Intention and courage are two essential qualities to be truly smart

submitted by covac from self.nonmorons

If one has the intention to be smart, that's the first step.

But intention alone isn't enough. Because if one is too cowardly, or fears what others think, then that person -- even if he intends to be smart -- won't be so. Because his fear will inhibit him from doing or saying those things that he ought to do or say, to either achieve an optimal outcome, or at least be perceived as intelligent.

So he will instead choose to fall back on doing or saying stupid things, out of narrow, short-term self-interest.

Therefore, in order to be truly smart (regardless of actual intellectual capacity), a person not only needs intention but also courage, because without the latter, the former is useless.

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[–]wary_observer 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

What is courage? Maybe it's the will to follow through on good intentions, despite countervailing factors (fear, etc.).

It's a tricky thing, though. King Solomon had a genuine intention to become "smart" (wise), and sincerely asked God to grant him this gift. God heard Solomon's sincerity and granted his wish. But in the end, Solomon's courage failed him, and he squandered his God-given wisdom. Why?

choose to fall back on doing or saying stupid things, out of narrow, short-term self-interest.

Solomon fell back into idol worship, following his self-interest in order to please his many wives and concubines.

[–]covac[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

What is courage?

Humility and lack of conceit (pride). Self-abnegation. A willingness to sacrifice oneself for a higher cause. It's a pretty difficult thing to have, I think.