what is intelligence?

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onto today’s topic: what is intelligence? 🤓 

the way we’ve set up metrics for intelligence doesn’t sit right with me. how is intelligence measured by multiple choice test scores? i certainly think there’s some aspect of “intelligence” to it, but it’s not all-encompassing by any means.

someone with a 4.00 gpa could very well be a disaster at anything related to intrapersonal relationships and emotion intelligence. the opposite could also be true.

so what exactly is intelligence? i don’t believe there’s one set answer — we all have our own interpretations. one thing i do know is that society’s general criteria of intelligence isn’t correct. whether that’s intelligence being ranked by college rankings, iq tests, or a spotless transcript. 🏫 

in the real world at a broader scale, we look at the smartest people as those that served as inflection points globally: those who advanced technology, discovered cures for diseases, or influenced policy that improved the livelihood of millions.

in our personal lives, the people that are able to make progress towards their goals, problem solve, and achieve excellence beyond what’s expected are who we view as the smart ones.

now, let’s look at the common denominator of all of those different people.

they adapt, and use that learning to progress forward and make change. 🏃 

my interpretation of intelligence is quite parallel to someone’s adaptability. when things go wrong, how well are they able to equip themselves with new skills and move forward? if a social setting’s vibe has shifted, how are they able to shift similarly and read the room? adaptability encompasses both the application of “conventional intelligence” and emotional intelligence as well as problem-solving.

it’s a specific aptitude and characteristic that manages to serve as an umbrella term for many different manifestations of intelligence.

everyone is intelligent — we adapt differently. school only measures one very specific method of doing so. :)

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