Beyond the Classroom: A Movement for True Intelligence and Genuine Empathy

In an era where higher education is more accessible than ever, we find ourselves at a paradoxical crossroads: our population is the most educated it has ever been, yet studies indicate a troubling decline in both intelligence (IQ) and empathy. Despite increasing college attendance and degree attainment, we are witnessing a simultaneous downturn in our cognitive abilities and capacity for consideration and kindness. This contradiction is not just a statistical anomaly; it’s a clear sign that while we are advancing in academic credentials, we may be regressing in essential human qualities. This stark reality challenges us to rethink and reshape our educational and societal values to halt this decline and steer us back toward holistic growth.

Our world is teeming with information and technological advances, and the real challenge isn’t just acquiring knowledge now but applying it wisely and compassionately. Recent studies, including one from Northwestern University,[1] suggest a puzzling trend: while historical data showed a steady increase in IQ scores, known as the “Flynn effect,” more recent findings indicate a reverse in this trend across several cognitive domains. Simultaneously, amidst societal upheavals, a Scientific American[2] article highlights our growing empathy deficit, exacerbated by current global crises.

This juxtaposition of increasing education yet decreasing intelligence and empathy is not just an academic curiosity—it’s a clarion call for realignment.  It causes us to rethink our value of achievements. When only a third of the population received a college education, it could be considered a special achievement. Now that more than half the nation has a bachelor’s degree, is it still a discriminator? Do we now look at potential as an indicator instead of just certifications? Do we start to value capacity (the ability to solve the unknown) over capability (the earning of certifications and skills)? Do we look at how individuals interact with others as a metric of credibility? We must reconsider what is important as we move forward as a society.

The crux of the issue with modern education lies in its focus on the accumulation of knowledge rather than the application of it. Our educational systems increasingly prioritize certifications and degrees over valuable skills like intelligence, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This emphasis on formal qualifications often overshadows the need to cultivate deeper cognitive abilities and practical skills. As a result, we are churning out graduates who are well-credentialed but perhaps not well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges or innovate in meaningful ways. This misalignment not only diminishes the potential of individual learners but also impacts our societal progress, as we undervalue the capabilities that drive genuine advancement and problem-solving in an ever-complex world.

Empathy is often misunderstood as merely having sympathy for others, but it is fundamentally about striving to understand the perspectives and feelings of another person. True empathy doesn’t necessarily entail agreement with those perspectives; it requires thoughtful consideration of where another person is coming from. This nuanced understanding allows our actions to transcend mere self-interest and align with broader, more inclusive considerations. Today, we often see two extremes: a complete absence of empathy, where people treat each other with disregard or a perverse notion that empathy means uncritically accepting anyone’s expressed feelings without engaging in thoughtful analysis or asking probing questions. Neither of these approaches contributes positively to our social fabric. Instead, we need a balanced empathy that involves active curiosity about others’ experiences and views, fostering a society that thrives on mutual respect and comprehensive understanding.

As a combat veteran, I have been very fortunate; I’ve seen firsthand the power of focused intelligence coupled with deep empathy. In the military, these aren’t just nice-to-have traits; they are essential for success on the battlefield. Now, more than ever, these traits are just as crucial in civilian life. We are educated, yes, but how are we applying that knowledge? Are we using it to connect with and improve the world around us?

The decrease in certain cognitive abilities might suggest that our educational approaches are becoming too narrow, potentially at the expense of broader critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the erosion of empathy in our society suggests we are becoming increasingly isolated, not just physically but emotionally and intellectually, from one another.

A Movement for True Intelligence and Genuine Empathy

We need a cultural shift—a movement that values not only the quantitative increase in knowledge but also the qualitative application of that knowledge. We must champion education that builds diverse cognitive abilities and fosters empathy, ensuring these go hand in hand with academic and professional skills.

Here’s what we can do:

• Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage educational systems integrating STEM with the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This approach fosters a well-rounded intelligence that can navigate complex human and technological landscapes.
• Prioritize Empathy as a Core Competency: Just as we train our minds for technical skills, we must train ourselves in empathy. This should be embedded in every level of education, from kindergarten through higher education and beyond.
• Engage in Community Service: There’s no better way to understand and develop empathy than through direct interaction. Volunteering connects us to different people and perspectives, enhancing our emotional intelligence.
• Encourage Conversations on Empathy: Regularly discuss what empathy looks like and how it can be expressed in workplaces, schools, and homes. Understanding that empathy can vary dramatically between individuals is key to fostering a truly empathetic society.
• Set the Example and Lead: For those of us who grasp the importance of these traits, it’s imperative to make our words actions and then help others to do the same. Share stories, mentor others, and demonstrate empathy and intelligent problem-solving in action.

