Character is higher than intellect

People often confuse character and intellect, but they are very differnt.

Character is higher than intellect.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this quote, Emerson asserts that character holds a higher place than intellect in the hierarchy of human virtues.

He suggests that while intellectual capabilities are valuable, they are not the ultimate measure of a person's worth. Instead, it is the strength of one's character—the moral and ethical qualities that define a person—that truly matters. Emerson believes that a "great soul" is not only capable of profound thought but also possesses the fortitude to live out those thoughts in everyday actions.

This perspective underscores the idea that true greatness involves a harmonious balance between thinking and living virtuously. By prioritizing character over intellect, Emerson advocates for a life guided by integrity and ethical principles, suggesting that such a life is more fulfilling and impactful.

For a year, I lived in Korea. And, something strange I observed is there is such a large emphasis in Korean culture to do well in school that parents and the society at large seem to overlook bad behavior so long as a child does well in school. I observed the same thing —but to a lesser degree—in America where if you are successful, people tend to excuse your bad behavior more, as if success is a justifiable buffer against accountability.

This always bothered me. I think it is far more important that a child is a good person —kind, loving, generous, and courageous— than it is to be smart or even useful in society. What kind of world are we creating if we teach out kids that you could treat other people however you like as long as you are successful?

What is worse is that many people don’t know the difference between character and intellect —I certainly didn’t until I started to actively think about it. It is easy to confuse the two. Image you meet someone who mentions they went to Harvard. Now, you start to think this person is smart, but also that they must be a decent person —even though the two are completely separate things. This phenomenon in psychology is called the halo effect where if you perceive that someone is good at one thing, you (mistakenly) think they must be good at everything too—including being a good person.

My experience is that intellect (i.e., being able to figure things out quickly) is mutually exclusive with character (i.e., possessing virtues and acting in a noble way). They are separately cultivated. Character is a matter of the heart. Intellect is a matter of the mind. It is dangerous to confuse the two because some of the smartest people in our society are the most depraved and corrupt. It would be a foolish thing to elect smart people with bad character to positions of power. Yet, history reminds us that this happens all the time.

In Ancient Israel, the Pharisees and Sadducees —the religious elite— were intellegent people. They also made sure that other thoughts they had good character by saying all the right religious stuff in public. But, Jesus did not like them because they were hypocrites and never acted in accordance to the way they talked and told others to behave. And, to avoid the pitfalls of trusting people like this, the Bible says,

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them”

Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)

This passage is part of Jesus' teaching on how to recognize true followers and avoid false prophets. The metaphor of fruit is used to illustrate that the true nature of a person or their teachings can be discerned by the outcomes or "fruits" of their actions and behaviors. Good actions and behaviors (good fruit) come from a good heart, while bad actions and behaviors (bad fruit) come from a bad heart.

To truly know a person’s character, you don’t just listen to what they say, you must look at their actions. A person’s actions don’t lie. They tell you what is truly in their hearts. A man of character is someone who acts according to principles consistently, whether the whole world is watching or if they are alone.

Now, I will leave you with this question to think about throughout the day. What is one quality or virtue you want to further develop your character?

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