‘I May Not Be Wise, But I Am Very Intelligent’ – Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi

Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi of PanAfrica-Ghana (PAG) has reflected on the difference between intelligence and wisdom, arguing that although the two are often confused, they represent distinct qualities that influence how people live, make decisions and relate to others.

In a write-up titled “I May Not Be Wise, But I Am Very Intelligent. Trust Me,” he explained that intelligence involves acquiring knowledge, understanding information, analysing issues, arguing, passing examinations and remembering facts.

According to him, intelligence can fill a library, build a machine and help someone win a debate, but wisdom goes beyond the ability to gather and apply knowledge.

He described wisdom as the ability to know when to speak and when to remain silent, recognise that winning an argument could mean losing a brother, understand that knowledge without love becomes noise, and appreciate that not everything a person is capable of doing should necessarily be done.

“I may not be wise, but I am very intelligent. Trust me,” he declared, using the statement to highlight the distinction between being intellectually capable and possessing the judgement needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Appiah-Levi noted that he had seen intelligent men destroy their homes because they lacked wisdom, intelligent women lose good relationships for the same reason, and intelligent leaders lead their people into difficult situations because they failed to exercise sound judgement.

He also cited pastors who preach about heaven but live contrary to the values they promote, arguing that intelligence alone does not guarantee the ability to make the right choices.

The PanAfrica-Ghana figure further illustrated the difference between the two qualities by explaining that intelligence may tell someone they have 10 hours of life remaining, while wisdom helps them determine what to do with those hours.

Similarly, he said intelligence teaches people how to make money, whereas wisdom helps them understand how to make meaning out of life. While intelligence can provide Google Maps, he argued, wisdom helps people identify where they actually need to go.

He observed that many people are preoccupied with acquiring academic qualifications, certificates and titles to demonstrate their intelligence, often neglecting the need to develop wisdom.

To support his argument, Appiah-Levi pointed to people whose experiences have equipped them with valuable life lessons despite their limited access to formal education.

He cited elderly people in villages who may not know how to operate computers but understand how to sustain marriages for 50 years, describing their experience as an example of wisdom.

He also referred to market women who may not speak sophisticated English but know how to manage limited resources to feed five children while still saving money.

Additionally, he highlighted Rasta elders who may never have attended university but understand the importance of finding peace within themselves while living in harmony with Jah.

For him, these examples demonstrate that wisdom is not necessarily determined by academic achievement, social status or the ability to communicate in sophisticated language.

Despite describing himself as intelligent, Appiah-Levi acknowledged that he was still learning to become wise.

He said he continued to learn patience and humility while coming to terms with the fact that being right does not always mean being righteous.

“If intelligence is the candle, wisdom is the hand that protects it from the wind,” he wrote, using the comparison to explain how wisdom protects and guides intelligence.

He further argued that intelligence could take a person to the top, but wisdom was necessary to remain there without falling.

Appiah-Levi concluded by saying that rather than boasting about his intelligence, he prayed for wisdom and encouraged others to join him in that pursuit.

“I may not be wise, but I am very intelligent. Trust me — and pray with me, that one day I may be wise too. Blessed times,” he stated.