Why Should I Strive to Be Smarter?

Hi Kibwana,

Intelligence to me is not a necessary condition for experiencing life. What matters is the mind, which is crucial for navigating through this reality. Intelligence can be a double-edged sword; it depends on whether it recognizes the importance of the heart and soul. In the words of Meher Baba, 'Feelings and emotions are only the creation of mind and energy. Love is the creation of the soul.' Therefore, from my perspective, it’s more about having a well-rounded inner center than just being intelligent.

Meher Baba also writes, 'One has to go beyond the mind to experience the spiritual bliss of desirelessness.' This suggests that true intelligence goes beyond intellectual capabilities and taps into a deeper spiritual understanding.

There’s a famous quote: 'Everything real is given and received in silence.' This implies that the essence of who we are and what we experience is fundamentally beyond the boundaries of our minds.

Intelligence differs from knowledge. Being knowledgeable often leads to practical understanding and decision-making. For instance, would you willingly rob a bank knowing the consequences? If the answer is no, it shows your understanding and intelligence. However, intelligence is not just about understanding; it's also about values and moral reasoning.

Here's a familiar statement from Jack Chen: 'Everyone is intelligent. Everyone exists in a simulation of their own creation which they build on the basis of sense data. That is all there is.' This means, we all have the capacity to create and interact with different models of reality. The more intelligent we can be in decorating our own models, the more fulfilling and interesting our lives can be.

Moreover, if we contribute positively to the social meta-simulation by constantly improving and sharing our understanding, we contribute to a better collective consciousness and a more harmonious society. Intelligence, thus, is not just about personal gain but also about contributing to a better world.

But is being smarter the best use of our limited time on Earth? The question should be, ‘Why should I be happier, fulfilled, kind, wiser…? ’

Imagine a life without the ability to understand, to imagine, or even to be indifferent. It would be extraordinarily difficult. However, being indifferent is not the same as being dumb. Indifference has its place in the world, but pursuing a smarter, more compassionate, and fulfilling life can bring immense joy and purpose.

In conclusion, the pursuit of smarter knowledge, while valuable, should not overshadow the pursuit of happiness, fulfillment, kindness, and wisdom. Balance these qualities and live a life that truly resonates with your core values.

Best regards,