Today we're going to delve into the topic of idealism versus realism, and how these two terms are key to how most people develop their smarts. To begin with, we must realize that there there are idiots with degrees all over Washington, DC. There are idiot doctors prescribing medicine and running ventilators.
So how can this be? How can someone come out of school with a medical degree and still not be smart? Well, the answer depends on how you define smart. So how do you define smart?
First off, I don't think it takes a smart person to make a smart decision. All you need are the facts on your side. Yet sometimes talking to people who think they are right yet they are wrong can be frustrating. And you know someone is wrong and you are right when the facts are on your side.
If, on the other hand, you don't have the facts on your side, then you, if you are smart, if you have common sense, should be listening instead of speaking. Twice in my life a psychologist, both of whom I saw back in 1985 when my asthma was really bad, said they suspected I was smart. I also had several teachers say that to me, even when my grades were bad.
I remember asking one psychologist: "Sometimes I get As, but sometimes I get Cs, and right now I'm not doing good in school. So why do people think I'm smart."
He said, "Because you speak little and you are a good listener, two qualities of common sense."
So we once again come to the conclusion that common sense, not education, makes you smart.
Now, what that psychologist said didn't mean much to me back then other than to give me the needed confidence boost I needed. But, in retrospect, as I hear those words again, I realize the seed he planted in my mind, which is what psychologists do
How do you define smart? Part 3
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