Intelligence is a pursuit, not a way of being. No one person is inherently intelligent. From something as simple as walking, to something as complex as mastering organic chemistry, true knowledge only comes with sustained effort. While I acknowledge intelligence is partly influenced by genetics, impacting physical capacity to learn, I propose that it no longer be defined solely by genetic coding alone, but also by the effort one is willing to put into something.
It is evident that with this effort comes result. When you make the effort to plant and tend to a flower, it grows. In a similar manner, when you take time and effort to grow intellect, long term knowledge is sustained. In its literal meaning, intelligence is defined as the act of understanding and the skilled use of reason. It is not simply a passive trait that is inherited, as true application and comprehension require additional work. This effort may look like attending lectures, but it also involves seeking additional resources, such as office hours or supplemental instruction. So, next time you doubt your intelligence, remember that nurturing your mind takes time. Watch a YouTube explanation, visit that intimidating professor (I won’t name names) and—most importantly—don’t give up too early. No genius was ever built by giving up.
You have surely met someone who seemed like a “natural genius” and could effortlessly spout off every element on the periodic table or easily ace every test. The normalization of this trait has been the direct link to why so many feel they are not intelligent. When you feel like you are not the smartest in the room, it’s difficult to find the motivation to put effort in. Why should I have to put in effort when someone is simply born a genius? Well, answering this question first involves debunking the very idea that someone can be born a genius. No one is born understanding the Pythagorean theorem; they must put the effort into learning and practicing. Behind every gifted student is hours of hard work and dedication put into their studies. Some may pick up concepts faster due to background experiences, but with enough effort, almost anyone can display intelligence.
Being a STEM major, I have encountered many people with the seemingly natural ability to complete dimensional analysis or name each polymer. This creates a sense of imposter syndrome, leaving me feeling like I am not meant to be in the same classroom as so many gifted people. Yet, this feeling of isolation is removed when I put effort into my studies. I am not less intelligent than anyone in that room. I simply must take the time to learn what they already have. Belonging is reinforced by the pursuit of knowledge and dedication to being a life-long learner.
I can’t write about how effort and intelligence are linked without discussing the role of opportunity. Intelligence may not be inherited, but opportunity is. It has been generally proven that people who live in wealthier areas are given better educational opportunities, while individuals who grow up in more poverty-stricken areas receive less of these same opportunities. This does not mean that people living in poverty are any less intelligent than those living in luxury. It only means that those with fewer opportunities must put in more effort to feel on a level playing field. This means that some of the smartest people in the world could be denied the chance to grow their intellect to the fullest capacity, just because they are denied the same opportunities as others. So, while effort defines intelligence, money limits it. I urge you to keep this in mind as you go on in life; recognize the privilege that opportunity provides and advocate for equal access to education and resources. Intelligence flourishes not just through effort, but through opportunities we extend to each other.
Intelligence isn’t a destination you reach, but rather a continuum where you can decide where you want to land based off the effort you are willing to put in. The myth of the natural genius is simply that—a myth. With hard work, drive, effort and opportunity, anyone can be a genius. Intelligence is not a gift given to a select few, it’s a reward given to those who seek it.