My favourite definition of 'Intellectual' is: 'A person whose education surpasses their intelligence.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- An intellectual is defined ironically as someone with more education than raw intelligence. It suggests formal learning doesn't always equal smartness.
- In plain terms
- An intellectual learns more than they naturally know.
- What can you take from it?
- Education does not guarantee intelligence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is formal learning a proxy for smartness?
Another view
Education can develop intelligence over time.
More from Arthur C. Clarke
I don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarian and we're sceptical.
Permalink to quote #62 The intelligence of the planet is constant, and the population is growing.
Permalink to quote #64 I'm sometimes asked how I would like to be remembered. I've had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer, space promoter and science populariser. Of a…
Permalink to quote #61
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