What's the key indicator of someone's intelligence? Education? Experience? Something else? Just curious what different people here thought...

I'm not sure on intelligence, but I'm confident that loud vehicles, or loud stereo systems means larger penis size.

Brad

I generally gauge by common sense and/or creativity/adaptability/problem solving skills.

I have a tech working for me right now that is BRILIANT with the electronics and machinery....and the guy cant find his way to the bathroom without a map, gets somebody else to tie his shoes (almost that bad) and hasnt got the SLIGHTEST clue about improvising...if he needs a standard screwdriver and only has a philips, he WILL (and I have seen him do it) stand there staring at the machine literally for an hour until someone asks him what is wrong.....He can diagnose a circuit, but cant problem-solve in real life.

I consider him a moron, I dont let him on the road to meet customers, but keep him on staff because he IS very good at fixing the machines, so long as everything is baby-fed to him.

I've always thought it was the ability to recognize intellect in others.

I've been surprised by people often enough that I don't feel like there is any key indicator I can pick out, in either direction.

quote Originally posted by Taijiguy: I've always thought it was the ability to recognize intellect in others.

I read a study the other day that stated people with higher intelligences were more likely to buy into conspiracy theories, and "kooky" beliefs without question.

What can we take from this?


Brad

Being able to admit when you're wrong and adapting is a fairly good litmus test, I think.

Too many variables to say for certain, though.

quote Chaerephon, a friend of Socrates asked Pythia, The Oracle of Delphi : "Is anyone wiser than Socrates?". The answer was: "No human is wiser". Socrates tried to find someone who is wiser than himself, since he denied any knowledge, among politicians, poets, and craftsmen. It appeared that politicians claimed wisdom without knowledge; poets could touch people with their words, but did not know their meaning; and craftsmen could claim knowledge only in specific and narrow fields. The interpretation of Oracle's answer might be Socrates awareness of his own ignorance

I know that I know nothing.

quote Originally posted by skuzzbomer: Being able to admit when you're wrong and adapting is a fairly good litmus test, I think. Too many variables to say for certain, though.

I used to think I could be wrong, but now realize I was mistaken.

,,There is no key,,of course a person who spends 6 to 8 years at higher University book learning will have a superior IQ,yet surprising how many intellectuals can not saw a board,hook up an electrical light switch,change a tire, I made friends with a well know proffessor in my area, all his friends were extremely well spoken,loquatious,articulate,,tho they did have nicer homes ,, they seem as screwed up as the scooter trash around me,,There women were easy,,a few years with an egghead & some adventurer seems more interesting than the adventure novel he seem to pop out of..thanks to my Professor friend making me sound like John Wayne

It is more obvious with women,,superior intelligence goes with big hooters, the bigger the more superior smarts ,Very attractive women with huge Giant Bra busting mountains have it easier & make the best of it ,,so they do not have to expend the energy in life the average girl does & can spend more liesurly time with books,,Jayne Mansfield the best known example

[This message has been edited by uhlanstan (edited 10-16-2011).]

quote Originally posted by MidEngineManiac: I generally gauge by common sense and/or creativity/adaptability/problem solving skills. I have a tech working for me right now that is BRILIANT with the electronics and machinery....and the guy cant find his way to the bathroom without a map, gets somebody else to tie his shoes (almost that bad) and hasnt got the SLIGHTEST clue about improvising...if he needs a standard screwdriver and only has a philips, he WILL (and I have seen him do it) stand there staring at the machine literally for an hour until someone asks him what is wrong.....He can diagnose a circuit, but cant problem-solve in real life. I consider him a moron, I dont let him on the road to meet customers, but keep him on staff because he IS very good at fixing the machines, so long as everything is baby-fed to him.

Those are strong signs of autism. So maby hes not a "moron" maby hes Autistic..

