The difference between ignorant and educated people is that the latter know more facts. But that has nothing to do with whether they are stupid or intelligent. The difference between stupid and intelligent people — and this is true whether or not they are well educated — is that intelligent people can handle subtlety. They are not baffled by ambiguous or even contradictory situations — in fact, they expect them and are apt to become suspicious when things seem overly straightforward.

Neal Stephenson (b. 1959) American novelist
The Diamond Age (1995)

 
Added on 1-Feb-04 | Last updated 19-Jun-09
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