Intelligence and wisdom are not the same, however, in general terms, we use both terms interchangeably, we live in a society where efficiency is valued and results, apparently only the smartest are doomed to success, however, only the wise achieve true happiness. They are guided by values and eager to make use of goodness, to apply a more optimistic vision to life.
If we now look in the dictionary for the term wisdom, we will find a simple definition: the ability of people to act sensibly, prudently or correctly, so the first question that comes to mind is: doesn’t intelligence give us the ability to move in our daily lives in the same way, doesn’t an average or high IQ guarantee us the ability to make the right choices?
- Yes of course.
- It is also clear that when we talk about intelligence different nuances arise.
- So personality type and emotional maturity are factors that really influence people’s achievements.
- This also applies to the ability to invest more or less in the well-being itself and that of others.
- Other.
In the face of this, intelligence and wisdom are two interesting concepts, we have to observe them, analyze them and deconstruct them so that we can have a more accurate and useful idea of what they really are, after all, if we want something, besides having a high IQ, is to develop exceptional wisdom and shape a virtuous personality.
As curious as it is, the difference between intelligence and wisdom had recently been studied, the concept of wisdom has always been associated with philosophical or even spiritual disciplines, in which the great Greek masters or figures of Buddhism have enlightened us through their ideas. , his reflections and his transcendental advice.
In recent decades, psychology has begun to delve deeper into the subject. Research like two professors from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego?Dilip V. Jeste and Dr. Thomas W. Meeks: they clarify many interesting ideas.
Therefore, the differences between intelligence and wisdom are as follows.
This idea is important and destroys a classic myth, it is said that the experience that gives us life also gives us wisdom, however, there is no direct and definitive association between having lived much or little and being wise, this virtue does not come naturally with age.
In addition, many researchers in the field of psychology and sociology are trying to better understand the social, emotional and cognitive processes that transform experience into wisdom, in fact, there are other mediating variables in between, including the ability to reflect that. conditions the association expressed in the myth (experience/wisdom).
Smart people have a high sense of efficiency and ethics, so when something does not meet their expectations frustration occurs, in this sense they tend to be very goal-oriented, to concrete results, especially to expected results.
Many times this view leads them to fall into very stressful states, on average people with high IQ do not tolerate much uncertainty, so this factor is precisely what sets them apart from the wise, they are able to accept the unexpected. That is, they handle well what does not correspond or does not happen as expected, in this way they can relativize and have a more patient perspective, in addition, they tend to have a calmer and more understanding personality in relation to reality.
Once again, we want to make it clear that there are many individual differences between people with high IQs, there are those who make successful decisions and somehow, on the other hand, there are others who simply get carried away by the most practical. or objective, without evaluating other nuances.
If there is a clear difference between intelligence and wisdom is because this last dimension is characterized by being associated with more open minds, in this way wisdom has something that goes far beyond mere practical knowledge, that is, wise people have a more thoughtful experience, a deeper sense of life. Through this, they come to accept the uncertainties and ups and downs of life.
There is also a more accurate perception of how events develop over time, so all of this gives them a greater and more stable sense of balance.
Intelligence can be applied for noble purposes or, on the contrary, to manipulate, conspire, betray or plan the most sophisticated action for a perverse purpose; Similarly, it can also be geared towards more advantageous and superior purposes.
Wisdom, on the other hand, is linked to the truer sense of goodness; has always had this human connotation and a sense of spirituality that inspires others to cultivate good works.
Another interesting difference between intelligence and wisdom is the vision of life, wisdom almost always brings a very positive view of life, people and reality, an attitude almost always hopeful, resolute and cheerful is intimately linked to the attitude described above regarding meaning. From there, no doubt, where the innate ability to move from the sage comes from, in this way it gives us energy and desire to move forward listening to his advice and imitating his own vision of things.
In conclusion, it is quite possible that at this moment one wonders what is better: to be wise or very intelligent ?, well, it must be said that no dimension is better than another, there are sages who are neither bright nor intelligent, but who in their day to day are very efficient and, of course, happy.
Therefore, we can aspire (as far as possible) to both dimensions, we can train our cognitive processes, improve emotional intelligence and absorb each experience from a more sensitive and optimistic perspective.
After all, wisdom is the art of knowing what is most important at all times, and applying the right answers and strategies to ensure the well-being of ourselves and, above all, others, that is the real key.