Intelligence and Ability

Intelligence is quickness to apprehend as distinct from ability, which is capacity to act wisely on the thing apprehended. - Dialogues by Alfred North Whitehead

To act without knowing what’s going on doesn’t always help. To know what’s going on without acting usually doesn’t help. It’s best when the two go together. Intelligence can give you plenty of information. Ability can give you plenty of suggestions.

We’re all different. Not all of us have both intelligence and ability. Some of us have intelligence in abundance. Some of us have amazing abilities. Some of us have a little of each. Or any mix and match of amounts you can think of. That’s okay. We don’t all have to have plenty of both.

What’s great about the world is that you don’t have to be all things at all times. That’s what friends, colleagues, and co-workers are for. You share your intelligence and abilities with them, and they share theirs with you, and together you make wonderful and amazing things happen, things that none of you could have done on your own.

When you’re making your Future, you don’t have to do it on your own. You can get help from others, and in turn give help to others, and this way the Future will be brighter for everyone.