A chapter from Candice O'Denver's "Clarity in Everyday Life: A Handbook and Guide"

1. INSTINCTIVE INTELLIGENCE
We can rely on the instinctive recognition of open intelligence, regardless of
whether we describe ourselves as smart or stupid. Whatever our relative
level of intelligence, we can give ourselves access to this instinctive
intelligence that is beyond the labels of “smart” and “stupid.” All the means
we have for testing our conventional intelligence are based on
data—temporary phenomena that we can never hold on to.
Why rely on a kind of intelligence that comes and goes? Why not rely on
the permanent instinctive intelligence that is basic to us? In relying on that
basic intelligence we’ll have the smarts, so to speak, to handle everything
that comes up no matter what stage of life we’re in. Even if our intellectual
capacities become duller as we get older, open intelligence will always be
blazing. So, why rely on something that is limited and which will not take us
through all of our life? Rely on that about us which will never change.