In my opinion, intelligence is the level of innate skill and proficiency within one's own culture.
So for example, in Western cultures, intelligence is probably signified through educational degrees, speaking abilities, wealth, artistic/performing talent, etc.
At the same time, in a tribal culture, intelligence is probably signified through hunting skills, survival skills, knowledge of rituals, etc.
In response to the original post's question,
I think that Critical Thinking is a type of intelligence recognized mostly in democratic or western cultures. In other, more oppressive societies, critical thinking incites dissent and is often discouraged. After all, why do you think every rising dictatorship starts with killing off all the intellectuals?
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