Ability Quote by Wendell Berry
“To think better, to think like the best humans, we are probably going to have to learn again to judge a person's intelligence, not by the ability to recite facts, but by the good order or harmoniousness of his or her surroundings. We must suspect that any statistical justification of ugliness and violence is a revelation of stupidity. (pg.192-193, People, Land, and Community)”
About This Quote
Source Book: People, Land, and Community by Wendell Berry, 2002
True intelligence is judged by the harmony of one's environment, not mere factual recall; societal acceptance of ugliness reflects collective stupidity.
In simple terms: Judge intelligence by surroundings, not facts.
Key Takeaway
Value harmony over rote knowledge.
Themes
environment
intelligence
societal values
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- urban planning
- community building
- personal development
Key Concepts
ecosystem harmony
critical thinking
ethical judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we assess harmony in daily life?
- What steps foster a more beautiful society?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on facts can miss deeper insight.
