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About this quote

What does it mean?
Intelligence is understanding something quickly, while ability is acting wisely on that understanding.
In plain terms
Intelligence is understanding; ability is acting wisely on it.
What can you take from it?
Understand quickly but also act wisely on what you learn.

Where it applies

  • career development
  • skill training
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • practicing application
  • reflecting on decisions

Questions to consider

  • Do you understand things but fail to act?

Another view

Intelligence often includes the capacity to act wisely.

More from Alfred North Whitehead

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