Intelligence is overrated
jasonleow • 27 Aug 2025 •
The only real test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life. - @naval
If you’re so intelligent why aren’t you happy?
Intelligence is a tool. Like raw engine power, you can go fast and far with it. But it doesn’t always show you which direction to go fast towards. The thing is, most people don’t know what they need. They think they want something, but it’s often not what they need.
Most hard work is wasted, most goals are borrowed.
Intelligence is also prone to navel-gazing, self-doubt, procrastination, perfectionism, and paralysis by analysis. Less intelligent people who’s action-oriented had got more success than the brainiacs. Fools rush in, and they might lose more often but they get more shots in. The game of life is often a game of chance and luck, and those who cast their bet frequently gets the chance to win.
On the tarmac of real life, it’s not just raw engine power that gets you to where you want to go.
It’s just a tool.
Intelligence is overrated.
Comments
Good ol’ Twitter Jesus. Is he still as relevant on X? For some reason, I no longer see much of his content. @Winkletter That’s my second favorite way to code a not equals in SQL Server.
intelligent != capable