Mankind puts a lot of importance on subjective analysis like tests and grades - this is how we judge intelligence. There are even more subjective assessments, like listening to someone speak, and reading words written in letters, books, and other documents. There are two large problems with the shining such a big light on intelligence. The first and most important is that ability to test well, or use big words in speaking or writing, or get the best grades is no guarantee that a person is the most intelligent. Another major flaw in exalting the most intelligent over all is that humans are brains and emotions. These problems in my opinion have lead Americans to believe and trust in people who are great debaters, logicians, and philosophizers, and are in human terms vapor or smoke.
In the same manner others on the planet shift only on the emotional response, with no regard for logic, evidence, or reason. These humans "feel" everything, and a general rule is that they shift behaviors like the weather in the Rocky Mountains. One minute is sunny and without notice a rain storm hits - the next day could bring snow or maybe sun again. The feelings we have as people is not to rule us, but to be tempered by our intellect. Many things we feel in one moment will be gone soon, and thus man emotionally driven humans are left empty and bitter.
I personally know people who believe that the brain is the ultimate controlling piece of human tissue. Sensory and emotional receptors are either neglected or intentionally shut off to allow the power of thought to overtake every fiber of their being. Others like Thoreau seclude themselves and do nothing but chastise, ridicule and blame in order to justify their plight. I am in no way saying that the intelligence of man is to be overshadowed by the emotions inherent in us all. I am saying that glorifying brain over the other vital parts of human essence is wrong.
Some people are talented with their hands, growing crops, building things, creating art, cooking, and other things. Others are thinkers, planners, managers, and coaches who so successfully find things for everyone to do and figure how parts fit together. The old adage of "doers" and "thinkers" does apply. The argument that "I am a thinker, therefore I am exempt from productivity, and I am the 'moral compass' due to my vast intelligence" is a flawed argument. Voltaire has been proven right time and time again when he said, "power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unfortunately the opposite is vastly true as well - that the absence of power corrupts as well. Too many Americans sit on their overweight cabooses, watch agenda driven TV, and draw conclusions without any principles or actions to back them up.
It is a fact that over fifty percent of Americans do not participate in the process of government set up for them - the vote. Yet everyone, voters and non-voters alike gripe and complain when they are not beneficially compensated, or when an official errs somehow. This past 4th of July I spent the evening at the local fireworks show put on by the city of Corona, CA, where a parade and all day party were in progress when we arrived at dusk. Before the fireworks show, a WWII veteran who was a resident of Corona was honored.
This Navy Captain had been a POW, had survived the Bataan Death March, and had received doctoral degrees in Psychology and Theology. This man who was shrunken due to age has such a story - he lived his life. No "woulda' shoulda' coulda'" with him. His example to all is like that of the apostle Paul from the Bible the man had a life lived, and knew where he was destined. He didn't live for power, fame, money, or personal gratification. He knew that actions had to marry words. He talked about belief and emotions, and he argued intellectually about a relationship with God. There is a bond between our emotions and our intelligence. To ignore one and exalt the other is not good stewardship.
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