Exploring Diverse Forms of Intelligence Through Ancient Wisdom
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Chapter 1: The Concept of Intelligence
How often have you heard the phrase "work smarter, not harder"? This notion resonates with many, yet the question remains: what constitutes intelligence?
You might envision libraries, classrooms, or iconic figures like Einstein when you think of intelligence. While education is undeniably important—evidenced by the approximately 62% of U.S. high school graduates pursuing college—there's an ancient narrative that challenges conventional views on intelligence.
This story, involving a philosopher and a groundbreaking modern professor, reveals a unique perspective: intelligence isn't solely about academic achievement. Instead, our first lesson on this topic can be extracted from the tale of bricks and stones.
“The Tower of Babel” — By Lucas van Valckenborch, 1594 Via Wikimedia Commons
It's About the Material, Not the Structure
The Tower of Babel is an ancient story that can be interpreted in various ways. It narrates how humanity once spoke a single language and aimed to construct a tower that reached the heavens. However, divine intervention leads to the confusion of languages, halting the construction and dividing the people.
While some view this tale as an explanation of linguistic diversity, others see it as a cautionary tale about hubris. Yet, Father Bernard J. Ezaki offers a compelling interpretation focused on the materials used in the tower's construction.
He points out that the builders opted for bricks instead of stones, a seemingly trivial detail that is, in fact, crucial. Fr. Ezaki highlights four characteristics of bricks: they are artificial and uniform, interchangeable, and lack individual value. In contrast, stones are unique, shaped by their environments, and carry inherent worth.
The narrative suggests that the builders attempted to conform to a brick-like uniformity, losing their individuality. The divine intervention, often perceived as punishment, can instead be viewed as an act of compassion aimed at preserving their uniqueness.
Section 1.1: Intelligence Beyond Academia
As we reflect on this theme, consider the insights of Dr. Temple Grandin, a professor whose remarkable perspective on intelligence challenges traditional norms.
“I was born in the late 1940s just as the diagnosis of autism was being applied to kids like me. I had no language until age 4 and was first diagnosed as brain damaged. Today, many people would say that I’m neurodivergent.” — Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Grandin discovered early on that her thought processes differed significantly from those around her. While others communicated in words, her thoughts manifested as visual images, akin to PowerPoint slides. Although she struggled with abstract math, her skills in tangible creation flourished.
In a recent podcast, she shared that her learning style resembles that of AI systems: the more she observes, the more visual files she accumulates, leading to enhanced expertise. Her achievements include authoring bestselling books, being inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and transforming the cattle handling industry.
Grandin emphasizes that society often recognizes only two types of intelligence: verbal and visual-spatial. However, she argues for a third category—object visualizers—who excel in practical fields like construction and machinery.
According to her, neglecting this third category undermines the contributions of tradespeople and builders, who play a vital role in our communities.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Sweater Analogy
Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, in their book "Lives of the Stoics," discuss the Roman philosopher Paconius Agrippinus, who stood against oppressive emperors like Nero. When asked why he risked standing out, Agrippinus likened humanity to a sweater where each fiber blends in. Yet, the distinctive red threads—representing uniqueness—are essential for showcasing the beauty of the whole.
Similarly, Grandin's neurodivergent perspectives resonate with Agrippinus's philosophy, emphasizing the value of individuality within a collective.
Chapter 2: Applying Diverse Thinking
The first video, Uncovering the Lost Wisdom of Our Ancient Past, explores ancient narratives and their relevance to contemporary understanding.
As I witnessed in a personal construction project, the value of diverse thinking became evident. My friend undertook a significant renovation, and the complexity of the task was daunting. The framers he hired exhibited a remarkable ability to visualize the structure in their minds, demonstrating a different form of intelligence.
When a crane couldn’t position the roof trusses, the team devised a creative solution using raw physical strength and ingenuity. Their collaborative effort led to success, illustrating that such innovative thinking can emerge from a non-traditional approach.
Today, our perception of intelligence often leans toward a narrow definition, valuing verbal and scientific skills over practical talents. As Dr. Grandin points out, this perspective excludes neurodivergent thinkers.
The community benefits from diversity, as expressed through Agrippinus's metaphor of the sweater. Different forms of intelligence—verbal, visual-spatial, and object visualization—are all essential for a balanced society.
Our ancestors' tale of bricks and stones remains relevant, reminding us that intelligence is multifaceted. Whether we consider it through the lens of neurodiversity or metaphorical red threads, it’s clear that intelligence exists in many forms.
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The second video, Terrence Howard is Legitimately Insane, delves into unconventional thinking and its implications.