To some of you, this blog will seem pretentious. To you, I say: get over it. If you read my last blog, you know my stance on why it is good to know and be confident in your strengths. I am not at all the most intelligent person I know. In some ways, I may even be quite stupid. But I have been called wise by some and even "the smart one" in my family. I think intellect has great worth, and I live my life in that belief. I try to expand my knowledge and critical thinking every day. And I frankly want to punch people who spurn intelligence as if it is something to hide or as if it is something a woman should not possess.
Today someone told me that I was smart "in ways that don't matter." I want to know what does matter then. I cannot for the life of me think of one way that this person's intelligence exceeds my own. Nor have I seen the fruit of this supposed knowledge that 'matters.' I haven't seen good things come of it. I have seen the hard lessons I've bowed to change me and make me a better person. I have seen the wisdom and encouragement of my family and friends challenge me in my times of selfishness, stupidity, and yeah--trashiness. I didn't listen at first. But once I realized I DID NOT know everything, I was able to learn a hell of a lot more. I stopped dismissing everyone and actually improved rather than remaining stagnant or even worsening as a person. So, here a few points of intellect that I believe truly matter.
Is it vital to life to have a wide vocabulary? No. But it helps me to more specifically express what I mean. In many cases, my ability with words has given me the chance to persuade people to radically question their views and in some cases, change them. It has helped me to detail my feelings to my loved ones and communicate so that we can better understand and help one another. It has built up my relationships and shut up my competition. And yes, it has also given me the powers of kick-ass paper writing...and though I haven't tapped into it, there's money to be made there. (That's right, show me the money and you've got yourself an 'A' in English class!)
Is it important to know when to shut the hell up and just labor on toward your goals? Why, yes. It certainly is! Not only has it kept me out of a few bar fights (Although many times, my rhetoric and wild eyes also warned off fights--I wouldn't say I've got quite the bark. It's more of a growl that spreads fear of my bite. haha), it has hushed me in times that I could have really hurt someone. I usually have a boundary that ends before cruelty. That's when I stay quiet and scarce. And I think the knowledge of how and when to do so is something everyone should have. It has helped me maintain work. I know a lot of hot-headed idiots who can't hold down a job to save their lives. They've got to demand respect and tell people off. Well let me tell you something. If you have to throw temper tantrums, say harsh words, and start fights to demand that "respect"...you aren't truly respected. In fact, you haven't earned a damn thing except unemployment, burnt bridges, and a collection of broken hearts. I have bitten my lip (though not half as many times as I should have) and simply WORKED MY ASS OFF to get where I am. I didn't storm away from jobs or cuss anyone out because I refuse to be a mooch and a burden because I have cheated myself out of a paycheck. I refuse to rob my future. I refuse to be immature and without forethought. I refuse to act like I'm "too good" to do any job that puts food on the table. Because of that, I had good references for my resume. Then I had an awesome interview and landed a wonderful job. I make bank, I have the respect of my coworkers and managers, I get to help people, and I enjoy what I do.
Here's another thing that I have that MATTERS: the ability not to waste time, money, or brain cells on destructive garbage. I am so damn proud that I don't cloud my lungs or my mind with unnecessary chemicals. I rely on better sources to "enlighten" me and give me joy. I think if you have to depend on some sort of substance (or a constant mix of several) to enjoy your time on this earth, you're an idiot. I see beautiful things every day that move me and provoke thought. And I see them because I have not numbed myself. I have not made myself forgetful or forfeited my ability to give a shit about anything or anyone in pursuit of a high. I could not and I never shall. Apathy is one of the sneakiest, most destructive forces on the planet. And if you don't think so, it may just be destroying a few things in your life right now. I put food on my table. I pay my rent. I take care of important things with my money instead of squandering it on bullshit and then wondering how I'm going to scrounge up some semblance of a meal. I have been the drunken fool. But more often I have been the sober one in the midst of many. Bearing witness to their conversations with a clear mind, I have neither seen nor heard anything profound come out of their mouths. So no, I will not buy into the lie that things like that expand your way of thinking. I've seen it too often and know too much to be tricked.
Yet another valuable point of intellect? Knowing how to choose friends. I don't end up in a lot of trashy situations because I don't put myself in them. I would help friends that are going through tough times, but I wouldn't plunge into a pool of self-serving, classless pretenders and strive to be accepted by them. I want to be better, so I spend my time in better environments.
Lastly, I have the intelligence to treat people with kindness and compassion. I value this ability to be tender-hearted because I know so-called 'smarter' people who have destroyed the happiness and security of a lot of people. They don't care who they crush or how. They push women beyond their sexual comfort zones and make them question their worth. They put their friends and family through countless tragedies without a second thought. They use other people's money and resources without helping or earning a thing. And they wonder why they are unhappy. I can truly say that I am my happiest when I'm with loved ones who I can give to and receive from equally. I am happiest when I help someone else besides myself. I am happiest when I remember to love unconditionally.
Now...what great knowledge can you bestow on me that outweighs all of these things?
