Why is the ability to memorize vast amounts of knowledge often equated with intelligence in our society?

Question

Wisdom cannot be memorized...and knowledge without wisdom isn't intelligence... but stupidity disguised as intelligence. Face it, very ignorant people can accumulate enough knowledge to rule countries and start religions.... and even (God forbid) acquire followers. Knowledge without understanding (i.e. the clarity and wherewithal to know how to use acquired knowledge intelligently) is not only worthless but can be dangerous as well. There is nothing 'noble' about good spelling and a large vocubulary, no matter how much we like pumping ourselves up for being 'smart.' What the world needs is more wisdom and maybe even a tad less 'smarts.' Thoughts? :-)

I am actually great at memorizing and accumulating knowledge. But that's not intelligence, it is the gift of memorization. Nothing wrong with it, but not noble in and of itself.

FILO: not with you LOL :-)

great answers!! thanks everyone!

Answer 1

This is the major flaw in our system of education. Most of what we measure through examinations and tests is the ability of the student to memorize data or actions. True intelligence is not bound or illustrated by vocabulary or trivia. Unfortunately, there are some who do not recognize this and underestimate people without the proper pedigree (diploma, manner of speech, etc).

Answer 2

I go through just about everyday. I work as a janitor in a high school and I see it, not with the students, but with the teachers. These people have vast amounts of knowledge in their heads, but they cannot figure out how a simple pencil sharpener works. OK, that is an exaggeration, but it fits perfectly. They have those big degrees and yet they act like they cannot do something simple. It is sad to see. There are some exceptions, but the vast majority are just aaarrggghhh, so stupid. I may not be the most intelligent person in the world, but at least with the knowledge I have, I can put some wisdom and understanding to it. I consider myself a pseudo-intellectual.

I think why knowledge is considered intelligence is that there are too many people who are not intelligent to know the difference. I have been considered smart, but I am just knowledgeable.

Answer 3

There are several levels of intelligence or wisdom between knowing a lot of facts by rote memory and the supreme command and use of information. Knowing more than just the facts but all about the facts is important. Being able to extract from a body of facts a meaningful synthesis and weight it against other syntheses and determine which is best AND then having the talent or gumption or verve or drive to actually DO something meaningul (meaning decent, constructive, useful, law abiding, respectable, having socially redeeming value and so on) with it, requires greatness and not just wisdom.

Answer 4

the ability to acquire vast amts of knowledge makes somebody more intelligent, educated and kind, understanding, more tolerant of other people. wisdom is not pure memorization but it
only comes with age. the ability to assimilate one's life experiences and turn it into wisdom. that's why you hear the expression older and
wiser, hopefully one learn from one's mistakes and triumphs in life.

what does it matter if one is so intelligent and knowledgeable but refuses to share such to the next generation or put it to good use. that's how new discoveries and inventions are made.

too much smarts for one own's good is another expression .it can become dangerous if not accurate and well researched. noble is not the word to describe for good spelling and a large vocabulary and the ability to articulate.it reflects one's effective use of learned knowledge. again imparting one's knowledge for a noble cause is commendable.

what the world really needs is more love, understanding and tolerance for other people who are different from you or with different points of view ,religious beliefs cultural practices and races. and oh yes, intelligence.

ignorance is a better word than stupidity.

Answer 5

It's not the memorizing, but what you do with what you know. We should have the common sense to evaluate information, before we try to memorize it. Many wise men have gone before us, so why not learn from what they spent their lives learning? I think I know what you mean though. Some people are snobbish about their degrees--and may not have much common sense. I call them University snobs. A good vocabulary is great, if your audience can understand you. Spelling, well...I'm a stickler for good spelling, but then I am a writer and it's necessary for clarity. The best teacher in life is experience!

Answer 6

Memory is part of intelligence, but only part. You have to be able to recall details in order to do just about anything. At least recall which book that information is in so you can look it up!

I agree that there is too much emphasis on memory though. In school I often felt that I was just 'regurgitating' facts so I could pass a test. This happens well into college. I don't have a Master's degree but maybe they don't let you think till then?

Answer 7

I know many people who are adept at obtaining vast amounts of useless information and that in no way makes them intelligent. (Maybe I can be thrown into that category) Also, I can quote Websters from here until tomorrow but that does not make me any more intelligent than the guy who says one syllable words. Basic application on knowledge is what separates the boors from the brains.

Answer 8

This is similar to the difference between "common sense" and "book smarts". You are fortunate indeed to have common sense, but truly gifted if you have both. Intelligence without common sense is a little like having a treasure chest full of gold on a deserted island. It isn't worth much if you don't have the means to use it.

Answer 9

I agree. Wisdom is the goal of a person seeking enlightenment. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and understand consequences.

Answer 10

I disagree. You can't be wise if you don't remember yesterday. Memorizing a lot of information doesn't make you wise, but being unable to memorize information will make you unwise. For instance, I'd share with you some interesting information regarding this exact thing I learned in college, if only I remember it. ;)