Intelligence and wisdom: 8 differences that you will like to know

Intelligence and wisdom are not the same, although in everyday language we use the two terms interchangeably. We live in a society where efficiency and results are valued, where, on the surface, only the most intelligent seem destined to succeed.

However, we often forget an exceptional dimension: wisdom. At the end of the day, only those who make use of this dimension by being guided by their values ​​achieve authentic happiness. By worrying about making use of kindness by applying a more optimistic vision to life.

If we now look in the dictionary for the term wisdom We will find a simple definition: the power of people to act sensibly, prudently or correctly. Now, the first question that comes to mind is, does intelligence not give us the ability to move in our daily lives in the same way? Doesn’t a medium or high IQ guarantee that we can make the right decisions?

Of course. However, it should be noted that intelligence has nuances. Thus, personality style and emotional maturity are conditions that undoubtedly influence the good work of the brilliant person, and their more or less skillful potential to invest in their own well-being and that of others.

What’s more, studies such as the one carried out at the University of Nanjing, China, for example, point us to something interesting. Human beings should aspire to a new form of intelligence: that where wisdom and moral integrity are integrated.

Let’s see more data below.

Differences between intelligence and wisdom

As curious as it may seem to us, the differences between intelligence and wisdom have not been studied until recently. The concept of wisdom has always been associated with philosophical or even spiritual disciplines. There where the great Greek masters or figures of Buddhism have enlightened us with their ideas, reflections and transcendental advice.

In recent decades, psychology has begun to delve deeper into the topic. These works, such as that led by two professors from the department of psychiatry at the University of California in San Diego – Dr. Dilip V. Jeste and Dr. Thomas W. Meeks – have clarified several very interesting ideas.

Thus, the differences between intelligence and wisdom are the following.

1. Experience does not make us all wise

This idea is important and debunks a classic myth. It is often said that the experience that life gives us also gives us wisdom. However, there is no direct association between having lived long or little and the act of becoming wise. This virtue does not come naturally with age.

What’s more, currently several researchers in the field of psychology and sociology are trying to understand a little better those social, emotional and cognitive processes that transform experience into wisdom. The fact is that there are other mediating variables between the two, such as the capacity for reflection that condition the association contemplated in the myth (experience/wisdom).

2. Intelligence makes us efficient and ethically more competent

Intelligent people have a high sense of efficiency and what they consider “right.” Thus, when something does not meet your expectations, frustration occurs. They tend to be very goal-oriented, towards concrete and, above all, expected results.

This vision often makes them fall into very exhausting states, since – on average – People with a high IQ do not tolerate uncertainty too much and this factor is precisely what differentiates them from wise people.The latter, for their part, are capable of accepting the unforeseen, what does not fit, what does not happen as planned. They know how to relativize and take a more patient, relaxed and understanding look at reality.

3. Wise people make better decisions

We want to clarify once again that there are many individual differences between people with a high IQ. There will be those who make decisions wisely and responsibly and others who simply let themselves be carried away by what is practical or objective, without evaluating other nuances.

However, If there is a fairly clear difference between intelligence and wisdom, it is that this last dimension is characterized by being associated with more open minds.for integrating something that goes far beyond simple practical knowledge.

They have a meditated experience, a deep meaning of life through which they have come to accept uncertainties and ups and downs. Likewise, there is a more precise awareness of how events develop over time, and thus, all of this gives them a greater and defined sense of balance.

4. Intelligence can be used for goodness or evil

High intelligence can be applied for noble purposes or, on the contrary, to manipulate, conspire, betray or create the most sophisticated action with a perverse purpose. Likewise, it can also be oriented towards the most noble and elevated purposes.

lWisdom, for its part, is linked to the most authentic sense of goodness; It has always had that connotation full of good work, humanity and a sense of spirituality to inspire others to cultivate good actions.

5. The wise man is optimistic

Another interesting difference between intelligence and wisdom is that this last virtue almost always shares a very positive vision of life, people and reality.. This almost always hopeful, resolute and fresh attitude is closely related to what was described above, with his sense of goodness.

To conclude, it is very possible that at this point we ask ourselves what is better, being wise or being very intelligent. Well, it must be said that no dimension is better than another, because there are wise people who are neither brilliant nor intelligent, but who in their daily lives are highly effective and, of course, happy.

6. Differences in conflict resolution

Intelligent people, when faced with a conflict, use their knowledge to resolve it in the most effective and efficient way possible. They usually act alone, sometimes ignoring the opinions of others.

The wise, on the contrary, trust their instinct more and rely on others, since they know that they can add their mental resources to those of the people around them. In this way, they encourage participation and reduce the effort of each of the parties.

7. Differences in motivation

Intelligent people tend to be more confident in their own abilities.. They trust them to achieve their goals and walk the path feeling like they are doing it alone, even though they work with more people along the way.

Wise people are more aware of their weaknesses and internalize them, so they choose to advance at their own pace and accept the goals they achieve. They remain humble and open to experience.

8. Differences in interpersonal relationships

People who consider themselves intelligent usually have active conversations. Generally, they seek to receive feedback of their own ideas and decisions or simply reaffirm themselves in them through others.

Wise people play a more passive role in relationships. They tend to listen more than speak and intervene to clarify the other’s ideas, rather than to contrast their own.

Therefore, we can aspire (to the extent of our possibilities) to both dimensions. We can train our cognitive processes, improve emotional intelligence and integrate each experience from a more sensible, relaxed, optimistic perspective..

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