Intelligence Versus Common Sense

The Intelligent Quotient (I.Q.) Test is technically used to determine just how intelligent a person is. However, what does that test really prove? More than that what does that test not prove.

People are given an I.Q. Test to determine if they are ready for a certain school, a certain job, a certain profession, and numerous other reasons. But what some people do not think about is that this test only puts a number on the person's intelligence. Real intelligence comes from, of course, studying books et cetera but also life itself.

Some people do not realize that there is a difference between book intelligence and common sense. It is an absolutely wonderful thing to be extremely smart or a whiz in math, science, English, and other school subjects. Yet if a person does not have common sense about them, then the real world will take them by complete surprise.

It is very nice if you can determine what the value of "x" is by adding "a" plus "b", but if you cannot check the oil or water in a vehicle then "a" and "b" will not help you if your oil gauge shows empty or the vehicle gets hot. I am not saying to be able to change the oil or water in a vehicle just be able to check it.

If you can determine what the square root of 3,569 is but do not know how to change a florescent light bulb, then you may just be out of luck down the road. Unfortunately the square root of 3,569 will not change a blown light bulb.

Being able to recite each and every element on the Periodic Table is to be applauded. However, it will not wash and dry your clothes for you if you do not know how to use a washing machine and dryer.

Knowing the gestation period of every animal is absolutely awesome. Yet it does not give you any idea as to what may be wrong with a baby when she/he is crying. And, yes, knowing what a baby wants and needs takes common sense.

Knowing how to conjugate a verb, well, that is to be admired. Knowing how to hammer in a nail is common sense. And let me tell you, it is extremely hard to hammer a nail in with a verb. You hammer a nail in with a noun. That noun is a hammer. And not hitting your fingers with that noun is even more common sense.

Being able to get up and give a speech about Radioactive Nuclear something or other is truly commendable. Being able to change a fuse in a fuse box is common sense. Finding the fuse box really takes common sense.

Putting a man on the moon is commendable. But common sense is being able to quiet a child when they are throwing a temper tantrum.

So in other words, the I.Q. Test is good for putting a number on the book intelligence of people. There is no number for common sense. Either someone has it or they do not. And those who do not are actually not as smart as they believe they are.

Source:

Personal experience of dealing with a few people who have absolutely no common sense