There are two types of people....those that don't care how it works, but just want it to work. And those that take the damn thing apart to figure out how it works. I am the second type.
dave
ps....my wife is the first type, but that doesn't mean she is dumb, her intelligence shows in a different way

------------------

www.hausofguru.com

Its all about how one presents themselves, and use what they have.

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: What's the key indicator of someone's intelligence?

IMHO, it's the realization that "the more you know, the more you don't know" (S. Daley) or that "knowledge is an ever-expanding frontier of ignorance" (R. Feynman). A corollary is the understanding that true knowledge is not absolute ... "knowledge vs. certainty" as Dr. Jacob Bronowski famously put it.

Another defining characteristic of intelligence is the ability to extrapolate existing knowledge and derive new knowledge from fundamental principles and careful observation, as well as to synthesize new knowledge from many diverse sources.

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: I read a study the other day that stated people with higher intelligences were more likely to buy into conspiracy theories, and "kooky" beliefs without question. What can we take from this?

Either that the "study" you read is flawed or that you misinterpreted it. In general, intelligent people are far less susceptible to superstition and other forms of "magical thinking." Intelligent people tend to question everything, although they usually tend to do so individually and internally, rather than in groups and in public.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-16-2011).]

The difference between SMART and INTELLIGENT can be summed up with the analogy of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Watson was a doctor, a military officer, a writer, etc. He was, by any standard, an educated and capable man. He was smart. Holmes, on the other hand, was intelligent. Watson never solved a case, he chronicled them. I love the "elemetary" exchange between Holmes and Watson where Holmes says {The answer is always elementary when it has been explained to you}.

A smart man can understand complex systems and solutions once explained. An intelligent man can figure it out on his own.

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: What's the key indicator of someone's intelligence? Education? Experience? Something else? Just curious what different people here thought...

Curiosity.

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: What's the key indicator of someone's intelligence? Education? Experience? Something else? Just curious what different people here thought...

I don't think you'll find a single key indicator as different people have different aptitudes, but if I had to only choose one trait, it would be the ability to learn.
The amount of knowledge a person has on a subject is less important than their ability to continue to learn and improve.

quote Originally posted by bmwguru: There are two types of people....those that don't care how it works, but just want it to work. And those that take the damn thing apart to figure out how it works. I am the second type. dave ps....my wife is the first type, but that doesn't mean she is dumb, her intelligence shows in a different way

I'm glad to see your able to control your condition well enough to live a normal life.

[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 10-16-2011).]

In general terms one's education is an indicator of his/her ability/desire to learn new things in a controlled atmosphere in a field they choose to focus on. Advanced degrees (Masters & higher) are generally a good sign that the person truly wanted to learn something specific to the point their quest for knowledge was satisfied, not just get a BS/BA degree because their parents made them or chose a certain field based on "guidance". They have learned what they wanted to learn, which is usually a good thing. However, some very smart people find the collegiate process boring and a waste of time.

Experience is the application of your knowledge/skillset and demonstrates what scenarios/obstacles/problems one has encountered and how they dealt with them. Whether you have a degree or not, results of your effort/work matter to those around you. The application of knowledge and the ability to find solutions to real world problems with real world deadlines, lack of known data, and time/money constraints isn't really something you can be taught in a book. Many times you have 70% (or less) of the needed information at the time the decision must be made, so you either make the best decision based on the partial information or suffer "analysis paralysis" and miss the deadline while waiting for the perfect collection of information/data you need to make the decision. You also must know when the right choice is to proceed with less than optimal information or miss the deadline to enable more analysis... these risk/reward opportunities must be considered on a case by case basis.

Breadth of knowledge/experience... generally speaking, the more you know the better. It also can be an indicator of how quickly one can learn as well as the ability to expand across multiple fields. The valedictorian 2 years ahead of my class not only mastered everything our school had to offer, but in his free time also became fluent in Chinese and Russian (neither were offered in our school).

