INTELLIGENCE

 

 

Why are some intelligent, some are dull, some are studious, and some are intellectually lazy?

 

Let us first examine the characteristics of Intelligence ---  memory, analysis, synthesis, creative power, and psychic ability.  Intelligence is not a function of status.  There are dull and intelligent among the rich, as well as among the poor.  In general, however, the rich are better educated than the poor.

 

Intelligence is an attribute of the spirit rather than of the body.  It is the vessel of knowledge.  Some knowledge can be stored, some deduced, others created.

 

What one learns in school, books, or experiences are relayed and stored in the vessel.  Their spiritual counterpart is taken to be added to the spirit's Intelligence.  That is why it grows and grows.   The more experienced a person is, the more intelligent he becomes than before.  In other words, Intelligence is a faculty of the spirit that can grow or rust depending on its use.  The pleasures on Earth tend to satisfy the cravings of the body for material things, but they hinder the development of Intelligence.

 

But with will power and Intelligence, man is almost but not fully like God.  He has to learn Love, to experience and practice Love.  First at home.  He learns to love his parents. After initially quarreling with his brothers and sisters, one eventually learns to love them.  Then he has special friends usually of the same sex.  Then he experiences carnal love, love of the opposite sex.   Afterwards, he experiences Love for children.  Eventually, he should develop Love for his neighbors.

 

How does one love his neighbor?  By wishing him no ill, by helping his neighbor when he is in dire need, by being of .service to the needy, or by doing apostolic work. And when this is complete, he is ready to love God purely.

 

When man has mastered will power through work, Intelligence through study, and Love through loving his neighbor, then he is a tiny image of God and God is ready to accept him to become one with Him forever in heaven.