Wisdom vs Intelligence

This cluster discusses the distinction between wisdom and intelligence or smarts, often defining wisdom as the practical application of knowledge and arguing it is superior to mere intellect.

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1,349
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#2838
Topic ID

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Keywords

KJV bible.com GP t.v i.e wikipedia.org wisdom knowing knowledge intelligence wise zen smart path experience equal

Sample Comments

HKH2 Dec 24, 2025 View on HN

Yeah that sounds like wisdom, not intelligence.

v01dlight Dec 6, 2020 View on HN

Wisdom vs Intellect right there.

AnimalMuppet Oct 2, 2020 View on HN

Perhaps it's better to be wise than smart.

hinkley Sep 17, 2016 View on HN

I think what you're looking for is wisdom, not smarts.

stevespang Nov 7, 2018 View on HN

Depends on how you define "wisdom"

ipaddr Mar 17, 2022 View on HN

Knowledge is knowing stuff wisdom is knowing when and when not to apply that knowledge.

mythrwy Dec 15, 2020 View on HN

Knowledge is knowing what happened. Wisdom is realizing what is likely going to happen.

GistNoesis May 7, 2020 View on HN

Here is a smart one : Being wise is better than being smart.

jasonlotito Mar 28, 2013 View on HN

Intelligence is knowing an algorithm. Wisdom is knowing when to apply it.

nerdponx Dec 25, 2023 View on HN

Cleverness does not equate to wisdom.