Wisdom vs. Intelligence – The Superior Predictor of Well-Being
Critical thinking is the capability to accurately analyze and evaluate information, arguments, or situations so that one can come to rational judgments or make sound decisions. It encompasses the use of logical reasoning, evidence-based thinking, and skepticism toward assumptions or conclusions (Facione & Gittens, 2016). Subsequently, wisdom is a complex trait encompassing deep understanding, insight, and good judgment gained through experience, reflection, and contemplation. It involves the ability to discern what is true, right, or lasting and to apply such understanding to practical matters in life. Intelligence refers to the capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and problem-solving. It involves the ability to adapt to new situations, comprehend complex ideas, and utilize knowledge effectively. Intelligence can manifest in various forms, including philological, logical-mathematical, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence, as proposed by Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.
Finally, well-being encompasses the overall quality of life and satisfaction with one’s circumstances. It involves physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health and happiness. Well-being is often influenced by factors such as physical health, mental health, social relationships, financial security, and a sense of purpose or fulfillment in life. Based on these definitions, I would agree with Grossmann et al. (2013) that critical thinking, rather than intelligence, is a more ideal predictor of well-being because one can be intelligent but not know how to apply this intelligence effectively, leading to failures that negatively affect one’s well-being.
In my perspective, good people are usually smart, and smart people are usually good. My definition of a good person is someone who exhibits moral excellence, kindness, integrity, and altruism in their actions and interactions with others and is characterized by honesty, compassion, empathy, fairness, and a sense of responsibility towards others and society. For smart, a person with intellectual ability, competence, proficiency in various domains of knowledge or skills, intelligent, quick-witted, and capable of understanding complex concepts or solving problems effectively is smart.
Human beings can use their intelligence to become good, for example, by ensuring that society is fair and just to everyone, that no crime goes unpunished, that no form of discrimination is tolerated, and that there is a fair distribution of resources, among other things. In addition, intelligence can be used to solve problems for people who are struggling, for example, helping those who live in arid areas to farm in those harsh conditions, thereby eliminating hunger problems.
References
Facione, P. A., Gittens, C. A. (2016). Think critically. United Kingdom: Pearson.
Grossmann, I., Na, J., Varnum, M. E., Kitayama, S., & Nisbett, R. E. (2013). A route to well-being: Intelligence versus wise reasoning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 142(3), 944.
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Question 
Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address the following:
Do you agree that wisdom/critical thinking is a better predictor of well-being than intelligence? To answer, you will have to define what the following terms mean for you:
Wisdom vs. Intelligence – The Superior Predictor of Well-Being
Critical thinking
Wisdom
Intelligence
Well-being
Reflect on what you read in the text this week. Think of the people you know.
Are the good people smart?
Are the smart people good?
How do you define “good”? How do you define “smart”?
Can we use our intelligence to become “good”? If yes, how? If no, why not?