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To be intelligent is to be kind

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Theodore Isaac Rubin once said, "Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom." This shows that we are aware of our own limitations. We realize that we do not have all the answers, and that we need the help and support of others. We also realize that our own happiness and well-being are interconnected with the happiness and well-being of others. It reminds us that being a good person is often more important than being a knowledgeable one.

What is the use of being intelligent? Why do I want or need to be intelligent? I want to be happy and comfortable and I want others to be happy and comfortable. Can I have this without being intelligent? At an individual level I might not need to be intelligent but at the group level we need intelligent people. To be happy and comfortable we need to solve problems. We need progress and human development. We need to make the world a better place. None of this can happen without togetherness. Togetherness cannot happen without kindness and understanding.

Kindness makes sense of intelligence. It gives our intelligence purpose. It guides and motivates our actions. It only makes sense to treat others like we would want to be treated. An intelligent person aims for a higher purpose. What higher purpose can there be than love. Love is the most powerful force in the world. What better way to express love than through kindness. If we do not use our intelligence for good, then it is meaningless. If you want to be truly intelligent, then be kind.

There is a difference between intelligence and education. I believe that our education system needs to focus on producing good citizens rather than good workers. Good citizens are kind people who care about each other and the world. Let us teach kindness in schools. The education system is the one system that most people pass through. It shapes our societies and it is the foundation of human development. Intelligence is recognizing what is most important to us. Let us see kindness in everything that we do. Let it be at the core of our existence. A truly intelligent mind is one that is guided by a kind heart.
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