It is very difficult to examine the concept of “intellect” in isolation. It seems that as soon as we begin to define intellect, the concept of “intelligence” creeps into the definition and many times the two words are used synonymously. This is not to say that intellect and intelligence are not closely connected, just that they are two different concepts with an interdependent relationship.
Intellect is a term that refers to our ability to come to correct conclusions about what is true or real. Intellect is the contemplative, critical and creative part of our mind that examines, hypothesizes, considers, visualizes and even criticizes what we believe is true and real. It is our capacity to solve problems based on our mental processing skill to quickly sift through all our past experiences which constitutes our mental database of available information to determine a specific set of actions we believe will lead to a precise outcome. Because of the lack of emotional and sensitive engagement, intellect is sometimes considered to be strictly limited to facts and not going beyond mere raw knowledge.
Intelligence on the other hand is a function of consciousness that tries to hold, work with, and re-order the facts to derive the true meaning or purpose to determine the proper emotional state and course of action to be taken in each given situation.
Our minds have two modes, intelligence and intellect. Together, they are used to describe our mental abilities. Intellect is connected to “facts” and being very “active” whereas intelligence is designated as being “receptive” and influenced by “feelings” and emotions. Both work in concert to help us determine what is true and real.
Unfortunately, today there is a language and set of beliefs that attempts to redefine Truth and Reality. This school of thought declares that there are no truths, only interpretations. There is a generation that distrusts the very idea of truth and has no respect for the evidence that leads to our understanding of truth and reality. This generation would prefer to settle for discussions in which nobody is wrong, nothing is proved and no truth or reality can be established. Truth is each individual’s interpretation of what is true and what is reality.
A generational collision has developed because experience plays a critical role in the formation of intellect. Through solving life problems people can reach intellectual truth and improve their behavioral patterns to act more reasonably and appropriately in the future. Intellectual development is invigorated by the feeling of dissatisfaction when an outcome is not to our liking and thus we search for a better solution.
Only experience can contribute to intellectual development and offer people an honest and thoughtful understanding of reality. Truth is built upon a model of reality. Finding solutions to life problems enhances our mental “database” of reality characteristics. When we attain the most accurate understanding of truth, that is when the intellect releases its full potential.
Intellect is essential to leadership. Components of a leaders’ intellect are mental agility, sound judgement, innovation, emotional intelligence and expertise. This intellect is what allows for transformational leadership; the type of leadership when followers have trust and confidence in their leader. They are followers who are transformed into willing, rather than merely compliant subordinates.
As the famous general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz said, “Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead.”