There are so many words we can use to describe a person’s mind. We can say he is clever, smart, intelligent, wise, educated, and well-read. But each of these characteristics refers to specific traits and they cannot be used interchangeably. Let’s start with the difference between intelligence and wisdom as an example.
Summary TableIntelligenceWisdomThe ability to acquire and apply informationThe ability to think and act in accordance with vast knowledge, experience, common sense and great insightAssociated with learningAssociated with experienceAn attribute of a curious natureAn attribute of a just natureUsed to solve situationsUsed to judge complicated issuesCould be limited to the ability to acquire and apply a specific type of information (factual or emotional information for example)Is supposed to help a person look beyond appearances and the best solution while taking into account all facets of an issueImplies the application of knowledge acquiredImplies an understanding of right and wrongAssociated with animals that are easily trained and that assimilate information such as dogs and dolphinsAssociated with animals said to be long lived and therefore capable of acquiring experience: owl, tortoise, elephantsDefinitions