Intelligence is Relative

I have just finished writing an eight page theoretical paper for my Introduction to Critical Literature and Theory class. Since the paper is written to an audience that would not have a knowledge of theory, when I reached the six page mark I wanted to read the paper to someone to test it out. I called my mom. I asked her if I could read her the paper; she said yes. I read the paper slowly (something I never do) and enunciated each word clearly. Given the nature of the paper I felt it appropriate to compensate for the conversation being on the phone rather than in person. At the conclusion of what I had written so far I told my mom I was done and she said, "Wow. I didn't understand any of that. That is really deep." She then proceeded to tell me how smart I sounded. The best part was that she seem surprised by this display of intelligence. I think she meant it as a compliment, but I can't help but feel it's because I probably don't act nearly as smart as I am. Either way, it was nice to have finally elevated myself to a level of intelligence recognizable to my mother. :)

On the note of intelligence, however, I have a complaint. Intelligence is only relative to what you are talking about. Most people would argue that a doctor has more intelligence than a contractor. Why? Is the field of medicine more important than the field of construction, or mechanics? This standard of intelligence in our society is leaning towards "the more formal education you have, the smarter you must be." People who do not excel in the maths or sciences feel that they are not as smart as people in those fields. New Flash: That statement is FALSE. Intelligence is only relative to what you are talking about. I could talk your ear off about grammar and the syntax and history of English as a language, but I don't know hardly anything about music theory and major and minor inverted chords. Just because someone is not a genius in one particular field of study does not classify them as unintelligent. Unless your only knowledge is in video games; video game knowledge does not equate intelligence. Personal opinion. Sorry.

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"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" -John Wooden

"Sometimes I think that the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." -Calvin

"A picture is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." -The Brothers Bloom

"Tolle. Lege = Take. Read." -Latin Translation

"In youth we learn. In age we understand." - Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

"I love Plato, but I love truth more." -Aristotle

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Today's Featured Quote:

"If we'd only stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." -Edith Wharton