intelligence- to be in the world but not of it or the ability to be empathetically present without losing oneself or losing the ability to embrace life as it is.
o Spiritual intelligence - the ability to see oneself as a necessary but not sufficient part of the whole - a being whose actions or inactions affects the entire universe.
o Academic intelligence - the ability to take tests, memorize information, determine what the test maker or giver wants and deliver accordingly without analyzing the material.
o Genetic or instinctual intelligence. Birds can fly thousands of miles, breed, take care of their young and then let go, breathe while flying, build a home, gather food and feed themselves `and their family. Are these behaviors indicators of intelligence?
o Robotic intelligence - the ability to stay focused, solve problem and not become emotionally involved or attached to the facts or the outcome -situation + desired outcome + plus available resources.
o Concrete intelligence - the ability to accept surface facts and not analyze or question beneath the surface.
Perhaps the reader can think of some other types of intelligence or at least other ways of living one’s life dance,
In the United States as well as other countries, certain universities or professional schools are considered ideal for educating leaders and/or making the connections one might need to gain a foothold or maintain a foothold on the ladder to a leadership positions. It would seem a number of our politicians, CEO’s and other top leadership positions are filled by those who have gone to the right schools and made the right connections. If we look at their ability to problem solve in a way which benefits the breath of the community, would one consider them intelligent?
One might also ask, “What is the difference between intelligence and talent?” If one thinks of child prodigies, it can seem as if some children are born with an innate talent; perhaps a talent developed in a previous life journey. Whether the talent is the ability to understand and apply math theories, write a symphony, or to perform some physical feats, it seems clear that some are born with these abilities. Would one say that child is intelligent?
I recently had lunch with a man who, without a formal post high school education, has an acute, seemingly innate sense that what is important is how well we humans take care of each other. He is a man who seems to have very little need to have his ego massaged by being told he is right. He is also a good problem solver. Could one say that this man has spiritual, emotional and academic intelligence.
Perhaps intelligence is gifted to we humans in many different forms. Perhaps we need to ensure that all forms of intelligences are honored and rewarded with an equal share of the resources of this universe.
Written May 15, 2022
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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