Multiple Facets of Intelligence

Imagination or generation of a hypothesis or an idea, adept planning for its validation and materialization, and schematic implementation of associated actions in real terms are three fundamental pillars of the active system of intellectual creativity. Coherence of these three aspects — (i) ideas and planning, (ii) decision-making and (iii) creative expression/action — is essential for complete manifestation of intelligence. One who is excellent only in creative imagination and scripting of emotional expressions may become a good poet but this alone would not prove him to be a thoughtful scholar in practical respects.

If somebody wants to setup a business, his mind would, at first, start planning about the required resources and gathering information of what would be available where in terms of supply, distribution time and cost effectiveness. Simultaneous steps of this planning would be to design the mode of transactions and visualize and infer the favorable or adverse consequences subject to the assessment of market fluctuations, demand patterns, costs and profits. This initial sketch of information would then be subjected to further analysis vis-à-vis experience of others and relevant data.

An imaginary idea or speculation without any basis of reasoning, thoughts or deep intuition might turn out to be nothing better than a naive response of mental agility or a childish dream of building a castle of dry sand. One, who can imagine and plan and also analyze the validity, practicalities and consequences of implementation of his ideas, stands at a medium level of creative intellect. But his plans and analysis would not serve any purpose if he remains nonchalant or inactive about the materialization of the planned projects.

The highest category of intellectual creativity calls for excellence of ideas, perfection of plans and their successful materialization in feasible time. An intelligent person perceives and generates knowledge. His mind sprouts ideas, tests their merits on the basis of reality, designs plans and appropriately modifies them after thorough study and analysis vis-à-vis the current circumstances and vision of future. He then thoughtfully implements them without any fear of hindrance and attains success.

A mental reflection linked with the inner self or a mental feeling is called a sentiment. A sentiment does induce more intense effect than a thought or imagination; still it remains incompletely expressed until associated with creative intellect. Mental engrossment in arbitrary sentimental excitations or emotional flow is like 'roving in the darkness' which hardly leads to a definite destination. A deep sentiment linked with reasoning and pure intellect gives rise to powerful stream of thoughts. The thought-waves generated thereby are like viable impulses emanated from the inner self, which are charged with some kind of spiritual force. The impact of focused thinking and ideas of this kind compounds many times more intensively as compared to the effects of imaginary thoughts without sentiments or sentiments without thoughts.

Decision-making being in the middle of the other two pillars of the edifice of productive intellect is equally important. It could be risky if one just gets an idea and attempts implementing it without any analysis. Excitations generated from their own imagination trigger them to do anything without even a second thought. Suicides and murders are also tragic consequences of such hasty actions carried out in the absence of stable thinking and power of correct decision making.

Whenever an idea or imagination occurs in mind we should check whether it is relevant or not, pay attention to its quality, and identify what kind of instincts might have given rise to it. Any reflection of malice or unhealthy excitation should be suppressed instantly with the help of positive thoughts and creative imagination. Only purposeful or possibly creative ideas should be given prime place in the thought process.

Focused imaginations and thoughts become powerful like inner sentiments because of the concentration and interest of mind and involvement of will power. If small amount of an explosive material is burnt in fire, it would only make a momentary blow. If the same amount is gathered in a cannon ball and focused to move through the narrow channel of a gun, its power would be enhanced manifold. The same is true of the power of mental concentration.

Maharshi Patanjali has elucidated mental focus as the secret of success of all yoga sādhanās. He has defined yoga as the discipline of knowledge and practices which deal with controlling and channelizing the tendencies of the mind (Yogaschittavratti Nirodhah). A decision, which is supported by sound reasoning and prudence and the enthusiasm for whose materialization is inspired through conscience, should be regarded as correct. Firm actions based on such decisions would not be subjected to any controversy, failure or contrition. One who takes and implements right decisions at right times is recognized as truly wise.