Is Our Intelligence Unchangeable Until the Rest of Life?

Contrary to popular belief, intelligence is not an unchangeable fixed quantity. It can significantly decrease, as seen in conditions like dementia, and the experience is far from enjoyable. However, I do not subscribe to the notion that intelligence can be increased simply through practice or exercise.

Intelligence vs. Knowledge

While it's important to differentiate between intelligence and knowledge, it's evident that our cognitive abilities evolve throughout our lives. We accumulate knowledge and experience, and most individuals see improvement in their cognitive skills on a daily basis. But let's be clear: intelligence, as originally conceptualized a century ago, primarily measures our learning rate, not merely our store of information.

The Lying Self and Self-Esteem

One of the most compelling arguments against the idea of unchanging intelligence is the phenomenon of deceptiveness. When we choose to tell lies, manipulate, or cheat, we justify such negative actions by lying to ourselves. Over time, this habitual lying can make us lose touch with reality and become oblivious to our own wrongdoing. For example, a man who betrays his wife by having an affair with another woman might rationalize his actions by saying, "What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, and what I do with my life is my own business." Such a person may view himself as intelligent, but the reality is that he is justifying his actions at the expense of others and himself. This self-deception is a clear sign of a moral and intellectual deficit.

Using Intelligence to Transform Mistakes

It's crucial to understand that our intelligence is not just a static trait but a dynamic one that can be improved by recognizing and acknowledging our mistakes. Instead of repeating the same errors, we should use our intelligence to learn from them. It's deeply regrettable that some individuals refuse to accept personal responsibility for their mistakes. By doing so, they not only perpetuate their own ignorance but also prevent themselves from growing and improving. The cycle of repeating the same mistakes is a dead end, and the lack of intelligence isn't the issue; it's the refusal to engage with it.

Human Potential and Cognitive Capabilities

We are all born with the same potential and the same capacity to learn. At five years old, we can all achieve the same levels of language proficiency. Our brains are wired similarly, and our intelligence is a matter of activation and application. Just like physical fitness, cognitive fitness requires effort and maintenance. Thinking hard about our actions and choices is a form of exercise that sharpens our minds. However, the world is not always fair, and some individuals face significant challenges that hinder their cognitive development.

Ultimately, it's up to us to recognize and utilize our cognitive abilities. It's a matter of finding the strength and courage to confront our mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth. The more we improve our cognitive skills, the more we can say, "If not for my mistakes, I would have learned nothing that really mattered." Conversely, refusing to learn from our mistakes and blaming external factors only keeps us trapped in the cycle of ignorance.

Intelligence is not just a theoretical concept; it's a practice that requires effort and dedication. By striving to improve ourselves and our cognitive capabilities, we can lead more enlightened and fulfilling lives.