Skip to content

Intelligence Quote by Howard Norman

“What good is intelligence,' Akutagawa asked, 'if you can't ever discover a useful melancholy?” quote by Howard Norman
Download Open image
““What good is intelligence,' Akutagawa asked, 'if you can't ever discover a useful melancholy?””

Howard Norman

About This Quote

Source Short Story: “The Melancholy of Intelligence” by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, translated 1975

Intelligence without purpose leads to empty sorrow.

In simple terms: Smartness needs usefulness.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning in knowledge.

Themes

knowledge purpose melancholy

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • creative work
  • personal reflection
  • problem solving

Key Concepts

existentialism philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What useful purpose can your intelligence serve?
  • How can you turn melancholy into motivation?
A Different Perspective

Intelligence alone doesn’t guarantee fulfillment; purpose gives value.

2.3 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Howard Norman

Explore all 14 Howard Norman quotes

More Intelligence quotes

Browse all 9,546 Intelligence quotes