by Rebecca Blades

Created on: December 26, 2006   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

Intelligencea well developed ability to think and learn and to apply these skills in a constructive way. Well, you ask, where does that come from and how do I get some? Not so fast!

First let's discern between true intelligence and the always bantered about "I.Q." "I.Q." or "intelligence quotient" is not
The same as intelligence. Intelligence quotient is a score assigned after taking a series of tests that may (not will, not must, but may) be an indicator of how one will function in a learning environment.

If you think I am parsing words consider this. If I have kindling, dry wood, and matches I have the tools to make a fire. If making a fire is not a concept I've ever known; if I have to idea why I would want to make one, all the tools I have will not make a flame!

It is said that "I.Q." is an inherited ability. Genetic!? Hmmm.
Aha then! The offspring of two geniuses will be a genius, right?
Wrong!

Have you ever met someone who brags he is in MENSA yet you secretly wondered if they are grading on a Bell curve? Again I say, intelligence is more complex than that.

If a high school student has a 93 "IQ." Yet is highly motivated at home and at school, has a sincere interest in learning, has set goals for himself that are tangible and measurablehe is likely to be a very good student indeed. High marks. Intelligent.

The Boy next to him with a plus 145 "I.Q."(genius!)who has
Never been stimulated to learn has fallen into trouble with drugs,
measures his popularity in beer bottles emptied. He's got the numbers, as we can see, but hardly intelligent, would you say?

I urge all parents, teachers, counselors, and students themselves to not become locked in to that number. Einstein
Was called an idiot by his math teacher! You will likely be able to reach far beyond the expectations of your "quotient"!

Read! Inquire! Challenge yourself! Engage in discussion
With others of like-minded interests! Do not let a "role model" tell you your goals are too high, or unrealistic. Learning to trust in your own motivation and instincts is the most intelligent thing you can ever do!

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