We discussed the nature of intelligence and the nature of stupidity. It's rare for us to agree on much of anything, but we did reach a few simple conclusions. We both believe that intelligence can take a variety of forms -- mathematical, linguistic, spatial, emotional, practical/functional, scientific, analytical, bio-physical and spiritual/magical among others. The essential conclusion we reached was that intelligence is a measure of viability within any given spectrum.

Conversely, anyone can be "stupid" within the same (admittedly arbitrary) spectrums.

From there, our opinions differed rather wildly. Alex is something of an elitist, and he adheres to the idea that any form of stupidity invalidates all other aspects of a given intellect. In short, he believes that everyone sinks to their own lowest common denominator... that is to say that someone who is mathematically compentent, linguistically gifted and analytically retarded is basically a moron. Stupidity on any level renders you stupid on all levels.

Alex doesn't really believe in the concept of "strengths and weaknesses;" he only believes in "the strong and the weak." We differ in that regard... though I'm forced to agree with him at least in that sufficient stupidity on any level can invalidate any amount of intelligence.

We also differ in that I believe that I've met an intelligent person. Six of them, in fact.