The argument of intelligence
People often confuse knowledge that they have acquired with what they believe intelligence is. Acquired knowledge in a specific area does not determine one’s rank of intelligence; it only results in a person being more knowledgeable in that specific area.
Intelligence: “capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.”
(Dictionary.com)
To legitimately claim higher intelligence over one, you would need to have indisputable evidence to support that claim. Your evidence should be rational in ways to express your superior ability to process a larger range of information more accurately and effectively than your comparison.
For example, if Dave claims that he is more intelligent than Steve because he knows how to lay brick, this would need to be gauged on Steve’s intelligence capacity and ability to process the task’s steps. Let’s say Steve is just your “Average Joe”, even if he was unaware of the proper steps and procedures it takes to lay brick down, this task would be ranked far below the bar of general human intelligence’s capabilities, and would be “easy” for Steve to acquire its knowledge.
For Dave to even suggest this as legitimate evidence it, in turn, puts Dave’s very own intelligence into question. If Dave believes this to be a difficult task, worthy of distinguish, then what does this tell us about Dave’s intelligence capacity to learn more complex tasks?
It’s safe to assume that at an average rank of intelligence, any knowledge can be acquired. Even if this knowledge requires a lot of falling down and getting back up, it is always possible.
*Rough draft
- Benjamin B. Rhoads April 2012
I reflect way back to times where I’d see situations, obstacles, and people as “impossible” or “I wish” or “I’ll never be better than” or “I can’t compete with”.
I’ve never been closer in life than I am right now, to conquering all that I once sat and stared at in awe.
From hindsight, I tell you with wisdom, to never consider something out of your league.
Every skill can be learned, every giant has a weakness, and every situation also has a best possible outcome.
From then til now, I’ve mastered many skills, I’ve brought giants to their knees, and - although it’s the toughest thing to do - I’ve always tried my hardest to stay as optimistic and confident as possible.
I’ve been so disappointed in myself lately.
I’m supposed to be the person who wins.
I’m supposed to be the person who never gives up.
Never gives up..
I’ve had my girlfriend carry me for months now.
I’m so embarrassed about it…
If there ever was a true time when a man card should be revoked- it’s now.
I’m so sick of living like this. I’m so ashamed to be me right now.
I’ve always lived by the beat of the drum that are the echoes of all my enemies telling me that I’m destined to fail.
I close my eyes and I see all of their faces.
I’ve never felt like they’ve been so right before.
This should be my trojan horse. I should be superman right now, and I’m not.
This is supposed to be my shining moment…
Where’s that clutch move of mine?
“I almost forgot.. I’m Ben Mother Fuckin’ Rhoads!”
And boom!
I’d be inspired..
Gotta stop feeling sorry for myself.
Gotta stop dragging my feet.
Gotta be a dad.
Gotta be a man.
Gotta be a man..
Wanna get started early on my list of what I’m thankful for.
Audrey, holy cow. I’m having a kid, I can’t believe this. I can’t even fathom what I will be feeling when I get to hold you for the very first time and look into your eyes… You’re the first part of a very important piece of my life, I cannot wait to meet you, my baby girl.
Emily. You have done everything right. I cannot put into words how thankful I am for that. You found us a place, you worked with me by my side when I was overwhelmed with school, you stayed on top of your blood sugars to give us a perfectly healthy baby thus far. I literally couldn’t have done this without you. You’re my partner, my lover, and my best friend. Thank you so much, Emily.
