Intelligence

One of the essay prompts that I had to respond to on my Point Loma application was quite intriguing. The following is my reflection on the given quote that I thought I would share:


The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." - F. Scott Fitzgerald.


"It is one thing to take another’s idea and to consider it one’s own, to anchor it as the truth of the matter, regardless of alternate vantage points that may exist on the issue. However, “first-rate intelligence” is a different issue. The smartest, and considerably the wisest people, analyze what they come to learn. They delve into the essence of the issue to see beyond the plainly stated to a point in opposition or perhaps interpret a concept easily misconstrued by others. As F. Scott Fitzgerald also said, “Either you think– or else others have to think for you and take power from you…” and so blemish one’s intelligence. Ideas from others should only be the basis for one’s personal stand on an issue. People who are able to second-guess the opinions or ideas of others are more prone to discover truth. To take in different views, chew on them for a while and then formulate a well-rounded and supported belief, whether similar or in opposition to the original concept, is how wisdom is founded and truth is seen. If someone were to declare the notion that Allah is the creator of the world, one could consider this thought a reality or look further to discover where the truth lies. To be able to see and understand multiple sides of a matter with open-mindedness or be able to approach a thought from different angles, all while maintaining composure, contemplation and confidence in the truth, marks real, first-rate intelligence."