Is a willingness to learn new things a sign of a intelligence or just a good work ethic?

[Cherry Brigand]

I am handy in that I can do around-the-house type stuff with usually pretty good results- but I'm not a craftsman by any stretch. If I don't know how to do something - like take a dryer or dishwasher apart to repair it or how to cut/splice/run/install sprinkler lines...or how to install calipers on a car/bleed brakes etc...I am willing to learn and give it a shot. Does that point to a good work ethic or intelligence?

I'm pretty sure anyone could follow the instructions on youtube on some of these things I've learned how to do, but is that true? Can anyone learn how to do most things and they're just either too lazy, intimidated, or other?

Just curious what the consensus is on this type of thing...Obviously some things are beyond me, but...

 

[Leonard Haid]

"I am willing to learn and give it a shot" is a sign of both intelligence AND a good work ethic.

"I am handy in that I can do around-the-house type stuff with usually pretty good results" is a sign of intelligence.

"Can anyone learn how to do most things..." No, due to a number of factors, such as impatience, lack of desire, lack of confidence, and in some cases lack of intelligence. That's not to suggest that they are across-the-board stupid people.....they are possibly intelligent in ways that others are not.

I have some money now, so I've been inclined to just pay people to do things that I may have been able to figure out for myself. In the past I had mixed results, and there was a lot of frustration sometimes not being able to do a job that needed doing....but sometimes I was successful....anyway, no need to go down that road now; I just pay someone. So what does that say about me? I feel sometimes that money has made me lazy and stupid.

 

[aunshi189]

Fixing things yourself? Sounds like a sign of poor to me.



On a more serious note, I think it is to common for people to link 'intelligence' to things learnt at a university or in books. There's a great level of intelligence required for learning how to fix things. If a job is as simple as following instructions on youtube that may be more work ethic, but could you argue a drive to improve yourself is a sign of intelligence as well.

 

[Yoel Bromero]

questioning a chicken parm's relevance is a sign of intelligence, or being fully retarded. I still cant figure it out and thats surely a sign too

 

[TSO]

It's both, plus humility. You first have to admit you don't know a thing and not have ego or pride keep you from asking for the new info.

I love learning. I'm learning a new trade at 42 because I'd rather learn than stagnate.

 

[BreatheSherBro]

An inner desire to learn new things is a sign of intelligence, but also leads some people to go down wild conspiracy rabbit holes or just spin their wheels rather than get things done. Just make sure your pursuits are reasonable and you should be golden.

 

[Cielo_]

"I am willing to learn and give it a shot" is a sign of both intelligence AND a good work ethic.

"I am handy in that I can do around-the-house type stuff with usually pretty good results" is a sign of intelligence.

"Can anyone learn how to do most things..." No, due to a number of factors, such as impatience, lack of desire, lack of confidence, and in some cases lack of intelligence. That's not to suggest that they are across-the-board stupid people.....they are possibly intelligent in ways that others are not.

I have some money now, so I've been inclined to just pay people to do things that I may have been able to figure out for myself. In the past I had mixed results, and there was a lot of frustration sometimes not being able to do a job that needed doing....but sometimes I was successful....anyway, no need to go down that road now; I just pay someone. So what does that say about me? I feel sometimes that money has made me lazy and stupid.

I wouldn’t say it made you lazy and stupid. You just realize instead of getting tied up diagnosing something, you can pay to have it done so you can focus on other things.

Thread reminded me of this channel on YouTube. Guy goes into rebuilding wrecked cars and totally learns as he goes.

Also really helps that he is making tons of money off the channel, that being said he seems like a good dude with a great attitude.

 

[YEET]

It is a sign to of intelligence and work ethic. Depending on the task, I’ll hire an expert. I don’t like wasting my time and somethings I would rather have a professional complete so I don’t have to worry about it.

 

[RoastBeast]

It's called being a man. Good on you for not being a soy boy.

 

[plataoplombo]

Both, but more so intelligence. All the combined skills and knowledge gained over the years make a person smart and capable.

 

[Alphaboy]

Neither.

It's a sign of curiosity which ultimately leads to intelligence (or at the very least, knowledge).

Just my opinion though.

 

[preppypyro]

I would say both, but I will also add that for myself it is also because I am cheap. I learn all kinds of things because I simply don't want to pay someone else to fuck it up, I figure I can do that myself then learn and do it right and still save cash.

 

[SaiWa]

Neither.

It's a sign of curiosity which ultimately leads to intelligence (or at the very least, logic).

Just my opinion though.

This. It doesn't mean one is more intelligent than someone who doesn't do shit.
It simply means they are curious and not lazy and willing to learn and increase their knowledge which increases intelligence.

OP will still always be beneath a lazy piece of shit like me in intelligence but I do applaud the effort.

 

[Cherry Brigand]

It's both, plus humility. You first have to admit you don't know a thing and not have ego or pride keep you from asking for the new info.

I love learning. I'm learning a new trade at 42 because I'd rather learn than stagnate.

What trade?

 

[Cherry Brigand]

OP will still always be beneath a lazy piece of shit like me in intelligence but I do applaud the effort.

Some things just are the way they are.

 

[SCTwins]

Neither.

It's a sign of curiosity which ultimately leads to intelligence (or at the very least, logic).

Just my opinion though.

This. I don't think a willingness to learn has anything to do with intellect. There are plenty of people who lack the ambition to further their education, yet are simply better at retaining and applying information in a real world setting.

Working in healthcare, I can't tell you how many highly educated people that I've met who simply regurgitate information they have learned, but lack any type of common sense or problem solving skills.

On the other hand, I have a friend in his late 30's who sits around smoking weed and playing video games that somehow knows everything about everything despite barely ever leaving his couch.

 

[Ichibanner]

It's not necessarily one or the other for many reasons, some of which others have hit upon.

Do you have time? Are you comfortable tackling a new subject? Do you lack confidence?

I laid down a few nice welding runs with the awesome Miller that was at my previous job. I'd love to learn to do more than a few stitches to tack an angle iron fixture together.

 

[Belaya Smert]

Both you need interest or you won’t retain it.

 

[IDGETKTFO]

I am a DIY'r mainly because i am frugal, but i guess you could say it's a sign of intelligence aswell. I wouldn't say work ethic because everything i learned to do outside of my main craft is a hobby, i just learn because i want to, and save money.

 

[syct23]

Interest in Learning shows good ethic

What you choose to Learn shows Intelligence…