--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are an intelligent species and the use…" description: "\"We are an intelligent species and the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the brain is like a muscle. When we thi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccf/carl-sagan-160_brain_we-are-an-intelligent-species-and-the-us_1047448.jpg" --- # We are an intelligent species and the use of our… ![“We are an intelligent species and the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the brain is like a muscle. When we think well, we feel good. Understanding is a kind of ecstasy.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccf/carl-sagan-160_brain_we-are-an-intelligent-species-and-the-us_1047448.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccf/carl-sagan-160_brain_we-are-an-intelligent-species-and-the-us_1047448.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ccf/carl-sagan-160_brain_we-are-an-intelligent-species-and-the-us_1047448.jpg) > “We are an intelligent species and the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the brain is like a muscle. When we think well, we feel good. Understanding is a kind of ecstasy.” [Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Intelligence used wisely brings joy; the brain works like a muscle, rewarding good thought with pleasure. **In simple terms:** Smart thinking feels good. Key Takeaway Use intellect for fulfillment. Themes knowledge pleasure mind growth Mood inspired curious Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - learning - problem solving - creative work - mindfulness Key Concepts cognitive reward ecstasy neuroplasticity Questions to Reflect On - How can you apply intelligence for joy? - What habits nurture mental fitness? A Different Perspective Intelligence can be misused, leading to stress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [Ecstasy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ecstasy/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Pleasure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pleasure/) [Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/respect/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Understanding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/understanding/) ## Related quotes > [... the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the brain is like a muscle. 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