Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good

Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good

Bertolt Brecht, the renowned German playwright and poet, was a firm believer in the power of intelligence and critical thinking. He understood that intelligence was not about being perfect or never making mistakes, but rather about being able to quickly recognize and rectify those mistakes in order to learn and grow from them. This sentiment is perfectly encapsulated in the quote, “Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good.”

Brecht’s approach to intelligence can be seen in his revolutionary style of theater known as “epic theater.” In epic theater, Brecht sought to engage the audience intellectually and emotionally by breaking the fourth wall and encouraging them to think critically about the social and political issues being presented on stage. He believed that by challenging the audience’s preconceived notions and forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths, he could inspire them to take action and effect change in the world.