Truthfully, I don't hold a candle to DanT in mathematical ability and I'm pretty sure that DaKCMan AP and ENDelt made it through engineering school easier than I did. A lot of what modest success I have achieved are just through taking an intense interest in a narrow area and work at it harder than most people are willing to. And as you mention there are certainly different kinds of intelligence. My verbal skills are just so-so, frankly because I just don't find literature that interesting. I agree with you that there are a bunch of diverse intelligent people on the board that makes this place interesting.

Years ago I knew a guy who I believe would have qualified as mentally reeruned but could seemingly just look at an engine and diagnose any problem. He held a regular job working in a garage during the week but he made big money doing side jobs on weekends. His dad, an apartment maintenance guy, was a friend of mine. He said he taught his son a few things when he was a kid and the boy figured the rest out on his own. But for all that, I doubt he could have gotten through a first grade reader. Sort of a mechanical savant I guess.

I always think of him when a conversation turns to intelligent people.

There are different kinds of intelligence, but you can definitely hold your own with me, cdcox. I'm just a junior faculty member trying to get where you've already gotten as a professor.
The Planet has all kinds of super smart folks on it.

Damn how did I miss this thread? You can't leave UP but if you just happen not to listen to me I wish you all the very best and you will be very much missed around here.

Take care my friend.

What's happening here? And how does UP know when she's going to die?

I definitely like the 'different intelligences for different life scenarios' angle...even the most brilliant architect, is utterly useless, without an experienced man on the ground, making sure the architects grand vision becomes a reality.

All you candy-assed smarty pants...:rockon:

Me too.

Signed,
Guy on the ground

See - modest too. Shutting your mouth and passing out accolades elsewhere takes way more intelligence than I'll ever possess.

fap fap fap

Heh, I laughed.

All the best!

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and now I have another smart dude to truly respect!:thumb:

and you sir, have always topped my list of smart dudes! Only you and I know the biggest reason, but kindness and good advice is always a sign of intelligence in my book. Thank you for being you! And for being wise beyond your years.

Oh, and to all, "The Second Son" by Charles Sailor is a masterpiece, with strong philosophical undertones. Read it if you ever get the chance. I have bought the book at least 10 times and given it as a gift!

Check out a guy named Howard Gardener and his theory of Multiple Intelligences if you want to put some theory behind that gut feeling/observation.