The measure of intelligence is the ability to change

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
― Albert Einstein

Adaptafuckinbility...this owl knows all about it :) 

By defining intelligence as the capacity to change in order to solve problems, it becomes clear that the problems which require the greatest change also require the highest form of intelligence. 

In a relatively short time life on earth has achieved awe-inspiring feats. Our ability to ask new questions, break through dogma and forge new frontiers relies on our ability to adapt. 

From single cell life to walking on the moon...life is a story of change. 

Defining intelligence as the capacity for adaptation is useful for three reasons. 

1. It's broad. 
People often attribute intelligence to individuals or groups that have learned to solve difficult problems in narrow fields. Consider the brilliant but morbidly obese inventor, scientist or investor. These individuals often display super high intelligence in solving certain problems, but show very low intelligence solving the problem of maintaining good health. If we define intelligence narrowly...our judgement of it will be equally narrow. 

"I was asked once, you're a smart man why aren't you rich? I replied, you're a rich man why aren't you smart?"
― Jacque Fresco


2. It’s relative
If you want to know how smart someone is find out what problems they’ve solved. The third world immigrant with no money, education or language, who through sheer tenacity and ingenuity found a way to the free world while educating and feeding their family...could well be far smarter than Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg. Wondering if you’re smart? Ask yourself what opportunities you've had and what have you done with them? And more importantly, what will you do with the opportunities you have now? 

3. It’s motivating
Once you realise that intelligence is the ability to solve problems the entire universe becomes your laboratory. Go out and fail, learn, succeed, and repeat. Personal growth is about change, and we all have far more capacity to change than most of us believe. Don’t let others define your intelligence in narrow terms. If you can change, and you can, then you’re smart enough to get smarter. Embrace that and get busy.