Brilliance!
A descriptive, not prescriptive, definition41 total reviews
Comment from stephenie khan
I wish that you knew both my husband and father in law...My husband has a PH.D in Mechanical Engineering...and my father in law was the top doctor in Bangladesh...both my husband and him are very humble..My father in law was very wealthy...but you could never tell by the simple things that he had around him..he gave most of his money to poor people...even treated poor people for free...I was very poor being raised by my grandmother...My father in law did everything for me..he would even go to the tailor and have my clothes mad after my wedding...I was ill and he came to take care of me...coming half a world away...my husband does everything for his children not even caring about himself...I really enjoyed reading about your mentor and your father...it brought back memories of my own...I wrote a lot about this in the newspaper in Bangladesh newspaper..I have a lot of stories to tell too...salam steffy
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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I wish that you knew both my husband and father in law...My husband has a PH.D in Mechanical Engineering...and my father in law was the top doctor in Bangladesh...both my husband and him are very humble..My father in law was very wealthy...but you could never tell by the simple things that he had around him..he gave most of his money to poor people...even treated poor people for free...I was very poor being raised by my grandmother...My father in law did everything for me..he would even go to the tailor and have my clothes mad after my wedding...I was ill and he came to take care of me...coming half a world away...my husband does everything for his children not even caring about himself...I really enjoyed reading about your mentor and your father...it brought back memories of my own...I wrote a lot about this in the newspaper in Bangladesh newspaper..I have a lot of stories to tell too...salam steffy
Comment Written 29-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Yes, my mentor and my father taught me the true meaning of brilliance. THanks for an extraordinary review.
Comment from Lostworld21
I don't think anyone can define it better, nor can they support it with such brilliant examples. As always, LOVED what you wrote. I always come away feeling like a better person for having read your work .. very unusual for me .. Thank you.
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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I don't think anyone can define it better, nor can they support it with such brilliant examples. As always, LOVED what you wrote. I always come away feeling like a better person for having read your work .. very unusual for me .. Thank you.
Comment Written 29-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Thank you for your kind words and your extraordinary review.
Comment from Allezw2
Master ATE,
I might add that intelligence is not only ". . . the ability to put together disparate bits of information in new ways." It is also the ability to use that information in a unique fashion to solve a problem in the real as well as theoretical world.
As said, civility is the hallmark of a society personally concerned about interactions between all of its members.
Once, I witnessed a job seeker, roughly dressed, certainly not what one would expect of an individual approaching an interviewer in the office of an advanced technology firm, Atomics International, at that time a division of North American Aviation.
Mr. Ritter, the HR director, was the epitome of a suave, quite sophisticated individual, ruggedly handsome, closely cropped gray hair, slender, impeccably dressed, and soft-spoken.
Ritter greeted this man, at ease while leaning on the counter, and listening. When asked if they were hiring, Ritter said they were. The company had openings for ChemEs, EEs, and MechEs.
The man fumbled for some words and finally asked if they had any factory jobs. Ritter carefully asked him about his job experience. He then apologized that the company did not have any openings at the present time. However, he asked his secretary/receptionist to hand him small journal. He found a couple of entries, wrote them down on his card, and suggested the applicant contact the companies he had listed, while thanking him for considering AI.
Nicely done,
Fantasist
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Master ATE,
I might add that intelligence is not only ". . . the ability to put together disparate bits of information in new ways." It is also the ability to use that information in a unique fashion to solve a problem in the real as well as theoretical world.
As said, civility is the hallmark of a society personally concerned about interactions between all of its members.
Once, I witnessed a job seeker, roughly dressed, certainly not what one would expect of an individual approaching an interviewer in the office of an advanced technology firm, Atomics International, at that time a division of North American Aviation.
Mr. Ritter, the HR director, was the epitome of a suave, quite sophisticated individual, ruggedly handsome, closely cropped gray hair, slender, impeccably dressed, and soft-spoken.
Ritter greeted this man, at ease while leaning on the counter, and listening. When asked if they were hiring, Ritter said they were. The company had openings for ChemEs, EEs, and MechEs.
The man fumbled for some words and finally asked if they had any factory jobs. Ritter carefully asked him about his job experience. He then apologized that the company did not have any openings at the present time. However, he asked his secretary/receptionist to hand him small journal. He found a couple of entries, wrote them down on his card, and suggested the applicant contact the companies he had listed, while thanking him for considering AI.
Nicely done,
Fantasist
Comment Written 28-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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What a beautiful story.
Comment from alexisleech
We are very lucky to find people in our lives who inspire us, not only with their intelligence, but also with their need to know more, fill that vast area of brain which is invariably a dessert to many, often a dry and barren place.
You are so lucky to have known two, even although they are probably worlds apart in many ways.
With a good upbringing, often an arrogance is imparted. I see it in family members who ended up as lawyers, stockbrokers etc. (notice that I don't mention Doctors!)
They have done well because they were 'bought' the opportunity to shine, prove their intelligence, and why not? I did it for my own.
On the other side, I have met so many brilliant people who have turned to drink and drugs because it's the only way that they can turn their 'brilliance' off, and find temporary peace. Your writing shows an understanding of all these aspects of intelligence. Well done, and good luck in the competition. Alexis
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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We are very lucky to find people in our lives who inspire us, not only with their intelligence, but also with their need to know more, fill that vast area of brain which is invariably a dessert to many, often a dry and barren place.
You are so lucky to have known two, even although they are probably worlds apart in many ways.
With a good upbringing, often an arrogance is imparted. I see it in family members who ended up as lawyers, stockbrokers etc. (notice that I don't mention Doctors!)
They have done well because they were 'bought' the opportunity to shine, prove their intelligence, and why not? I did it for my own.
