What intelligence is not
Before exploring the vast field of intelligence, I believe it can be useful to list a few misconceptions about intelligence, and understand it a contrario : what intelligence is not.
Since I’m a beginner, I asked Chat GPT. Artificial intelligence to the rescue.
To my relief, Chat GPT mentioned exactlly what I had in mind : Intelligence is not IQ, intelligence is not memorization, intelligence is not fixed, intelligence is not academic diploma or the result of brain training.
The good news (to me) is that it reflects my experience and what I wrote in the introductory article : I have less memory, I have less vivacity, I have to learn how to use this new configuration, but i am probably not less intelligent.
Yesterday, while writing this, I wondered if it was not just wishful thinking… Chat GPT gives me hope.
ChatGPT’s list of misonceptions about intelligence is useful and very clear, so I’ve just copied it and added my comments… It contains every point that I would have mentioned, plus a few others. I’ll comment each of them below.
Note : The italics below are my comments. The regular text is IA’s response to my question “what intelligence is not ?”
11 Myths About Intelligence: What Intelligence Is Not
When we think of intelligence, what comes to mind? A high IQ score, perhaps, or someone who aces every exam? For too long, we’ve been working with a narrow and outdated view of what it means to be intelligent. In reality, intelligence is much more complex than most people realise, and a lot of what we assume about it is flat-out wrong.
In this series, we’re going to explore the many myths and misconceptions that have shaped our understanding of intelligence and why it’s time to rethink them. Below are 11 common myths about intelligence, and why they’re far from the full picture.
Chatty trying to write a blog post,,
1. Intelligence Is Not Just IQ
We’ve been told that IQ tests are the gold standard for measuring intelligence, but this is a flawed assumption. IQ tests assess a limited range of cognitive abilities—like logical reasoning and verbal skills—but they don’t account for creativity, practical problem-solving, or emotional understanding.
IQ also overlooks Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences, which includes linguistic, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and other forms of intelligence. Limiting intelligence to a single number fails to capture its full range.
It ignores not only Howard Gardner’s quite old theory, but also many other works, and among them “Thinking fast and slow”, written by Nobel Prize Daniel Kahneman, an eye-opening book on the subtelties and traps of intelligence… Yes, we’ll see that later in this blog
Thinking fast and slow – Daniel Kahneman
En français : Système 1 / Système 2, les deux vitesses de la pensée
Multiple intelligences – Howard Gardner
En français : Les intelligences multiples
2. Intelligence Is Not Memorisation
Many people equate intelligence with the ability to remember facts and figures. However, while a good memory is useful, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone understands the information or can apply it effectively.
True intelligence involves synthesising information, seeing connections, and being able to adapt knowledge to new situations. Memorisation may help on a quiz, but intelligence shines when we can take what we know and use it in creative or practical ways.
I had this point in mind too, since my ability to easily memorize appointments, people and events was one of the most visible aspects of my past intelligence… this blog is partly a result of my memory loss trauma.
3. Intelligence Is Not Fixed
Some believe that intelligence is a static trait—you’re either born smart, or you’re not. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to learning, shows that we can continually develop our cognitive abilities throughout life.
By adopting a growth mindset, as psychologist Carol Dweck describes, we can improve our intelligence with effort, perseverance, and the right strategies.
Yes, I would have written that without Chat GPT too : I’ve always been optimistic about how we can improve many aspects of our lives, including intelligence.
4. Intelligence Is Not Just Academic Achievement
Success in school is often viewed as a direct reflection of intelligence, but academic achievements only measure a particular set of skills. Some of the world’s greatest innovators and leaders didn’t excel in traditional education systems, yet they transformed industries and solved complex problems.
Academic success is often a matter of discipline, conformity, and rote learning. Real intelligence goes beyond the classroom—it’s about solving real-world problems, thinking critically, and adapting to change.
OK. Not very original, but 100% true.
5. Intelligence Is Not Emotional Detachment
There’s a persistent myth that being intelligent means being logical to the point of detachment, that emotions somehow cloud judgment. In reality, emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions—is a crucial component of overall intelligence.
People with high EQ tend to navigate social relationships better, make more balanced decisions, and are more resilient in the face of stress. Intelligence is not just about what happens in the brain; it’s also about how well we connect with and understand the emotions of others.
