Knowledge and Intelligence

Some people use the words “knowledge” and “intelligence” interchangeably. As a former English major, I understand that words can have the same or different meanings and sometimes that difference can be nuanced. I get slightly annoyed when people use the wrong word. (i also groan when I read emails from people that don’t capitalize letters spell things incorrectally dont use comas and apostrophys or periods) #GrammarPolice

There is a difference between the words knowledge and intelligence. Knowledge is the awareness of something, and intelligence is a person’s ability to gain knowledge and the ability to use it. 

When historians look back on this age, I believe they will draw a definitive timeline between things that happened before 1998 and things that happened after; Before Google (B.G.) and After Google (A.G.). I was born in the B.G. era and access to information was not instant. It required seeking knowledge and formulating a plan to acquire it. If I wanted to order a pizza, I would have to look up the phone number in a big, yellow book and then dial a seven-digit phone number and tell the Domino’s guy what I wanted. If I needed information about wasps and their pollinating habits, I would have to go to a library or thumb through pages in a much bigger book called an encyclopedia. If I wanted to create a fig compote to adorn a beautiful baked brie, I could either ask a chef or buy a big book with pictures, a.k.a a cookbook. Knowledge was delayed, but the process meant that I gained intelligence because I could practically apply the knowledge.

In the A.G. era, knowledge is instant and requires minimal effort. Earlier this week, I learned that some figs are not vegan. Apparently, in order for some fig trees to produce fruit, a wasp must die within the clutches of the flower, and therefore the animal is part of the process. It’s a fascinating piece of knowledge that my daughter Hattie learned from Google. I’m now more knowledgeable on vegan eating habits, but don’t feel any smarter. 

And this begs the question, “Has the instant access to knowledge made us intellectually lazier?” Humans have a unique ability to use their brains to creatively solve some of the most complex problems. This is intelligence. Knowing that figs aren’t vegan is merely knowledge. Has Google made us more knowledgeable yet less intelligent? Ironically, a simple Google search will give us conflicting information. Some scientific studies say Google is limiting our ability to recall information. Yet other studies say that access to Google quickens the learning process.

My daughter believes that Google makes us more intelligent. I believe it makes us more knowledgeable. B.G. vs A.G. What say you? Love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this!