What's Your Definition of Intelligence?

What is your definition of intelligence? When I was growing up, my parents used to say that intelligence was the ability to learn quickly. In today's times, I think they are both right. Intelligence has become a popular word in society - people think it covers a broad spectrum and includes all of the social skills, personality, abilities, etc.

What is your definition of intelligence now? It seems that most definitions these days use some sort of new definition. Sometimes it's just a new word or phrase. For example: Human Resources is becoming the definition of intelligence in business. In fact, many businesses think that it's a better term than intelligence. That's because human resources has allowed them to focus their efforts on developing a team instead of trying to develop an individual.

So what do you think is an accurate definition of intelligence anyway? I don't know anyone who defines intelligence in those terms. I think that the definition is much more important than the word itself. It's actually much more important that we understand what we mean by it. If we can figure out what we mean when we say things like; intelligent person, smart student, top notch manager, etc., then we will have found a great definition. Without a definition, we will have a difficult time measuring or comparing anything to someone else.

So let me give you my opinion of what's the best definition of intelligence out there. It's an ability to learn and apply knowledge creatively and efficiently. This definition is much more important than being intelligent in the old sense of the word. Nowadays people are born with some measure of natural intelligence. However, this does not tell them what to do with that intelligence.

The interesting thing about intelligence that I gave above is that the definition doesn't have much to do with what you know. It has to do with what you do with the intelligence that you have. You can be very intelligent and know nothing at all about computers or the internet. That doesn't mean that you aren't intelligent.

I did some research on the definition of intelligence and it turns out that many people don't agree with the definition that I gave above. In fact, some definitions say that you don't need any training to become intelligent. Others say that all you need to know is how to use your intelligence. Still others said that intelligence only comes from doing. So which is true?