I agree, but I would never had said this like that. I agree, and I know that it is a field where I have a lot of ground to cover personally, to improve my global intelligence… Expect lots of content on the discovery of this personal terra incognita.
6. Intelligence Is Not Just About Cramming or Rote Learning
Cramming for a test or absorbing facts without deeper understanding is often mistaken for intelligence. While you might retain enough information to pass an exam, this superficial learning doesn’t last and rarely translates into the ability to apply knowledge in different contexts.
Intelligent learning involves actively engaging with material, questioning it, and making connections. It’s the difference between being able to recall information and truly understanding how to use it.
I love learning and I spend lots of time in this activity : I learn music, languages, techniques, etc… I love this sensation, when you learning something new, big and unexpected, of discovering a new world to explore… I know that learning is not intelligence, but I consider that learning is one of the most intelligent activities a human being can perform.
7. Intelligence Is Not Solely Measured by Standardised Tests
Many of us grew up thinking that intelligence could be captured in a score on a standardised test. However, these tests are designed to measure a narrow range of abilities, mainly focused on logical reasoning, mathematics, and language skills.
But what about creativity? What about practical problem-solving in real-life situations? Standardised tests miss these essential dimensions, meaning they offer only a partial view of someone’s intellectual abilities.
Of course. Tests are only tests. It reminds me of the army : I was chased by my capitain because he wanted a clever soldier as a secretary and I was in the top 5 best test takers of my promotion in the Paris region… My old intelligence, not available to me anymore. Thanks to Chat GPT for not considering so important. I still have to work on myself to really feel it.
8. Intelligence Is Not the Absence of Mistakes
There’s a myth that truly intelligent people don’t make mistakes, that they always know the right answer. This myth can discourage people from taking risks or trying new things for fear of being seen as “less smart.” In reality, mistakes are a natural part of learning and growing.
The most intelligent people aren’t those who avoid failure, but those who learn from their mistakes and continuously improve. Adaptability and resilience are signs of intelligence just as much as getting things right the first time.
Trial and error, of course, and resilience. And all that. I agree. Still, who does not love these perfect days where everything goes so well that you feel invincible ?
9. Brain Training Games Don’t Make You Smarter
Many believe that playing brain training games will boost overall intelligence. While these games can improve performance on specific tasks, studies show they don’t lead to a general improvement in cognitive abilities.
A more effective way to boost intelligence is through meaningful learning—engaging with new ideas, solving complex problems, and developing emotional and social intelligence. Brain games are no substitute for real-world intellectual growth.
I would not have thought about this point. But yes. Fair enough.
10. Learning Styles Are a Myth
It’s often said that some people are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinesthetic learners. However, recent research has debunked the idea that tailoring learning to these styles improves outcomes. What matters more is the nature of the content and the strategies we use to engage with it.
For example, effective learning happens when we challenge ourselves with active recall, problem-solving, and connecting new knowledge to what we already know, rather than relying solely on passive consumption in our so-called “preferred” learning style.
OK. Same as before : I would probably not have included that in a “What intelligence is not list”, but I can only agree.
11. Left-Brain/Right-Brain Thinking Is Oversimplified
You’ve probably heard that “logical” people are left-brained, while “creative” people are right-brained. This oversimplified view of brain function has been widely debunked. Both sides of the brain work together to handle a variety of tasks—whether it’s solving a mathematical problem or creating a piece of art.
Intelligence involves the cooperation of both hemispheres in complex ways. The idea that you are “either/or” simply doesn’t hold up to modern neuroscience.
I thought that it was a very old debate, closed a long time ago.
Conclusion: Time to Rethink Intelligence
If this list has made you rethink what it means to be intelligent, then you’re on the right track. Intelligence is multi-dimensional, dynamic, and deeply rooted in both emotional and cognitive abilities. Limiting our definition of intelligence only holds us back.
Thanks Chat GPT for graciously creating this list.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into these myths in a series of articles designed to clarify my (and maybe your, dear reader) understanding of intelligence. I’m not sure that I’ll write an article on exactly all the elements in this list, but that’s a good starting point. What I remember from all that is that intelligence is not just brain power and knowledge, but also (and maybe principally ?) creativity, adaptability, and emotional insight. Good point : that’s exactly the topic of this blog.
So, stay tuned for the next article exploring intelligence and non-intelligence in all their dimensions.
