2006-06-11 11:19:30 · 7 answers · asked by mjohn28497@sbcglobal.net 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It depends on what you consider success in life. Is success some sort of achievement (i.e., reaching set goals), or is it how much you enjoy your relationships?
Kind people might not have a lot of monetary success, but they have much clout with the people they know and have been kind to. Not all success can be measured financially or by the numbers. They have a better avenue by which to impact other lives and people's happiness.
Smart people definitely have an advantage in terms of the options they have to solve problems in life. But one can be very smart, very financially successful... and very unhappy because one's relationships are in terrible shape.
When on their deathbed, how many people look back and say, "Look at all the things I achieved?" or do they look back and wish they didn't have to leave the people they love, or wish they had found better relationships in life?
I think quality of life is more assured for kind people, and they find it easier to work with others and accomplish things. Sometimes they are taken advantage of, but in general they'd rather be kind than safe. Smart isn't bad, and you can do a lot when you're smart, but you're not necessarily effective or happy in terms of people.
2006-06-11 12:25:23 · answer #1 · answered by Jennywocky 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that either of the choices is, more important. Both are very good qualities, for a person to have. A successful life isn't made from "singling out" specific traits. It's like your hand. If you were asked "which finger is more important, to have a strong hand". There is only, one answer, for that. Sometimes, I think it is my middle finger, but it is not. It is all of my fingers, because without all of my fingers, I can't use my hand properly. To me it seems that a well rounded person, will do just fine. Do you want a puzzle, that doesn't have all of the pieces? I know I don't, cuz it sucks. You get the whole puzzle done, just to find out, there is a piece missing. Both, are just as important, as the other.
2006-06-11 18:49:34 · answer #2 · answered by confeuzdus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you base your success on happiness, then kindness no doubt! There are plenty of smart people who aren't nice. Kind people who are not smart can get away with blunders, because people want to help a kind person succeed. If you're smart and unkind, people will resent you because you're smart, then just dislike you because you're mean and you'll never get ahead, except for maybe as a stockbroker.
2006-06-11 19:01:31 · answer #3 · answered by Sidoney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think being kind is the most important. I mean who wants a mean smart person around? ;)
2006-06-11 18:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Stacy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smart I think. Who ever advanced in school by being kind?
2006-06-11 22:52:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anakin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you define as successful.
If successful for you is to be good to the world, and socially appreciated, it's kindness.
If you think in terms of career you'd better be smart, and not too kind.
2006-06-11 18:31:10 · answer #6 · answered by Jelle A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your tendency to duality think, that is not thought
2006-06-11 18:58:39 · answer #7 · answered by gekim784l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