It is commonly assumed that wisdom and foolishness have distinct origins, as if they were born in separate realms of intelligence and ignorance. However, this assumption may be entirely deceptive. Consider a single seed that, when planted, can grow into a variety of trees, each bearing its own unique fruits and flowers. Similarly, the seeds of wisdom and foolishness are present in all of us, and can grow and evolve in unexpected ways.
This interconnectedness challenges our preconceived notions and invites us to reconsider the complex relationship between wisdom and foolishness, sparking a deeper curiosity about this intricate web of human understanding.
A given situation can be perceived in multiple ways – the same thing that blinds one person may awaken another. This not only underscores the importance of considering different perspectives but also the rich potential for diverse interpretations. These interpretations not only open up a world of new ideas and understandings but also inspire us to think creatively, encouraging us to explore the vast and diverse landscape of human thought.
This is not a matter of inherent ability but rather a reflection of the diverse ways intelligence manifests in different individuals.
Newton was inspired by a falling apple, while resting under an apple tree, to formulate the law of gravity. Another person, indifferent to the apple’s fall, picked it up and consumed it. The difference is not in what we know, but in how we relate to it. This understanding distinguishes a person from being considered foolish to being considered intelligent, highlighting the role of context in determining intelligence. In this case, Newton’s context was one of scientific curiosity, while the other person’s context was one of hunger.
Vikrant Kulkarni, the CEO of a multinational company, often refers to his peon, Ramesh, as a person of lesser intelligence than himself. Ramesh is a hard-working employee, but fails to meet the boss’s standards. Vikrant forgets that Ramesh is a peon because he is not as intelligent as he is—had he been as smart, he would have occupied the coveted CEO position.
A person without intelligence tends to follow commands without applying one’s own judgment and logic, and clings to one idea as if it were an anchor. There is a clear deficit of awareness, highlighting the fragile boundary between the unwise and the wise person.
‘The reason why he is dumb is the reason why you are smart,’ is a thought-provoking statement. One factor contributing to one’s weakness, being dumb, is what gives another person their logic and strength, and is considered a sign of being smart.
The role of the Intelligence quotient (IQ) is limited in deciding a person’s actual intellectual worth. It determines how well an individual can analyse, learn, reason, and solve problems. But is it justified to label a low-IQ person as dumb? IQ is certainly not a marker for complete intelligence. By challenging this assumption, we empower ourselves to recognise that intelligence is multidimensional and not confined to a single measure.
My eight-pass domestic help can solve any domestic problem, such as electricity and gadget malfunctions, with dexterity and efficiency. His acumen is sharp and amazing. The emotional connection that he has made with members of my family reveals his high EQ.
Emotional, Social, Creative, and Practical intelligence play a significant role in determining a person’s overall score of 100. Someone may have a high IQ but still make poor life decisions or fail miserably in relationships if their EQ is low. This challenges the concept of individual intelligence and its opposite, sparking a curiosity to explore this complex relationship in greater depth.
The harmony between IQ and EQ creates what psychologists label as “Practical Intelligence.” Harmony fosters meaningful and profound relationships, bringing inner peace and serenity.
There is an interesting philosophy that suggests ‘you’ are smart and intelligent, and ‘he’ is less thoughtful and dumb –
*Hard work versus ‘take-it-easy’ – YOU render your best, coming out of your comfort zone and striving to understand and apply logic, while HE prefers not to compromise his comforts and visualises things as they unfold in his life.
*Imagination versus acceptance – YOU are open-minded and wise because you have inculcated curiosity, the niche in which to delve into the unknown, questioning and exploring it to extract meaning. He is stubborn and accepts what is served to him without considering its origin. HE accepts everything unquestioningly without reflection.
*Experiencing versus Ignoring – YOU slogged through studies, nurtured your logic and learned from your mistakes. At the same time, HE played, fooled around, and squandered his youth, shelving logic and repeatedly committing mistakes. The same fire that was burning YOU was forging HIM.
The essence of this whole discussion lies in the fact that the same truth can, on the one hand, liberate one or, on the other, limit the other. Similarly, the same experience can either awaken someone or delude them. Intelligence is, after all, not a boon to reason, but is a reflection upon reason. “What makes one smart today could make one dumb tomorrow if one clings to it.”
Take-home statement – Next time you meet someone who seems ‘Dumb’, remember, you might be looking at the same thing and reflecting differently.
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Dear Doctor Anuj,
I fully agree with your statement on the high IQ versus the one with a lesser IQ. My own life experience has proved it to me umpteen times.
Beautiful presentation and so well written to the minutest detail.
Thank you Doctor, enjoyed reading your article.
Thanks a lot for the appreciation. My all articles are based on my own life experiences. Thank a lot for such a quick response.
regards.
The blog entitled “The reason why he is dumb is the reason why you are smart” are paradoxically related to one another. The reason being, smartness, not necessarily entails intelligence.. A normal person or a less intelligent person can become a smart and occupy a top position in a company as mentioned in your blog. Similarly, a dumb may not be intelligent but can be hard working and is satisfied with what it’s in his possession. He will never try ulterior or sycophantic approach to rise on the ladder.
A child in his childhood is very simple and doesn’t know how to manipulate the endeavors. He is satisfied with what he possess or gets. But as he grows older, company and environment enriches him with manipulation and teaches him how to adopt ‘not so fair’means. The result is that very soon his career profile hikes and he reaches on the top. Such people may be satisfied or happy but are not liked by general public. Honesty prevails. A dumb may become a mean to smart people to rise, albeit his ethics will never be compromised.
In service too, it’s seen that those employees who are smart and can manipulate the situations are seen closer to high-ups, despite their lesser sincerity and hard work towards their assignment. A dumb, precisely sincere and hard working, moves with snai’s pace but ultimately completes the job.. Nice blog Dr Anuj..
Thanks once again for giving your valuable feedback to this subject.
regards
Undoubtedly, an eye opener article that reiterates the fact that” you can’t judge a book by its cover..”
Thanks a lot dear.
regards