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Ask HN: Language, thinking, and intelligence

3 points by angelhaze218 ↗ HN
Dear intelligent community of HN. I have been contemplating a lot recently regarding language, thinking/thoughts, and intelligence.

I am not the world's most articulate person. Some of the main reason being 1) I mostly produce in visual elements. 2) having lived in new york for the past 8 years, people I have came into contact with rarely spoke English, thus I rarely get the chance to have in depth thoughtful conversation with anyone.

Is it possible to be smart without being verbally articulate? In order to have deeper levels of creativity and thoughts, do I need to force myself to be a lot more articulate verbally?

I really love reading the submissions and comments here on HN, however I am finding it a bit difficult to comprehend half of what I am reading, and it's not just the technical jargon, it's more because the structural construct of the sentence, the thought is beyond me???

I would really love to hear HN's thought on this subject matter, and would love to see some useful links on this subject matter! ( see, I am not even articulate enough to phrase the problem correctly)

2 comments

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Yes, it is absolutely possible to be intelligent and inarticulate simultaneously--as any video of Richard Feynman on YouTube can attest.

Articulate people tend to be well-read. In fact, being well-read is often sufficient to give one the appearance of being articulate, as it enables you to recognize literary allusions and references made by others and empowers you to make your own. Being well-read also gives you a better appreciation for language as a tool and ideas on how best to wield it. You need to start reading much more, particularly the Great Books of centuries past. Yes, it will be difficult and slow-going at first, but as your vocabulary and literary knowledge grows, it will get easier and more enjoyable.

Mz
Temple Grandin thinks in pictures. She has written several books, including a book called "Thinking in Pictures". You might find that helpful. You might also try reading illustrated works, like webcomics, to help bridge the gap. You could also pick up "The Cartoon Guides..." by Larry Gonick. They aren't at all watered down. My oldest son thinks in pictures and had trouble learning to speak but he is quite intelligent and, these days, articulate. These are things that helped him.

Good luck.