Intelligence, Wisdom, Creativity

Intelligence is the capacity to tolerate complexity.

Wisdom is the capacity to tolerate paradox.

Creativity is the ability to generate and wisely choose among a complex set of options.

Stupidity is the reduction of complexity into ill-fitting simplicity.


Stupidity feels like creativity, because a choice is been made. That's why many stupidity-inclined people are drawn to creative pursuits; careless reductionism comes naturally to them. There are relatively few awful plumbers or school principals, compared to the hordes of terrible guitarists and graphic designers. True creativity is rare.


For more definitions, see all postings labeled "definitions" here.