Intelligence consists of recognizing opportunity.
Intelligence consists of recognizing opportunity.
Meaning in plain English
Intelligence defined as recognising opportunity gives situational awareness a central value. The saying connects understanding with seeing what might be possible.
Example
Someone examines an option’s relevance rather than assuming recognising it requires accepting it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The definition is not a complete cognitive account or a reason to judge someone by a missed offer. A useful interpretation checks whether a possibility is suitable and evidenced. Barriers, needs and available information differ; not every labelled opportunity should be pursued.
When to use it
Use it to discuss perceptive opportunity assessment without a personal intelligence test.
Keep in mind
No complete measure of intelligence or blame from declining an unsuitable offer is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 248; PDF page 29; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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