Communication. It doesn't really matter what you know or have accomplished if you can not share the information effectively. Often times your successful application of knowledge hinges upon your ability to change the current plan/direction. You will have to be able to convince others that your plan is better than the alternatives and data will only go so far.

Awe... over the years the smartest/most accomplished/intelligent people I have come across tend to put me in a state of awe from the moment I meet them. They are able to conduct themselves in a manner that their intelligence/skills/accomplishments are the key focus with minimal other issues to distract you from their greatness.

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 10-16-2011).]

Maybe it's by the persons "problems" in life? The less problems, the more intelligence? If that's it, I still have a lot more smartening up to do.

quote Originally posted by Formula88: I don't think you'll find a single key indicator as different people have different aptitudes, but if I had to only choose one trait, it would be the ability to learn. The amount of knowledge a person has on a subject is less important than their ability to continue to learn and improve.

Agreed. My wife (who I generally give credit as being way smarter than I am) has taught AP Physics and Chemistry, and can generally snow me with formulas and other tools of her "trade", but has very little concept of how mechanical things work.
She was completely dumbfounded when my 4-to-6 swap in my 88 coupe actually started and ran.
It has a great deal to do with where your interests lie.

Key indicators is the ability to keep an open mind, to discern between truth and fiction, if you do not know you admit it and try to seek answers, you question many things, you constantly think about improving everything around you and your condition, you never stop learning, you know when to talk and when to listen and you accept your place in life.

quote Originally posted by 1fatcat: Maybe it's by the persons "problems" in life? The less problems, the more intelligence? If that's it, I still have a lot more smartening up to do.

I think the truly intelligent among us end up going crazy and committing suicide, or being locked away to protect themselves.

All the really smart (Just using it as an easier term) people I have met seemed to be a little "strange", not a "he doesn't care that his socks don't match" strange, but a "people will never see the truth, and I'm tired of trying to tell them" strange.

They are not understood

Caution, language
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and therefore end up alone, depressed, and really care less about what happens after awhile.

Just an opinion, take it for what it's worth.
Brad

I think true genius is a small step from insanity because they both have at their core the ability (or compulsion) to look beyond societal norms.
Sometimes it can be the lack of comprehension of those norms that allows someone to see things as they are rather than how we're taught they should be. But I think these are rare cases. Genius doesn't depend on being mentally unstable any more than mental instability requires genius, but the two can coexist, for a time.

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: I read a study the other day that stated people with higher intelligences were more likely to buy into conspiracy theories, and "kooky" beliefs without question. What can we take from this? Brad

I'd like to read that study. I could speculate on the possible reasons, but it does go against what I know of the truly intelligent people in my life. I don't know any who are like that, and I have to say I know some really brilliant people. Although, most are not social idiots, which many really smart people seem to be. Only one guy I know appears to be a little "odd" at times (not surprisingly I consider him to be one of my best friends) but it's that he's just insatiably curious about everything, and he asks people questions, and actually listens to the answers. Sometimes there are these odd silences when talking to him because when you finish it's like he has to take a minute to process and catalog everything you've said. It can be kinda bizarre sometimes, but I love the guy, and he really is very very smart.

I think it is all about how quickly a person can figure out or learn a new concept or idea. I think given the right amount of time, just about anyone can learn any skill or figure out a solution to a problem in some way or another. The key is how quickly they can pick it up and apply it to different situations.

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: I'm not sure on intelligence, but I'm confident that loud vehicles, or loud stereo systems means larger penis size. Brad

I have all 3!

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: What's the key indicator of someone's intelligence? Education? Experience? Something else? Just curious what different people here thought...

I hesitate to answer this because I kind of think you're looking to judge people based on the answers they give. Maybe you're expecting me (or others of my belief persuation) to answer a certain way... but I'll bite.

