The Difference Between Smart and Wise

Thursday, July 12, 2007

I’m hesitant to agree with Paul Graham’s definitions:

‘Wise’ and ’smart’ are both ways of saying someone knows what to do.

I would say that wisdom is moderation and decisiveness over time, which does keep the spirit of Paul’s definition, but that intelligence or “smarts” are simply the capacity or aptitude for problem solving.

That said, applied intelligence over time need not even lead to wisdom — see unsuccessful political radicals in their 60s or coders in their 50s making the same mistakes as a newbie. Moderation is the additional necessary component to gain wisdom.

Conversely, wisdom does not necessitate intelligence — like sages, “wise” grandmothers, etc. — but moderation is still always present.

written by Brad Fults

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