I've always thought I was intelligent.
That is until I got to thinking about it. Then I changed my mind.
Here are the reasons why -
Firstly, I constantly find myself second guessing myself. Secondly, I taught high school Mathematics for two years and still don't understand ratios and fractions (let alone algebra - though who understands algebra!). And thirdly, why is it that when someone wants to know the reason for the hope that I have, I stumble around like an old lady in a dark attic?
And then, just when I was about to accept that fact that I was indeed, unintelligent; I realized that there is still some hope. A light, whether by destiny or coincidence, is still shining at the end of the intelligence tunnel.
You see, I recalled the fact that I now teach high school English. Now, I'm not saying that because I am an 'English teacher' that this makes me smart. No. I'm saying that the fact that I'm still an English teacher, even though I'm not exactly sure what an adjectival clause is, (even though I may or may not have just used it), makes me smart. Does that make sense?
Because if it doesn't, then I'm back to square one.
But regardless of the fact that I'm not sure whether I'm intelligent or not; I realized that a blog is a great way for me to test my intelligence theory. It's simple; I write some stuff, and anyone who bothers reading it, can tell me whether I'm right, wrong or just plain stupid.
And anyway, even if nobody ever reads anything I write, at least no one will be able to tell me that I am, after all, as slow as dial-up internet.
Enjoy my blog experiment.
Josh
Josh
ReplyDeleteHelping make a brother smarter.
An adjectival clause is a section of a sentance headed by an adjective.
An adjective (next question, right?) is a word that can appear alone in the situation [det] ADJ noun, and can be quantified (eg beautiful is an adjective because it can become beautifuler, beautifulest, more beautiful etc).
So for example, in 'the fat cat sat on the mat' the adjective is 'fat' and the adjectival clause is 'fat cat sat on the mat' - ie - the phrase headed by the adjective.
if the mat the cat sat on was pretty, there would be a secondary adjectival phrase.
now wouldn't there.
just try not to get adjectives messed up with nouns modifying nouns...
Josh,
ReplyDeleteThere are four types of intelligence as far as I can decipher.
1) FACTUAL INTELLIGENCE; developed from scientific evidence. The resource of this knowledge is based on the mathematical equation of one equals one. This formula is then transferred to scientific facts: a rock is a rock, air is air etc. This type of intelligence is the only source of knowledge us humans can agree on because it corresponds to logic. Example: Gravity creates a pull on the earth and therefore it becomes LOGICAL that without the aid of a flying mechanism, it would be impossible to fly.
2) OPINIONATED INTELLIGENCE; formed with a foundation of confidence. Being human, we naturally respond negatively to the concept of being incorrect. If an idea or opinion is formed to a sufficient value in our minds, we may convert it to an expression of thought through speech. The height of this intelligence depends on the intensity of confidence with which this opinion is expressed. If there is full commitment to the opinion, then we are considered intelligent regardless of the facts and moralistic grounds. For example, if one were to express their opinion on purchasing a house, they might say, “You should definitely purchase a house – I have never looked back.” The listener will be persuaded to consider this person intelligent for their decision because of the confidence they have. On the other side of the equation, if one were to express their opinion on the same topic by saying, “I think...yes...perhaps it would be a good idea, maybe.” Immediately, the listener is deterred from valuing the opinion due to the pauses and negative wording. In conclusion, anyone can be intelligent if they are strongly opinionated.
3) HEART INTELLIGENCE; an impulse of love. Regardless of how mathematically intelligent one is, if they can not follow their love for life, passion for what they do, or connection with those they love, then they would be deemed unintelligent. Usually, you can depict a factual person by their lack of social skills – and the opposite applies for the person who follows the heart.
4) SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE; the most debatable intelligence. With no physical security, this sense of intelligence is almost an “all or nothing” situation. Seeking a spiritual purpose is a goal that unites us all whether we like it or not. Some people chase physical spiritual intelligence (idols or crystal balls etc), some seek the spirit within or above, and others deny the spirit altogether. I think it is safe to say that a spiritual intelligence only has as much value as the person believes it to have.
With this in mind, I would say you are intelligent. We all are because we all understand facts, have opinions, a heart and a spirit. The real question is to what degree we will embrace these entities?
Something to think about...
Of the four intelligences; Heart Intelligence is the one that must be surrounded by the other three. Heart on it's own can cause more problems than it solves.
ReplyDeleteFor example, the devastating situation of a lady who is in love with her abusive husband. Her heard tells her to stay and he'll change, but the facts, opinions and even a spiritual understanding would say to leave.
It is possible to leave that situation in such a way, that leaves an imprint of heart of the other person, but this happens very rarely.
Thanks for the rather intelligent, if slightly lengthy, comment. :)
Ever heard of overstating for the sake of humour Matt?
ReplyDeleteThe fact that I used 'advjectival clause' as prime subject of the humour in that particular paragraph does not mean that I don't understand it's purpose.
However; all your post did was make me realize more and more that you would a fantastic teacher...
Sorry Josh - didn't realise you were being funny.
ReplyDeleteWill try and anticipate it better next time...