Intelligence vs. Intellect

What's the Difference Between and Intellect and General All-Round Common Sense? 

Intellect vs. Practical Common Sense... 

6 to 8 min read

Let's try and nail this one down for good, shall we? The difference between an intellectual character and an individual with practical skills, comes down to the nature and application of their respective talents. To be called intellectual, an individual is usually noted to entertain numerous academic ideas, possibly philosophical, theological or political material which is usually evidence based. They might form their own theories or opinions and search for underpinning abstract thought connecting ideas. Yes, critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis of information all factor into the their discipline for seeking truth. Why? Well, the intellect is usually associated with academic pursuits, and the intellectual might also be familiar with research and scholarly material and methodology. It fits.

The Non-Intellectual Person Who is Good at Doing Stuff...

You have to credit those faithful learners who developed a set of proficient skills! They exhibit both knowledge and intelligence when performing specific jobs. They solve problems, or create products; the adjective word 'intellectual' does not apply to these roles in the same manner. In many ways, a taskmaster or DIY expert they have different skillsets most of which command respect. That is the dividing line. 

The Self-Educated Intellectual Is Awesome! 

Now hold on! It's paramount to put it out there, that these . . . well, 'intellectuals' are not exclusively the highest of the high! No, you don't have to be an eyebrow posturing youtube debater with a posh degree! Forget pompous professors in tweed jackets! Have you ever argued politics online or down the pub? Tried to digest a little of your countries history or wrestled with the finer details of the mind? Bosh! That's your intellectual flame. Don't forget, you can be a cleaner or a carer and also an insightful intellectual. 

Intelligence can Pack a Punch! 

Just look at our worlds best athletes! This class of intelligence is made up of both spatial awareness, muscle memory and strategy; consider athletic genius involved in sports excellence, such as spatial awareness, split second decision-making under intense pressure, athletes must adapt to the game, they also have to retain physical coordination which requires intelligence especially with regards to sport when an ability to read the game and react is expected. Look at Mike Tyson as an example of boxing genius! The same goes for that one mechanic who can fix any engine with his eyes closed. Impressive people. You see the intelligence if you casually watch the skilled barista whipping up latte art and delighting customers, despite the chaos of the busy coffee shop! Intelligent people are not always intellectual. Intellectuals can have many areas weakness. 

Our Intelligence Zig-Zags! 

After learning about intellectualism recently, I was pleased and stopped buying into that old fallacy that intellectual people are the smartest. You see, intelligence zig-zags, and it's as diverse as the entire pop vinyl collection. Bright sparks, intellectual or not, often struggle with some basic tasks: Einstein was notably absent minded and forgetful, he struggled with his shoelaces and personal relationships. Isaac Newton often neglected himself and could not cook. A compelling intellectual type character might hold that superiority complex and somewhat distanced in their own thoughts juggling ideas and arguments. I think that's a fair point to conclude on, we all have strengths and weaknesses! Don't under value your own spark!