I always knew I had a bit of Intelligence Looking at the world's smartest people I wouldn't trade places with any of them.
I saw this series of articles and thought about my own intelligence and my school days. I always got good grades in school but that doesn't always correlate getting along in life. In fact, the more intelligence you have the more that is expected of you and I think it is your responsibility to to use your talents, your gifts.
Many times I got to a point I wished I had less of it because so much more is expected of you if you have any self worth to apply it to your life, your family and for the good of mankind.
I distinctly remember taking the Iowa Aptitude test in fourth grade. For me, it was a good way to show what I was able to do. I did so well on the test I remember Ella Mae Alexander grabbing me by the ear from the back row of the class, leading me to the front row where I would sit the rest of the year. That was painful in more ways than one.
That changed my life forever, that one test. I was expected to do well in higher level courses which led me away from farming and into my career of teaching. I got my Bachelor's Degree in 3 years but I alwasy figured it was because of my poverty and desire to make money, not just my intelligence.
It all turned out OK but you wonder how one event in your life changes your whole life path so much. That is why I put so much emphasis on childhoood development. That sets all your habits and where you will eventually wind up. Our family has always done well and I think it is early childhood development.
Farming is a lot more than driving machinery and it takes a lot of intelligence to be successful to build a farm or keep one that was given to you. So many fail as we have fewer and fewer farmers. Farm management today takes a lot of intelligence, some say luck, but the best farmers I know are pretty smart people.
I really think it is easier to get through life knowing just enough to get by. The more you know, the more difficult it is to apply your knowledge in general. I always admired those people who are just plain happy all the time and not influenced so much by mood or weather or economic changes. That isn't me.
But I am happy who I am where I am and I have no regrets. Sure, things could have been easier but all in all I have had it pretty good compared to others. Intelligence is a part of that.
I know you have to be smarter than a machine or it won't make you money and could take your life.
Ed
From my sister:
ReplyDeleteYou think you had it bad!!!!! You should have been the sister who walked in a school room and the teachers were so excited to know that you were Mr. Brilliants’ younger sister! And then……. After a few days they would look at me and say, I know who got the brains in your family!!!
Linda
Linda,
I was told to set good examples for my brother and sister. Ha! Learning came fairly easily to me but oh the toll. I overdid it to the pont I couldn't even keep up with my own standard. It really is fun just being normal and not strving for the moon, LOL.
Remember the day I knocked that kid out making fun of you?
Now we can just laugh about it and still be good friends.
That's what it's all about!