Intelligent vs. Smart

Kevin Kelly has this great idea that you’re only thinking independently if your views on certain topics can’t be predicted from your views on other topics.

True independent thinking is rare because most people would rather be comfortable than right, and there is comfort in knowing you are a good-standing member of your tribe. Thinking independently also doesn’t mean you’re right, because the crowd is usually pretty close to accurate. Going against the tribe can also be interpreted as arrogance – sudde

When your views on certain topics can be predicted from unrelated statements, there’s a good chance you’ve outsourced part of your thinking to tribal affiliations.

The outcome, if you can pull this off, is the skill of getting along with people you disagree with. It is indispensable.