Are we Intelligent?

To find an answer to this question one should understand, what intelligent really means? When dipped into dictionary to find the meaning, it says that it is an ability to learn or understand something and to use that understanding to solve problems or to lead a better life. On a close look to this meaning, there are two parts. One is learning or understanding and the other one is implementation. The second part is most important because many people ignore it.

People are very happy in knowing something rather than action. Can a student, who recites all the 1330 couplets in Thirukkural, be called intelligent? One can claim that his/her memory power is good and not more than that. If he/she has to be certified as intelligent, one has to lead their life according the couplet(s). Another common example is that, everyone knows doing regular exercise or yoga or walking is good for health.  But how many do it regularly?

Somehow today’s education system gives more importance to the knowing part (memory power) rather than application. If one wants to swim, jumping into a pool (may be under guidance) will help and not by doing a research in swimming. The real joy of food is by tasting it. Hence, get into action after understanding a point and become intelligent. That is real learning.