A fixed amount of intelligence?

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I am not even going to try to define "intelligence". Just take the definition you like the most, and it will be good enough for this post. I want to debunk one of the most ingrained myths when studying maths (or actually, any subject): you do not have a fixed amount of intelligence.

You can see that very easily on the negative side: can you think better or worse when you are tired, angry, sleepy, or drunk (or on drugs)? Can you think better or worse with a full and heavy stomach? Can you think better or worse when you are suffering from some pain, when there is some loud distracting noise, when you are anxious?

I am sure that every time you where in one of those scenarios your capacity for thinking diminished. In the same way, your capacity for thinking can increase: sleeping properly, doing maths, managing your emotions, reading wholesome books, doing sports, eating healthy, having a proper place to study, having healthy self-talk, having nice people around you, speaking politely and without rumbling,... To sum up, well-being and training yourself will increase your "intelligence".

You think with your body, so take care of your body. You think in an environment, so try to arrange your environment as much as you can so that it is conducive to clear and focused thinking. And "practice" your intelligence in any way that you find enjoyable.  


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