...intelligence nowadays is all about application: it is the ability 'to take in a complex system and learn its rules on the fly'. For young people, this ability is second nature. Any fool knows that, if you need a new and unfamiliar VCR programmed in a hurry, you commandeer any small passing child to do it.
In contemporary society, intelligence is increasingly defined by the capacity to adapt and apply knowledge quickly to complex systems. The ability to learn and understand new rules in real-time is crucial, particularly for the younger generation who typically possess this skill naturally. This adaptability is often highlighted through the humorous observation that children can effortlessly manage tasks like programming a VCR, which may confuse adults.
Lynne Truss, in her book "Talk to the Hand," emphasizes the importance of this adaptable intelligence in a world filled with rapidly evolving technology. The notion that young people are often more adept at navigating modern gadgets underlines a generational gap in skill sets and demonstrates the changing nature of intelligence in today's digital landscape.
