Saturday, May 30, 2015

Intelligence vs Wisdom


As the time stamps shows, I heard this nugget recently (Ah, I started this post some time ago and left it in 'draft' limbo for more than a month).  Years ago, I remember a podcast with "Intelligence is knowing the tomato is a fruit.  Wisdom is knowing not to add it to fruit salad." (Koreans haven't wised up yet on this point.)

Lee's quote made me wonder what else would fit the pattern of:
Intelligence is _______ while wisdom is __________.

Safety and obedience came to mind surprisingly quickly (Ones in Italics are of my creation):

Intelligence is knowing to follow rules, while wisdom is knowing when to break the rules.

Intelligence is knowing you should always swim with a buddy, while wisdom is knowing that swimming neither more or less dangerous than riding a bike.


To attain knowledge,
add things everyday.
To attain wisdom,
remove things every day. – Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu via Cliff Almond.


From Jeremykaye via a Reddit discussion.

From the same Reddit page, another D&D themed response:
Intelligence increases the number of spells you can learn while wisdom increases the number of spells you can cast a day.
and
Intelligence is how efficiently knowledge can be absorbed. Wisdom is how efficiently knowledge can be applied.
and
Intelligence is knowing it is a one-way street, wisdom is still looking both ways before crossing..
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Now to finish with a counter-example:
Wisdom is knowing that accidents occur more often during full moons while intelligence is knowing they don't.

Any additions?  Put 'em in the comments.


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