Bob Schwartz

Do we want smarter people or better people? This is in some ways a trick question, because an instant answer is that we want both. But if we can’t have both, at least not at the same time, which do we want first?

Here, smarter people means those who can think things through reasonably. They are knowledgeable and are curious and can find ways to learn what they don’t know and need to know. They are discerning.

Here, better people means those who maintain a balanced view of what is good for themselves and good for others, and are guided by a commitment that however they reach what is good for themselves, out of necessity or desire, the effect on others is at least as important or more important.

When we see people who are not so smart, in positions of power and authority or among our neighbors, we are sure we want smarter people.

When we see people who are not so good, in positions of power and authority or among our neighbors, we are sure we want better people.

Nevertheless, at least until I reach the end of this writing, I am going for better people. We have problems that smart people solve. We have problems that smart people create. But smart, whether from other people or within ourselves, cannot wholly solve the problems of soul, theirs and ours. Good people, better people, can.