B2 – Upper Intermediate
Most parents would want to have intelligent kids. The common education system promotes academic excellence. People would do everything to be smart by studying hard; going to private academy for tutorials and starting early on in education to have an edge in life.
However, it has been discovered that there are disadvantages to being an intellectual.
Read the article below to know what they are and to find out about intellectual humility.
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150413-the-downsides-of-being-clever
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to the article?
- Share your thoughts on this, “Lone stars, isolated even as they burn their brightest.“
- What is your opinion on this, “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing.“?
- “Wisdom can be trained.” Where do you stand on this?
- Have you witnessed intelligent people make the wrong choices for themselves?
- Do you think that the educational system should be changed when it comes to measuring intelligence? Explain.
- How can employers take advantage of intellectual humility when interviewing candidates?
2 replies on “The Downsides of Being Clever”
What is your reaction to the article?
I was greatly surprised to discover the problems smart people face, and greatly relieved to not be so smart.
Share your thoughts on this, “Lone stars, isolated even as they burn their brightest.“
I find it understandable that smarter-than-average people feel lonely even when they’re surrounded by people. If I were smart enough to engage in conversation with one of these people, I’d do my part to help. But I think I’d just bore them.
“Wisdom can be trained.” Where do you stand on this?
Wisdom depends on the knowledge you have acquired throughout your life and the life experience you have accumulated. So, in fact, wisdom can be developed, unlike intelligence, which is an innate quality.
Have you witnessed intelligent people make the wrong choices for themselves?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people I consider very intelligent. And I’ve seen them make mistakes by undervaluing themselves and following the advice (or perhaps the authority) of less intelligent people, so that, for example, they choose a career in which they can’t develop their full potential because “it has more potential” or “it better suits my personal tastes.”
Do you think that the educational system should be changed when it comes to measuring intelligence? Explain.
Regarding my country, Spain, I believe the education system completely ignores the qualities a student demonstrates throughout their life. To be able to access a degree, they must meet a certain cut-off grade in secondary school, without considering whether they have demonstrated greater aptitude for science than for humanities or sports. I believe that measuring abilities before limiting a student’s possibilities would be very advantageous.
How can employers take advantage of intellectual humility when interviewing candidates?
Surely, humility always makes you more likable and shows a more open and friendly disposition.
Great going with your writing practice. You were able to write your answers well.
Here are some words that can be used in the following sentences:
Keep up the good job!