I appreciate your distinction here, Meredith. There is little active thinking that takes place and we must all being confronted from time to time with the question: Are we using our intellect or not? Thanks for the piece.
Your emphasis on the importance of intellectual development, especially in the context of education, is incredibly timely and relevant in today’s fast-paced, stress-filled world. Thank you for posting!
You’ve framed it well. The intellect is the governing faculty, the seat of discernment, decision, and direction.
It doesn’t suppress the mind and emotions, but rather oversees them, like a helmsman steering the ship.
As for your second question: absolutely, effective intellect can be present even in those who would not consider themselves spiritually awakened. The intellect itself is not inherently spiritual—it’s a neutral faculty of reasoning, discrimination, and choice. A sharp intellect can build bridges, launch rockets, or lead companies without ever touching spiritual inquiry. But when it is turned inward, toward the study of life, meaning, and the self, it becomes the bridge to awakening.
So, intellect is universal. Its effectiveness depends on how it is developed and what direction it is applied to.
thank you for this.
I appreciate your distinction here, Meredith. There is little active thinking that takes place and we must all being confronted from time to time with the question: Are we using our intellect or not? Thanks for the piece.
You're right. There is a tremendous lack of active clear thinking. Appreciate your words.
Your emphasis on the importance of intellectual development, especially in the context of education, is incredibly timely and relevant in today’s fast-paced, stress-filled world. Thank you for posting!
Honestly Manny, without sounding fanatic, I know that strengthening intellect will save humanity.
This is what's happening: Intelligence without intellect will end up destroying all peace and happiness in the world.
You’ve framed it well. The intellect is the governing faculty, the seat of discernment, decision, and direction.
It doesn’t suppress the mind and emotions, but rather oversees them, like a helmsman steering the ship.
As for your second question: absolutely, effective intellect can be present even in those who would not consider themselves spiritually awakened. The intellect itself is not inherently spiritual—it’s a neutral faculty of reasoning, discrimination, and choice. A sharp intellect can build bridges, launch rockets, or lead companies without ever touching spiritual inquiry. But when it is turned inward, toward the study of life, meaning, and the self, it becomes the bridge to awakening.
So, intellect is universal. Its effectiveness depends on how it is developed and what direction it is applied to.
Thank you for this post. You don't hear it framed this way very often and I had deep insight from your words