The child's intelligence.

Abstract

Machiavelli, in The Prince, written in 1513, said, "There are three scales of intelligence; one which understands by itself, a second which understands what is shown it by others, and a third which understands neither by itself nor on the showing of others." In more recent times Artemus Ward said, "One thought you have born and raised on your own premises is worth a whole orphan asylum of other people's thoughts." These two statements, though years apart, seem to point in the same direction; namely, that independent thinking and intelligence have much in common. Psychological literature of the last 15 or 20 years has contained much discussion and debate as to the nature of intelligence ( 60). The controversial questions as to the nature, definition, composition, and measurement of intelligence need not concern us here. One definition by Meumann (60) has received favorable acceptance by many and seems as satisfying as any. "Intelligence," Meumann says, "is the power of independent and creative elaboration of new products out of the material given by memory and the senses-the ability to avoid errors, to surmount difficulties, and to adjust to environment.