An intelligent person knows how to carry on a conversation with other intelligent people.
A smart person knows how to carry on a conversation with anyone.
An intelligent person knows when it’s OK to be completely honest.
A smart person knows when to be honest, and when it is absolutely necessary to lie.
An intelligent person can tell the exact moment when everything went wrong.
A smart person can tell the exact moment when everything will go wrong, and figure out how to prevent it from ever happening.
An intelligent person doesn’t need to be asked twice to do a favor.
A smart person doesn’t need to be asked once.
An intelligent person knows how to make a valid point to any idiot.
A smart person knows that to try to make a valid point to an idiot is a waste of time.
I am an intelligent person.
But often I wish I were smart.
I can relate to this, on a positive note I think being “an intelligent person” is what makes a good writer, you may not know what to say in a particular situation but you always know what to say in writing.
I’ve always felt that way too. One of the reasons I love writing so much is because it’s a much easier way for me to express myself. I don’t usually know what to say on the spot, but writing gives me plenty of time to think and refine my ideas. Thanks for reading! 🙂
J.C. the fact that you even have this posted on your blog, proves you are wise beyond your years….an “old-soul”, yet humble. You are truly a gem within this blogosphere. I think you’ve heard me say this before, you & my daughter are so alike. Your parents must be so proud of you. I know I’ve read your posts when you’ve talked about your parents and their beautiful relationship. And that love for family & eachother shows in the wisdom you possess & the words you write. As writers we network with hundreds of amazing people: Writers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, photographers, painters….people from all walks of life. Unbelievable men & women that are brilliant artists. But I think you humble us the most. And what an honor it is for us to be able to read your words & take a look into J.C.’s mind.
Your post really took me back & reminded me so much of my fathers words. My dad, (who passed away in 2008) was the first writer in our family. He was a licensed minister, Vice President of the Gideons & wrote for the Southern Baptist Convention, the church, as well as several articles for the local newspaper. My dad used to say that there are those in life who are: “too smart for their own good.” LOL (All education & no common sense.)
Your last line, “A smart person knows that to try to make a valid point to an idiot is a waste of time.” That’s what my daddy referred to as “Casting your pearl before swine.” A biblical term used in scripture when Jesus referred to preaching to people that we’re close-minded or too far gone. The scripture however can be examined from a non spiritual aspect or point of view, and used in other circumstances as well. Just as you did here and did so beautifully!
Excellent post J.C. Sharing now.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Mathair! It’s really made my day! I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog!
This poem was inspired by a conversation I had with my family, when we discussed the difference between being “intelligent” and being “smart” (which I also like to think of as the difference between “book smart” and “street smart”). What’s funny is that I immediately started comparing myself to one of my sisters; between the two of us, I’m the intelligent one and she’s the smart one. I always got good grades in school and I have an insatiable passion for learning, but when it comes down to a battle of wits, my sister always wins! In three seconds, she can think of a comeback that would take me at least three days! It’s fun when we can learn so much from our families, isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks for reading and sharing! Glad you enjoyed the poem! 😀
sorry I’m just getting to this but am playing catch up after a busy week! Just let me say: I. Love. This! It’s so true! And to your point in comments, this is also why I value being a writer…I need the time to come up with “smart” decisions and come backs, too! I’ve always thought of myself as having excellent common sense, wherewithal, and some book smarts…but as for a quick come back? doesn’t happen!
No problem! I’m way behind on my blog reading too; been very busy studying and working on new projects. Hopefully I can catch up on your blog soon. Sorry!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the poem! I totally understand the trouble of thinking of comebacks on the spot. That’s why I consider myself a fast learner but a slow thinker. It’s great that we have writing to help us communicate; at least it gives us the time we need to refine our ideas! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Love it. I often think that I might be clever in many ways, but seem to have missed out on the whole common sense thing that would make life so very much easier.
Haha, I understand what that’s like. I love that joke that says, “Why is it called ‘common’ sense if it’s so rare?” Maybe too many of us are missing that train… Oh well, at least we’re still one if not the other! Even if I’m not “smart”, I’m happy being “intelligent”! 😛