---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Intelligence has been commoner among…"
description: "\"Intelligence has been commoner among American Presidents than high character.\" — Henry Louis Mencken"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97c/henry-louis-mencken-15675_american-president_intelligence-has-been-commoner-among-ame_248405.jpg"
---

#  Intelligence has been commoner among American Presidents…

![“Intelligence has been commoner among American Presidents than high character.” quote by Henry Louis Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97c/henry-louis-mencken-15675_american-president_intelligence-has-been-commoner-among-ame_248405.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97c/henry-louis-mencken-15675_american-president_intelligence-has-been-commoner-among-ame_248405.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/97c/henry-louis-mencken-15675_american-president_intelligence-has-been-commoner-among-ame_248405.jpg)

> “Intelligence has been commoner among American Presidents than high character.”

[Henry Louis Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-louis-mencken/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intelligence alone is insufficient; moral character is rarer among leaders.

**In simple terms:** Intelligence is common, character is rare.

Key Takeaway

Value character over intellect.

Themes

leadership ethics politics character intelligence

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- political candidacy
- public speaking
- policy making
- leadership training

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy civic virtue

Questions to Reflect On

- What qualities define a good leader?
- How can character be cultivated?

A Different Perspective

Intelligence without character can lead to poor decisions.

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[American president](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-president/) [American Presidents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-presidents/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/)

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