Being smart Quote by Carl Sagan
“Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information alone but also judgement, the manner in which information is coordinated and used.”
About This Quote
Source Interview or essay, possibly from “The Demon-Haunted World”
Intelligence combines knowledge with judgment and the ability to apply information wisely
In simple terms: Smartness is knowledge plus good judgment
Key Takeaway
Cultivate critical thinking alongside learning
Themes
intelligence
judgment
knowledge
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- problem solving
- leadership
Key Concepts
cognitive science
philosophy of mind
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test the quality of your judgments?
- When does knowledge become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Information alone can mislead without discernment
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
