Category Archives: intelligence

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? This, like most ancient proverbs, was difficult to source, but quite … Continue reading

Posted in foolish, intelligence, learning, potential, question, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Use your human intelligence in the best way you can; transform your emotions in a positive way.

Use your human intelligence in the best way you can; transform your emotions in a positive way. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? We all have a level of intelligence which we can use to change our nature and our attitudes. … Continue reading

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To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid; you must also be well-mannered.

To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid; you must also be well-mannered. – Voltaire What does that mean? This is another example of the biting wit of Voltaire. He was also showing us how little things … Continue reading

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It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well.

It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well. – René Descartes What does that mean? This is a quote from the same guy who said that because he thought, he was (that he … Continue reading

Posted in education, intelligence, personal growth, question, self improvement, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

A window stuck open is just as bad as a window stuck shut. Either way, you’ve lost its use. Ditto for a mind.

A window stuck open is just as bad as a window stuck shut. Either way, you’ve lost its use. Ditto for a mind. – Dr Tayo Adeyemi What does that mean? A window that is stuck open isn’t so much a window … Continue reading

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To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.

To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short. – Confucius What does that mean? This is another Goldilocks style quote. Neither too hot nor too cold. Neither too long or too short. Neither too wide nor too narrow. Always … Continue reading

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Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.

Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow. – Plato What does that mean? There are plenty of stories told of people, now known to be great, who had some difficulty in their youth. Many of these … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, confidence, focus, intelligence, motivation, persistence | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Intellect annuls fate. So far as a man thinks, he is free.

Intellect annuls fate. So far as a man thinks, he is free. – Ralph Waldo Emerson What does that mean? I don’t want to debate the deeper philosophical meaning of free will in this post. Whole forests have been laid waste … Continue reading

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In order to use human intelligence properly our mind should be calm.

In order to use human intelligence properly our mind should be calm. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is fairly straight forward. We humans are a fairly clever lot. We are intelligent and can do a great … Continue reading

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The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. – George Bernard Shaw What does that mean? Communication is very important to inter-personal discussions, as it is how we move ideas from person to person. … Continue reading

Posted in communication, intelligence, knowledge, listening, observation, question | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice

When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice. – William James What does that mean? To quote the rock band Rush, “If you choose not to decide, you still have made … Continue reading

Posted in choice, decision, freedom, intelligence, question, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. – Bertrand Russell What does that mean? This quote claims that the bulk of the difficulties in the world are caused by … Continue reading

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Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach

Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. – Tony Robbins and here What does that mean? To me, it means that once you have made a decision, you’ve cut yourself off from other possibilities. You are also committed … Continue reading

Posted in adaptation, courage, flexibility, intelligence, optimism, perseverance | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? What kind of people does a leader surround themselves with? Is it a bunch … Continue reading

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The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are. – C.S. Lewis What does that mean? This is a slightly abbreviated version of a longer quote:  The next best thing to being wise … Continue reading

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