Intelligence "technically" has a specific meaning (when concepted to the human capacity). People tend to have different views on what it means to them, but according to the dictionary, intelligence is the capacity for learning. So... basically, the higher the IQ, the more "intelligent" you are. But, that doesn't mean you're necessarily smart, or wise. For example, I know a guy who has a ridiculously high-iq... but because of other issues, he hasn't been successful in his life. He literally will learn anything in half the amount of time it takes me... the guy is a genius, but is not successful because of other issues.

To be smart though, I think requires lots of learning, which doesn't necessarily come with a high IQ. A high IQ just means that you can learn if you actually put in the effort, but you can be lazy and have an IQ, and all that probably makes you is a good con artist. Wisdom, is a whole other thing... wisdom I believe comes from experience.

Basically, my views of what these terms mean are the same as what it would be defined as in "Dungeons & Dragons." Don't poke fun... I used to play as a kid. But Intelligence was the capacity for learning (how quickly you can adapt, and learn new things). Wisdom was the experience you've gained, and the ability to react based on experience.

That said, I'm explaining what my understanding of the terms are based on the semantical definitions. I don't know exactly from where you come from with your question, but we probably agree on whatever it is you're thinking.

quote Originally posted by twofatguys: I'm not sure on intelligence, but I'm confident that loud vehicles, or loud stereo systems means larger penis size. Brad

quote Originally posted by ls3mach: I have all 3!

So your smart, have a large vehicle AND a loud sterio? My penis and I are envious!

quote Originally posted by 1fatcat: So your smart, have a large vehicle AND a loud sterio? My penis and I are envious!

Brad said he didn't know if those 3 equated to intellect. Well, I am here to tell you they do! A wallet so full of money it causes back problems from sitting lopsided is also another indicator.

quote Originally posted by ls3mach: Brad said he didn't know if those 3 equated to intellect. Well, I am here to tell you they do! A wallet so full of money it causes back problems from sitting lopsided is also another indicator.

I did?



I'm confused.

Guess I'm out lol.

Brad

The dumber you are, the smarter you THINK you are.
And the smarter you are the dumber you KNOW you are.

There are so many different varieties of intelligence that one man could never fully understand them all, if he did he would become all of them.

The ability to quickly and concisely blame one's misfortunes on someone else?

quote Originally posted by bmwguru: There are two types of people....those that don't care how it works, but just want it to work. And those that take the damn thing apart to figure out how it works. I am the second type. dave ps....my wife is the first type, but that doesn't mean she is dumb, her intelligence shows in a different way

Sounds like my wife and I. Now the trick is, being able to put it back together and have it work. Growing up I tore everything apart to figure out how it works, now I can put it back together .

quote Originally posted by ls3mach: I have all 3!

You left out "modest."

When you asked the question, you were smart enough to know there is no "the" key indicator for intelligence.

However, if you want to boil it down to one thing, I'm voting for education. Sure, that dramatically highlights my own personal prejudices, but I'll manily say it points to the company I keep. Or, more correctly, work with. I've had the honor of working with some genuine smart paople in my lifetime. And no, they weren't weirdos who couldn't function in normal society. I've known PhD-level people who were as normal as you or I. Okay, more normal. But they could do anything.

Experience? Yes, it's crucially important. But that doesn't make you smart. I feel if you practice anything long enough, you'll get good at it. I am, to a certain degree, living proof of that. Just because you've been doing something well for thirty years doesn't make you smart. Just Really Good at what you do. The Really Smart people I've known always made a point of surrounding themselves with people who were Really Good. Because they knew they didn't have the time to get Really Good at everything.

quote Originally posted by Formula88: You left out "modest."

Who says that is one of my qualities?

quote Originally posted by Formula88: You left out "modest."

But, he's not concieted--just convinced.

Cat ownership.

quote Originally posted by Patrick's Dad: Cat ownership.

Heh

More like "owned by a cat."

We ALL know who the REAL owner is...

quote Originally posted by maryjane: The ability to quickly and concisely blame one's misfortunes on someone else?

Obama must be a genius.