What Is Intelligence? Essay

For me “intelligence” is not simply being clever. It is being able to constantly learn, analyze, transform and practically apply obtained knowledge. It is a whole complex of mental activities required to make human’s life safe and prosperous. However, sometimes I think that mental intelligence is inseparably connected to the moral, ethical and emotional development of a personality. A bright mind without clear understanding of what is good and bad eventually becomes perverted and can harm surrounding people.
I can not give a definite answer if intelligence is inherited because even scientists do not seem to come to any general conclusion. But in my subjective opinion, genetics may have a positive impact on people’s intelligence, not directly, though. I think that parents with higher IQ tend to have talented children as well, and it is both influence of good genetics and environment the child grew in. I am deeply convinced that children imitate their parents in all aspects of life so, of course, intellectual side of it is not left out. It reminds me of my childhood when my father – he is an example for me in every single sphere of life – read a lot and would tutor me in school whenever I needed it. So it was only normal and even predictably that I would read just as much as my dad (even at night under the blanket with a dim flashlight) and try to help my best friend with her school assignment because that is what I saw in my family – help provided to the weak and young members. So, positive impact of healthy psychological environment and parents that developed their mental abilities is undeniable but it can not substitute child’s personality.
Although brain is not a muscle I would offer to perceive it as one. You see, you can have a talent for music or your body can be great for playing basketball but it does not matter as long as person is not interested in this particular type of activity. And on contrary, hard work can substitute talent if you are diligent enough. So this rule is also applicable to intelligence. It can and should be trained. This is why critical thinking course appears to be so useful. Just as any muscle in our bodies we can train our intelligence as well: there are also specials mental workouts for this purpose. And yes, it is sometimes hard mostly because we are used to consumption of the complete products, we seldom bother our minds with deep thoughts, reflection or analysis, we mostly plagiarize opinions seen in the internet and social networks but thinking critical is crucial if you want to be successful.