Take This Real-Life Common Sense Test to Find Out!
Discover how wise you are through this insightful test that measures your practical intelligence, emotional understanding, and decision-making skills. Learn how to make wiser choices in everyday life.
How Wise Are You?
When we think about intelligence, most of us picture traditional IQ tests measuring skills like logical reasoning or spatial awareness. But human intelligence is far more complex, encompassing wisdom, common sense, emotional intelligence, and decision-making abilities. Have you ever wondered how wise you are? This blog explores how to measure practical intelligence and offers a fun yet insightful “wisdom test” to help you reflect on your decision-making skills.
1. Do You Solve Problems or Just React?
Imagine your child is struggling with maths and receiving poor grades despite their potential. What would you do?
- Option A: Lecture them about their grades
- Option B: Hire a tutor to help them
Wise Decision: A lecture might only discourage your child, making them feel bad or defensive. Instead, hiring a tutor addresses the root problem by providing the support they need. Wise individuals focus on solutions, not blame.
2. Do You Know When to Seek Help?
You’re building a house but lack expertise. Would you:
- Option A: Watch how-to videos and do it yourself
- Option B: Hire a professional contractor
Wise Decision: As Socrates wisely said, “The wise man knows he knows nothing.” Recognising your limits and trusting experts for complex tasks like building a house is the best approach. Challenging yourself is great, but wisdom lies in knowing when to ask for help.
3. Do You Embrace Creativity?
Given free time, do you:
- Option A: Engage in a creative hobby like writing, painting, or building
- Option B: Spend hours watching TV or gaming
Wise Decision: Creativity sharpens the mind, improves problem-solving skills, and inspires new ways of thinking. While passive entertainment can be relaxing, regularly indulging in creative hobbies leads to personal growth and mental stimulation.
4. Do You Take Responsibility or Shift Blame?
You’re broke. Do you:
- Option A: Blame external factors like the economy or your boss
- Option B: Acknowledge your circumstances and take steps to improve
Wise Decision: Recognising that you play a role in your financial troubles allows you to take actionable steps toward improvement. Wise individuals accept responsibility and create plans to overcome challenges rather than fixating on blame.
5. Do You Value All Knowledge?
Do you believe school subjects like calculus are useless, or do you find value in learning even seemingly irrelevant material?
Wise Thought: Wise people understand that knowledge, no matter how niche, has potential applications. For example, mathematical principles can often apply to broader areas, such as relationships or logical reasoning. Learning for the sake of growth is never a waste of time.
6. Can You Collaborate with Competitors?
A more capable colleague joins your team. Do you:
- Option A: Sabotage them out of fear they’ll replace you
- Option B: Collaborate with them and learn from their skills
Wise Decision: Instead of succumbing to jealousy, a wise person sees competition as an opportunity to grow. By working together, you can gain knowledge and contribute to your team’s success. Collaboration often trumps rivalry.
7. Do You Consider Others’ Feelings?
Your best friend dislikes horror films, but a favourite actor of theirs stars in a new one. Do you:
- Option A: Invite them without disclosing the genre
- Option B: Tell them it’s a horror movie and let them decide
Wise Decision: Emotional intelligence is key to wisdom. Surprising your friend with a genre they dislike might harm your relationship. Instead, respect their feelings and let them choose whether to attend.
8. Are You a Planner or a Procrastinator?
Do you shop for holidays in advance, or wait until the last minute to buy gifts?
Wise Thought: Planning ahead helps you avoid unnecessary stress, long queues, and the risk of settling for inferior gifts. Wise people make their lives easier by staying organised and prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
9. Do You Prepare for the Unexpected?
Before an important test, you’re 70% confident in your knowledge. Do you:
- Option A: Study extra to cover any gaps
- Option B: Trust your knowledge and hope to scrape by
Wise Decision: Hope is not a strategy. Wise individuals prepare for the worst-case scenario, ensuring they’re ready for any challenge. Being proactive leads to better outcomes.
10. Bonus Brain Test: Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained?
Look at the image of two smiling girls. Which one seems happier?
- If you chose A: You may have a more developed left hemisphere, excelling in maths, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
If you chose B: You likely favour your right hemisphere, showing strengths in creativity, emotional recognition, and artistic talents.
