Inspired by SassyLadyT
We can not "know" anything with absolute certainty. But we can try to use what we suspect to be true for our best use.
Intelligence can not as yet be gaged and representative of the broad scope of human potential. Or more precisely, IQ is generally a test designed to promote a limited branch of scientific analysis. Those persons whom score well, fit into a specific analytical mold with interests that lead them to read certain classifications of materials.
I once took a class called Critical Reasoning. I had tremendous trouble with the class in the beginning. Everything the professor said I tore apart mentally to demonstrate to myself that what he was saying, was untrue. So I asked to see the professor after class.
James: "I don't agree with anything you are teaching. You are trying to teach us tools for analyzing things that are said, to determine if what is being said is possible, based upon the structure of the material presented. Yet I can make anything you say, true, or false, at my option."
Professor: "There are things that have absolute truths."
James: "I disagree, say ANYTHING and I can make it true or false."
after thinking for a moment
Professor: "A square has four sides."
James: "That's not true, in two dimensional space a square can best be described as only a line when viewed from the edge."
the professor thought
Professor: "But of what use is that analysis? In some perspectives realizing that the square does not exist might be useful. But a square has many useful features to use."
Professor: "We want to make the best use of what we experience to our own best benefit. That is what I am trying to teach. Tools for analyzing what people say so that you can extract and use the useful information, and see through the garbage and useless information that spills forth from their mouths."
I had no more problems in his class. I still use his teachings.
Years later I realized that intelligence can not be gaged in other people by looking at them, nor can it be gaged by talking with them. IQ tests are extremely limited and provide a tool to gage a persons' ability to relate to certain types of information. The garbage spilled forth is that IQ relates to broad intelligence; it does not!
I would select a person with a high IQ for doing complex mathematic analysis. But I would NOT hire a person with a high IQ to compose music, create artwork, represent me in a corporate social setting... there are many other criteria not tested by generalized IQ tests.
We as individuals must use our ability to learn about the world around us, and to use that information to our best benefit; not necessarily our immediate personal benefit.
Our Intelligence Quotient is based upon our own experiences, what we learn, what we can relate to others, .... even things considered to be paranormal.
IQ might help you in corporate America, but it won't help you be a well-rounded good-hearted person.
