who thinks they're smart? what defines smart?

Answer 1

I hope we all believe we are smart, at least in some respect. We all have something we're really good at on an intrinsic level.

I hope that even those who claim they think they aren't smart really do realize the ways in which they are smart without saying so. I do think they should say so, though.

So who defines smart... what, academically? Stanford. At least if they still have the copyright to and/or determine the questions on the stanford-binnet IQ test.

But even that doesn't really count (seriously, how many people are asked their IQ in a job interview?).

In the truest sense society determines it. Whatever society a person lives in. There is no other way to quantify such a concept except against the norm. Likewise the standards of society determine the standards of intelligence. Even then the question of "who is smarter" can bring about varied results according to field. Language? Math? Science? Religion? It just goes on.

We are as smart as we need to be (ok, not, so much, me. I should be in bed but am not that smart). We just need to learn how best to use that intelligence.

Answer 2

I think I'm smart in some ways but quite foolish in others. I have certain areas in which I'm knowledgeable because they interest me. Other areas I know nothing about because they bore me to tears. I did very well in school & have won many academic awards & medals, so people may call me smart based on that. Of course that would amount to "book smarts" as opposed to "street smarts." Admittedly I lack common sense in some ways. I try to learn from my mistakes. I acknowledge both my strengths & weaknesses. I can win at Scrabble but I wouldn't know how to change the oil in my car.

I think that smart is more than doing well in school. Smart is making the right decisions, living your life to the best of your ability. Knowing what you want & going for it. Being smart means recognizing that you can not know everything. You can only be an expert in certain areas and have to rely on others to take care of other things. You focus on what you have a natural aptitude for & let others take care of the rest. (I am an artist. I have no desire to be a doctor or a pilot or a mechanic. If I need medical attention or need to fly somewhere or have my car fixed, I go to someone who knows what to do.) Smart people admit they can't know everything.

Smart is possessing both knowledge & wisdom. Anyone can acquire knowledge to some degree. Not everyone gains wisdom. This comes with a great deal of life experience, keen observation and careful contemplation...

Answer 3

Well you need to understand that it is a culturally biased concept as people have already said. There are different types of intelligence many not covered in standardised tests one you would call kenetic intelligence so you might say dispraxic people are physically unintelligent.

Answer 4

Smart is a relative term, it works only in contrast to stupid or not smart.

If you go to a genius convention you'll experience just how dumb you are. Go to a retard convention and experience how smart you are.

Answer 5

the sophists think they are smart...a smart person is one who have the idea or knowledge in one thing but dont have wisdom..:)
got to know the difference between knowledge and wisdom..

Answer 6

I think I'm smart, but I wish I were smarter.