Character is higher than intellect

[Sunstone]

"Character is higher than intellect" -- Emerson

It seems to me that our society values intelligence above all other human qualities. But should we? Shouldn't virtues like human decency and kindness be more important to us than how smart we are? What do you think? Is Emerson right?

[Lightkeeper]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

"Character is higher than intellect" -- Emerson

It seems to me that our society values intelligence above all other human qualities. But should we? Shouldn't virtues like human decency and kindness be more important to us than how smart we are? What do you think? Is Emerson right?

I think it's intelligent to have character. Yes, I agree that character is higher than intellect. A person with character is going to have real friends, because he/she can be trusted. Building trust is higher than intellect.

[Mr Spinkles]

I agree with you Lightkeeper. I'd rather hang around a person of high character and low intellect than a person of high intellect and low character any day.

[Pah]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

"Character is higher than intellect" -- Emerson

It seems to me that our society values intelligence above all other human qualities. But should we? Shouldn't virtues like human decency and kindness be more important to us than how smart we are? What do you think? Is Emerson right?

Can not high character be formed from some high intellect?

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by pah

Can not high character be formed from some high intellect?

I certainly think our intellect can help guide us to forming good character. But I have also known some people who did not have outstanding intelligence, but who had sterling characters. So I do not feel that intellect is absolutely necessary to forming good character.

I think the most important thing to the formation of good character is that we learn how to listen to our own spirit and then have the courage to be true to ourselves.