This movement isn’t about adopting a “woke” mentality where feelings overshadow facts. Rather, it’s about recognizing that multiple truths can coexist and that respect for differing viewpoints is foundational to our collective well-being. By embracing the complexity of human perspectives and considering others in our daily actions, we cultivate a richer, more inclusive community environment. This approach not only fosters mutual respect despite disagreements but also enhances our own happiness and contributes to a better world. It’s about balancing empathy with rationality, ensuring that our interactions are both understanding and grounded, which ultimately leads to a more harmonious and productive society.

This is not just an appeal for awareness but a call to action. This is advocating for a holistic approach to how we learn and interact, where emotional intelligence is as prized as analytical skills.

Why a Movement?

Every movement starts with a recognition of the need and a decision to act. Just as fitness gurus advocate for physical health, we must champion mental robustness and emotional thoughtfulness as indispensable components of education and daily life. As someone who has led teams under the most extreme conditions, I can attest that the synergy of sharp intellect and profound empathy isn’t just desirable—it’s essential.

What action may look like:

• Educational Reform Advocacy: Work with local school boards and educational organizations to promote curricula that balance hard skills with soft skills development. If you are an educator, you should worry equally about the accumulation and application of knowledge—that is true intelligence.  Don’t tell them what to think – teach them how to think and accept differing perspectives.
• Community Workshops: Organize or participate in workshops focusing on developing empathy and understanding diverse perspectives. These can be in your local community centers or online.
• Corporate Training: Encourage your workplace to adopt training programs emphasizing empathetic leadership and interpersonal skills alongside technical training.
• Personal Development: Commit personally to practicing empathy daily. Whether listening actively to a colleague or helping a stranger, small actions build the empathetic muscle.  And kindly challenge those who think you have to accept their ideas completely or that you are wrong.  Know that challenge and disagreement does not equate to “wrong” or “evil”.

Call to Action:

Let’s not wait for another study to tell us what we lack. Let’s start now. If this message resonates with you, take it upon yourself to be the catalyst in your community. Whether you are an educator, a parent, a student, or a business leader, you have the power to influence and implement change. Share your initiatives, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and create a ripple effect.

Our nation’s strength doesn’t just come from what we know but from how we apply our knowledge compassionately and wisely. It’s time we elevate our approach to intelligence and empathy, moving them to the forefront of our national conversation and daily practice.

Join me in making this more than a movement—let’s make it a transformation. Let’s ensure that our future generations are not only the most educated but also the most emotionally intelligent and considerate. Let’s build a legacy that values the heart as much as the head – and uses them both.

#IntelligenceAndEmpathy

Let’s turn this call into action. Let’s teach, learn, and lead with intelligence and empathy at the core of our interactions. Together, we can redefine the fabric of society for a brighter, more connected future.

Join the Movement: #IntelligenceAndEmpathy

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[1] https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2023/03/americans-iq-scores-are-lower-in-some-areas-higher-in-one/

[2] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-us-has-an-empathy-deficit/

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This first appeared in The Havok Journal on May 17, 2024.

JC Glick serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The COMMIT Foundation. JC brings with him a wealth of experience as a leadership consultant and career Army officer and is driven by a deep commitment to supporting veterans in their transition journey. Since transitioning from 20 years of military service in 2015, JC has been a founder and partner of two leadership companies, where his clients included Fortune 500 companies, international non-profit organizations, government agencies, the NFL, numerous NFL and NBA teams, and multiple NCAA programs.

Over the course of his Army career, JC spent over seven years in the Ranger regiment, serving in two Ranger Battalions as well as Regimental Headquarters, participating in the Best Ranger Competition twice, and has over seven and a half years of command time with 11 operational and combat deployments to Haiti, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Afghanistan. JC is the author of two books, including A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown. In 2017, he was selected as a TEDX Speaker and delivered Rethinking Leadership at TEDX Hammond. JC is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and is a Liberty Fellow, part of the Aspen Institute.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.