It is impossible to underrate human intelligence - beginning with

Henry Adams, in his timeless reflection, writes, "It is impossible to underrate human intelligence—beginning with one's own." In these words, we see not only the recognition of the extraordinary power of human thought but also a deep, almost reverent call to honor the mind, both in ourselves and in others. Adams suggests that the intelligence of humankind is so vast, so boundless, that it is a disservice to downplay or diminish it. The greatness of human intelligence lies not just in what it has achieved but in its infinite potential, its ability to adapt, learn, and evolve. And it all begins with the recognition of one's own power to reason, to understand, and to shape the world.

This concept is ancient in its wisdom. The Greek philosophers, like Socrates, held the mind in the highest esteem. Socrates' famous dictum, "Know thyself," was not merely a statement about self-awareness but a call to recognize the limitless potential within each of us. Plato, too, wrote of the mind as a tool that, when properly trained, could reach great heights. In these ancient teachings, the idea that human intelligence must be revered—starting with our own—resonates strongly. For it is only when we honor the mind's potential that we can truly unlock its full power.

In Adams' quote, there is also a subtle reminder to be mindful of our own intelligence. Too often, we fail to recognize our own wisdom, discounting our abilities and second-guessing our decisions. Humanity is marked not just by intellectual power but by doubt and self-deprecation, which can lead us to undervalue our own intellectual capacity. Consider the life of Albert Einstein, who, despite his extraordinary genius, faced moments of self-doubt. He, too, struggled with the tension between humility and the recognition of his own brilliance. And yet, in his profound understanding of the universe, he demonstrated the limitless nature of human intelligence.

The lesson embedded in Adams' quote is clear: we must never underestimate the power of human thought, beginning with our own. Every achievement ever accomplished by mankind, from the creation of the wheel to the exploration of space, was born from individual minds that dared to trust their intellectual abilities. History is full of those who defied the odds by believing in the power of their own minds—such as Leonardo da Vinci, whose relentless curiosity and deep intellect changed the world. He, too, knew the importance of nurturing and trusting his own capacity for understanding and creation.

This deep respect for the mind is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual one. By cultivating our own intelligence, we honor the divine spark within us all. The mind is not merely a tool for survival but a conduit for the highest ideals of creativity, compassion, and innovation. It is through the use of our minds that we shape the world around us and contribute to the greater good of society. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." But to be that change, we must first believe in the power of our thoughts and their ability to bring about transformation.

Thus, the practical action we must take is to value our minds—starting with ourselves. We must recognize the immense potential that lies within us, refuse to be shackled by self-doubt, and strive to use our intellect to its fullest extent. In this, we must not only trust our intelligence but also nurture it—through education, reflection, and a commitment to learning. The world will benefit when each of us begins by honoring our own mind, understanding that the key to unlocking human intelligence begins with an unshakable belief in our own capacity to understand, to innovate, and to change.

To underrate human intelligence is to dishonor the divine spark that resides within each of us. When we recognize the vast power of the mind—our own and others'—we become stewards of wisdom and creativity. And in that recognition, we become part of the eternal legacy of those who have shaped the world with their minds. Let us then, as the ancient sages did, celebrate the power of human thought, knowing that within us all lies the potential for greatness.