In our 20’s and 30’s, we have high levels of fluid intelligence, or raw intellectual horsepower. We can ace tests, impress people with our memory and recall, and analyze facts, documents and data.
But in our 40’s and 50’s, we have higher levels of crystallized intelligence, which allows us to draw together novel insights from across domains.
Fluid intelligence allows us to analyze, or break apart.
Crystallized intelligence allows us to synthesize, or put together.
Each type of intelligence invites us to express different skills, to pivot our role at work – or perhaps even to change careers or industries altogether.
In today’s episode, Harvard professor Arthur Brooks discusses these two types of intelligence, and outlines how we can gracefully move from one strength to the next.
