Introducing people to the idea of intellectual ableism is like... on the one hand it's really exciting when people get it but it's also really stressful.

Because it's so fundamental to how lots of people approach the world.

It can take a lot of self-reflection for people to be willing to say "You know, the value I and others place on 'intelligence' is really weird."

One thing I think is great about breaking down valuing "intelligence" though is that you can actually see what it is you DO value about people, specifically.

Like "intelligence" is often used as a vague catch-all for a lot of stuff.

But what do you actually admire?

Do you appreciate people who have perfect recall? Or who are great problem-solvers? Or good at strategy?

Maybe you like people who know how to handle interpersonal relationships well. Or who are good at putting their thoughts into words.

Maybe you appreciate people who have good spatial awareness! Or who are good at details. Or good at the big picture.

Maybe you really like people who are curious about the world and ask important questions.

Maybe you like people who explain things well. Or who are good at translating concepts into something you can understand.

Maybe you like people who are super self-disciplined and good at organizing stuff.

There's so much wrong with how we, at least in the English-speaking world, value "intelligence".

The lack of specificity is maybe not the main thing, but it's definitely a place to start.

One thing that really frustrates me is when people think they're "not smart" because they didn't do well in school or didn't get high scores on an IQ test or whatever.

Listen, I did well in K-12 and I score pretty high on IQ tests & I've spent the last 16 years failing at life.

Being "smart" by the weird metrics set in place by various institutions doesn't actually mean much. It sets everyone up for failure and having messed-up expectations for themselves.

And the fact that we often equate "intelligence" with virtue means "smart" people get a lot of leeway to harm.

Also IQ tests just test for aptitude at certain cognitive functions and calling that stuff "intelligence" is just silly.