--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ... the use of our intelligence quite…" description: "\"... 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. Underst..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d97/dr-carl-sagan-43993_intelligence_the-use-of-our-intelligence-quite-proper_2152737.jpg" --- # ... the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us… ![“... 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 Dr Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d97/dr-carl-sagan-43993_intelligence_the-use-of-our-intelligence-quite-proper_2152737.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d97/dr-carl-sagan-43993_intelligence_the-use-of-our-intelligence-quite-proper_2152737.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d97/dr-carl-sagan-43993_intelligence_the-use-of-our-intelligence-quite-proper_2152737.jpg) > “... 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.” [Dr Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dr-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. Intellectual effort sharpens the mind like exercise, producing pleasure and a euphoric sense of understanding. **In simple terms:** Thinking well feels good, like exercising a muscle. Key Takeaway Exercise your mind regularly for joy and insight. Themes learning pleasure brain health Mood enthusiastic inspired Type scientific motivational When to use this quote - education - personal growth - research - mental fitness Key Concepts neuroscience philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How can you make thinking a habit? - What activities give you mental euphoria? A Different Perspective Intellectual pursuits can be exhausting, not always ecstatic. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brain/) [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/) [Understanding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/understanding/) ## Related quotes > [We are an intelligent species and the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the brain is like a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-sagan/we-are-an-intelligent-species-and-the-use-of-our-intelligence-quite/) [Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/) > [There is a lovable quality about the actual tools. 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