--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Ninety percent of intelligence was…" description: "\"Ninety percent of intelligence was knowing when to shut up.’ – Cherise\" — Sherrilyn Kenyon" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c0/sherrilyn-kenyon-25_intelligence_ninety-percent-of-intelligence-was-knowi_127644.jpg" --- # Ninety percent of intelligence was knowing when to shut… ![“Ninety percent of intelligence was knowing when to shut up.’ – Cherise” quote by Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c0/sherrilyn-kenyon-25_intelligence_ninety-percent-of-intelligence-was-knowi_127644.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c0/sherrilyn-kenyon-25_intelligence_ninety-percent-of-intelligence-was-knowi_127644.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c0/sherrilyn-kenyon-25_intelligence_ninety-percent-of-intelligence-was-knowi_127644.jpg) > “Ninety percent of intelligence was knowing when to shut up.’ – Cherise” [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Intelligence is largely about knowing when to remain silent. **In simple terms:** Knowing when to stay quiet shows intelligence. Key Takeaway Practice thoughtful restraint. Themes communication wisdom self‑control Mood thoughtful strategic Type philosophical instructional When to use this quote - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts active listening strategic silence Practical Applications - Pause before speaking in meetings. Questions to Reflect On - When is silence more powerful than speech? - How can you gauge the right moment to speak? A Different Perspective Silence can be misinterpreted as disengagement. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) ## Related quotes > [“His mom always said that 90 percent of intelligence was knowing when to shut up.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/his-mom-always-said-that-90-percent-of-intelligence-was-knowing-when/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [To be a critic, you have to have maybe three percent education, five percent intelligence, two percent style, and ninety percent gall and egomania…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-crist/to-be-a-critic-you-have-to-have-maybe-three-percent-education-five-2/) [Judith Crist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-crist/) > [“Not knowing when to shut up was one of my greatest faults.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boy-george/not-knowing-when-to-shut-up-was-one-of-my-greatest-faults/) [Boy George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/boy-george/) > [“You finally figuring out that being right isn’t nearly as important as knowing when to shut up?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-james/you-finally-figuring-out-that-being-right-isn-t-nearly-as-important/) [Nicole James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-james/) > [Foresight is knowing when to shut your mouth before someone suggests it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/foresight-is-knowing-when-to-shut-your-mouth-before-someone-suggests/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If you imagine someone with 100 percent determination and 100 percent intelligence, you can discard a lot of intelligence before they stop succeeding. 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Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) ## More by Sherrilyn Kenyon > [Grandma, please. It’s okay. Dad’s doing a great job. I give him kudos for at least being calm and rational, and not losing his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/grandma-please-it-s-okay-dad-s-doing-a-great-job-i-give-him-kudos-for/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [I just can’t, Nick, okay? Now, please give me a second to lie here in silence and bleed.” – Caleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/i-just-can-t-nick-okay-now-please-give-me-a-second-to-lie-here-in/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [“You are my life.” -Maris”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrilyn-kenyon/you-are-my-life-maris/) [Sherrilyn Kenyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrilyn-kenyon/) > [It's easy to make mistakes. 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