Many times in our society intelligence is judged by test scores, careers, and
success. Although these methods of measuring intelligence are not always
accurate they are still used. IQ tests are given to people and the scores on
these tests are supposed to reflect the level of intelligence a person has. What
makes these tests so accurate? What about intelligent people who do not take
tests well? They may become nervous and may not work well under pressure. I
believe there are many forms of intelligence, some more important than others
are. A person may be very smart but when it comes to subjects like math and
science, but when it comes to English and writing they may not know much about
it. Also, some people may not do very well in school but can fix almost anything
that you put in front of them. Often times those who are smart in school subject
lack the common sense needed to survive outside of work or school although that
is not always the case. Others who may very intelligent when it comes to common
sense and making the right decision on the street lack the wisdom need in school
or work. This is a critical part of survival and I believe common sense is
needed just as much as anything else. There are those people who are naturally
smart, who grasp concepts well, and do not need to study much at all to do well.
There are others who need to work hard to do well. They need to study and
concepts do not come as easily to them as others. Are they not considered
intelligent because of this? Also many people may be very intelligent yet they
are either lazy or uninterested, therefore their natural mental ability never is
shown. Many cultures have their own opinion of intelligence. If you are born and
brought up as an Indian, to them intelligence comes with age and strength. If
you can hunt well and survive on you own then you are considered intelligent,
you are not given a written test and judged buy the scores. Many other cultures
also have their own definition of intelligence too. Social status also has a
very big impact on people perspective of your intelligence. Upper to middle
class people not only have a better chance of getting a good education, but are
thought of as more intelligent because they have money. Lower-middle to lower
class people do not have all the opportunities that the others do and are also
perceived as unintelligent because of their lack of money and those
opportunities. Judging people on their level of intelligence, mental ability,
and level of success through tests and careers gives you a very poor judge of
character. I do not agree that intelligence can be measured at all. To me it is
not only how smart you are, but also your attitude, who you are as a person, and
the decisions you make in life. Your intelligence should not only be graded
through a test but rather on how you live your life.