Intelligence In The Odyssey

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Mitchell James Mrs. Lange Honors English 9 31 October 2014 Wisdom versus Intelligence Wisdom and intelligence are frequently used interchangeably in all types of literature and conversation. A quick search on thesaurus.com of “wisdom” will bring up “intelligence,” and vice versa. However, the connotations of these words display them to be largely discordant. Going through an educational system is bound to make person intelligent, but it might not result in someone who is wise. Intelligence can be taught. It consists of facts and logic. Wisdom is only gained through experience. You cannot teach someone to be wise, it is an intangible trait acquired over a period of time. A wise person knows the “correct” decisions to be made in a given situation. No matter how intelligent a person may be, doesn’t mean they aren’t foolish, or unwise. Intelligence is knowledge of numbers and equations, piled up in the back someone’s brain. It is information ready to be used.…show more content…
However, sometimes his ego clouds his judgement and jeopardizes his crew. After blinding the giant Polyphemus and escaping his island on a raft, Odysseus finds it a good idea to taunt the giant. “‘O Cyclops! Would you feast on my companions? Puny, am I, in a Caveman’s hands? How do you like the beating we gave you, you damned cannibal? Eater of guests under your roof! Zeus and the gods have paid you!’” (IX, 945-949) After threatening the safety of his few remaining companions, Odysseus continues; “‘Cyclops, if ever mortal man inquire how you were put to shame and blinded, tell him Odysseus, raider of cities, took your eye: Laertes’ son, whose home’s on Ithaca!’” (IX, 970-974) Despite being held under Athena’s wing and experiencing the Trojan war, Odysseus is still susceptible to his ego, resulting in a foolish blunder that makes his journey home significantly more
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