Intelligence Quote by Terry Pratchett
““But smart has to have a depth as well as a length. Some smart brushes over a problem. And some smart grinds exceeding slow, like the mills of God, and it grinds fine, and when it comes up with an answer, it has been tested.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Fifth Elephant, 1999
Intelligence must combine breadth and depth; superficial knowledge is insufficient, while thorough, slow analysis yields reliable answers.
In simple terms: Smartness needs both breadth and depth; quick fixes fail.
Key Takeaway
Balance breadth with deep analysis.
Themes
intelligence
analysis
learning
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research
- problem solving
- education
- decision making
Key Concepts
critical thinking
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is depth more valuable than speed?
- How can you ensure thoroughness without paralysis?
A Different Perspective
Depth can be time‑consuming and may hinder timely action.
