Volume XXIII, Number 14 (Issue 1123) |April 7, 2025
Things That Come in Threes – Part IV
Anyone notice today’s essay is Part IV of a series about things that come in threes? I have, which is why next week’s conclusion (Part V) should be all the more unexpected – but more about that next week. For now, I want to focus on the third leg of our stool – smarts. As I have addressed in this and other forums in the past, “smarts,” or intelligence comes in two forms – actually three (fancy that)! The first is IQ or one’s intellect or raw processing/problem solving power. The second is EQ representing our emotional intelligence or the ability to connect with others effectively. The third form of smarts is what is usually referred to as common sense. I have elected to differentiate common sense from IQ and EQ because if you are like me, you have encountered numerous individuals who are incredibly smart when it comes to their IQ, but not particularly attuned to the practicalities of the world around them.
IQ is a measure of our biological capacity to learn. In short, it is part of who we are. That is not to say we cannot build on that intellectual foundation. On the contrary, with purposeful study we can add much to our store of knowledge. And, with practice, we can improve our critical thinking skills too. In other words, we can enhance our intellect.
EQ or Emotional Intelligence is even more ours for the taking, which is good since few of us come into this world with an innate element of soft skills (empathy being one of the exceptions). Any natural element of empathy notwithstanding, most of us are obliged to learn the dos and don’ts of interpersonal skills including what it takes to be an effective leader. Fortunately, EQ can be readily learned and readily enhanced – that is to say soft skills are learnable.
The third form of intelligence is “common sense” or the ability to apply practical knowledge. Many of us it seems are blessed with an element of common sense though it is not close to universal. Perhaps the most well-known take on common sense is the 1776 pamphlet by that name written by Thomas Paine. That plain language publication advocated for America’s independence from British rule. Widely read (2.5 million copies were printed, making it one of the top publications in our history), Common Sense is largely credited with giving reason for and legs to the movement that resulted in our successful fight for independence.
There you have it. Three forms of intelligence. Three key drivers of career success: smarts, ambition, and humility. So why is there going to be a fifth installment in this series? For the answer to that question, you will have to wait until next week.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 1:5
J. Keith Hughey
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E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
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Copyright 2025 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are always welcome.