What precisely is the value of intelligence? — The question intelligent people shy away from. Intelligent people are likely to have spent their lives being flattered for their intelligence and because of this often place it at the center of their identity. Among the intelligent, intelligence is said (or thought) to be the queen of human virtues. Yet we see everywhere intelligence without will, intelligence without self-awareness, intelligence put at the service of some random passion. Intelligent people are better at solving problems, yes — but they are also better at inventing new ones. They are better at communicating, but they are also better at obfuscating. They are better able to deconstruct lies at-will, but they are also better at masking truth at-will. Intelligence is probably a prerequisite for greatness, but when it is unanchored from a worthy and joyful goal, it can be among the most destructive of qualities.