On the other side, I have met so many brilliant people who have turned to drink and drugs because it's the only way that they can turn their 'brilliance' off, and find temporary peace. Your writing shows an understanding of all these aspects of intelligence. Well done, and good luck in the competition. Alexis
Comment Written 28-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Yes, I have been there and done that. Thank God it was not for long. Thanks for a great review.
Comment from vickib
I love your humor right of the bat-thank God for Mom's Teach! That was really so sweet and a nod to your Mom. You were lucky to have these people show you that while so smart still had the time for all of us normal people and learn even more. I loved your ability in such a short story to show me the difference in humble intelligence and pompous intelligence by referring to these two men. You know I have a brother who is the smartest person I've ever known BUT he is a hermit and lost in his own world because he has NO common sense. He can't relate to us. He wasted his gift and for me that is the curse of genius that I have personally witnessed. You are so right on in this story and so wise to recognize the difference. We call my brother Brad, Ted after Theodore Kaczynski, how sad is that? He didn't even come to our Mom's funeral and none of us have seen him in years and years. But I'll tell you what at seven years old he knew every president, who they married, how many kids they had and every accomplishment with exact dates and then a long talk about his thoughts about each one. I spent hours listening to him. I really thought he would change the world and be famous. So teach I see I really see what you mean here and so right. I wish you would write and post more, I love getting to know you better. XO Vicki
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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I love your humor right of the bat-thank God for Mom's Teach! That was really so sweet and a nod to your Mom. You were lucky to have these people show you that while so smart still had the time for all of us normal people and learn even more. I loved your ability in such a short story to show me the difference in humble intelligence and pompous intelligence by referring to these two men. You know I have a brother who is the smartest person I've ever known BUT he is a hermit and lost in his own world because he has NO common sense. He can't relate to us. He wasted his gift and for me that is the curse of genius that I have personally witnessed. You are so right on in this story and so wise to recognize the difference. We call my brother Brad, Ted after Theodore Kaczynski, how sad is that? He didn't even come to our Mom's funeral and none of us have seen him in years and years. But I'll tell you what at seven years old he knew every president, who they married, how many kids they had and every accomplishment with exact dates and then a long talk about his thoughts about each one. I spent hours listening to him. I really thought he would change the world and be famous. So teach I see I really see what you mean here and so right. I wish you would write and post more, I love getting to know you better. XO Vicki
Comment Written 28-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Thank you for your very kind words. They are much appreciated.
Comment from Realist101
HI Alvin...I finally got back to reading! I enjoyed this essay, and hearing about your father is especially interesting. I have had some college but lack of funds forced me to stop. Now, health. I admire anyone who has had higher education and this writing proves you have. Good work!! ") Your friend! Susan
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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HI Alvin...I finally got back to reading! I enjoyed this essay, and hearing about your father is especially interesting. I have had some college but lack of funds forced me to stop. Now, health. I admire anyone who has had higher education and this writing proves you have. Good work!! ") Your friend! Susan
Comment Written 28-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Thanks for a great review.
Comment from rchitwood
Very good and I enjoyed reading about your mentor and Father.I agree I am always trying to learn though at time I get frustrated but I keep trying.Your story has a good lesson for all of us.Very well written and held my attention.Blessings Rita
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Very good and I enjoyed reading about your mentor and Father.I agree I am always trying to learn though at time I get frustrated but I keep trying.Your story has a good lesson for all of us.Very well written and held my attention.Blessings Rita
Comment Written 27-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Thanks for a good review.
Comment from G.B. Smith
Hey "Curly"
I am so happy to see you on here. I was absent for over a year, but back strong now. I love this line my friend: Creativity is the mark of intelligence. What pompous people have is book-learning. You are one of the genius that I want to be like when I grow up. I love you pal. You are a great man
Bear
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Hey "Curly"
I am so happy to see you on here. I was absent for over a year, but back strong now. I love this line my friend: Creativity is the mark of intelligence. What pompous people have is book-learning. You are one of the genius that I want to be like when I grow up. I love you pal. You are a great man
Bear
Comment Written 27-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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"Curly" was the nickname of my father. Thanks for a great review.
Comment from Cheryl Baker
Alvin, I read your story about intelligence with interest. It is well written. It contains some enlightening information about your own intelligence. I particularly liked the paragraph about your mentor. He certainly was gifted with a high degree of intelligence. Good luck, Cheryl
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Alvin, I read your story about intelligence with interest. It is well written. It contains some enlightening information about your own intelligence. I particularly liked the paragraph about your mentor. He certainly was gifted with a high degree of intelligence. Good luck, Cheryl
Comment Written 27-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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God, I stilll miss him dearly. Thanks for a great review.
Comment from dmoncrief
Alvin, this essay truly defines intelligence. I've always believed it's not what I know but how I apply it that defines my level of intelligence. In my later years, I've come to realize it's not an education or sophistication, but the right application of knowledge that defines the truly intelligent individual. Wisdom goes beyond book learning. My father always told me, "It's not enough to know how to read the instructions, you have to know how to understand them and apply them."
I've read several of the essays written for this contest, and I believe that yours says it best.
Denise
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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Alvin, this essay truly defines intelligence. I've always believed it's not what I know but how I apply it that defines my level of intelligence. In my later years, I've come to realize it's not an education or sophistication, but the right application of knowledge that defines the truly intelligent individual. Wisdom goes beyond book learning. My father always told me, "It's not enough to know how to read the instructions, you have to know how to understand them and apply them."
I've read several of the essays written for this contest, and I believe that yours says it best.
Denise
Comment Written 27-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2012
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You have learned and know quite a bit. Thanks for a great review.
