Dear people, can we talk about this annoying word “intelligence” for a moment? I’m getting seriously fed up when I hear things like “Macron is much more intelligent than März” or similar comparisons – as if that means a damn thing.
First: What the hell is being “intelligent” supposed to mean anyway?
Second: As if it would make any difference! They’re all just puppets playing their roles.
The Truth About a Misused Word
The Latin “intellegere” literally means “reading between the lines” – inter (between) and legere (to read). Beautiful, isn’t it? Intelligence is the art of recognizing connections where others only see alphabet soup.
And exactly THAT doesn’t happen anymore. Instead, we confuse:
- Memorizing with intelligence (Hello, school system!)
- Collecting titles with intelligence (Dr. Dr. Dumbdumb sends regards)
- Speaking fast with intelligence (Politicians in campaign mode)
- Complicated formulation with intelligence (Academic-speak that helps nobody)
The Intelligence Lie of Our Time
We’ve built an entire system that rewards pseudo-intelligence. People who solve IQ tests perfectly but are too stupid to maintain a functioning relationship. Politicians with three doctorate degrees who drive a country into the wall. CEOs with Harvard degrees who ruin their companies. Where’s the famous intelligence there?
What Real Intelligence Consists Of
You recognize real intelligence when someone:
- Can read emotions – not just Excel spreadsheets
- Explains complex things simply – instead of complicating simple things
- Admits mistakes – instead of covering them up
- Reads between the lines – in conversations, situations, in life
- Recognizes connections – even the uncomfortable ones
The Secret Service Question
Why are intelligence agencies called “Intelligence Service”? Because they do exactly what intelligence originally means: gather information, recognize patterns, understand connections. Too bad they usually use these abilities against us instead of for us.
My Intelligence Test for Politicians
Here’s my simple test: Can this person…
- Recognize a problem BEFORE it explodes?
- Admit when they have no clue?
- Talk with people instead of about them?
- Think long-term instead of just until the next election?
Spoiler: 90% fail.
The Conclusion of an Annoyed Observer
Stop sorting people into “intelligent” and “stupid.” Intelligence isn’t a competition, but an attitude toward life. It’s not about who can recite the most facts, but who understands life in all its chaotic splendor.
