Character and Intellect

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous American poet, essayist, and lecturer, once said, “Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.” This quote seems to imply that a student can be more successful based on personality. This is, however, not true. In fact intellect is just as, if not more, important in many fields. Although a student’s character is important he can not rely on it alone to become a successful individual.

First, a student can not make his or her way through school based on personality. Although character may be important in several aspects of learning it certainly will not do it all. A student’s nature will not achieve good grades so much as his ability to adapt and understand a class’s teachings. More importantly, without the capability to comprehend a teacher’s lectures and teachings the student will be less apt to excel and therefore less likely to be a more successful person.

Additionally character is not the only important aspect to socializing and pleasant relationships. Not only is intellect involved in being able to participate in discussions but also in the understanding of others emotions. To be a compassionate person character is obviously of critical importance. Still intellect is important to help one understand and interpret another’s feelings. Without understanding the emotions of others how can a person be of the best character? In this, a person’s intellect and personality are directly connected.

Finally, a student cannot go on to be successful in the workplace based on his or her personality. Although character certainly would help in a job interview, it probably will not get someone a first-rate résumé. Also, most current day jobs require an individual to think. Without intellect a worker will be unable to adapt to the constantly changing work environment. How might an employee handle a unique emergency without insight and adaptability?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a great man. His work is inspiring to many people and provides them with wisdom on how to live their lives. Of course, there are faults to be found. There is room for contradiction and disagreement. In saying, “Character is higher than intellect,” he failed to consider how character works hand in hand with a persons mind and brain power to create success. Maybe a more fitting quote would have been, “Character is just as important as intellect.”