Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.

The quote "Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven." by Edward de Bono challenges the assumption that intelligence directly correlates with the ability to think effectively. De Bono, a renowned psychologist and author, is best known for his work on lateral thinking, a method of thinking that encourages creative problem-solving. In this quote, he emphasizes that intelligence alone is not enough to guarantee strong thinking skills.

De Bono points out that even highly intelligent individuals can struggle with critical thinking, often because their intellectual abilities are not always applied in productive ways. On the other hand, individuals with average intelligence may excel at thinking effectively because they have honed their thinking skills through practice and focus. This suggests that thinking is not just a matter of raw cognitive ability but also a learned skill that can be developed and refined.

The analogy of the car in the quote highlights the separation between potential and performance. Just as a powerful car can still be poorly driven, a highly intelligent person can still fail to use their mental potential effectively if they lack the proper thinking skills. The way a car is driven determines how well it performs, just as the way a person applies their thinking determines the success of their ideas and decisions.

In essence, de Bono’s quote underscores the importance of developing thinking skills regardless of one's level of intelligence. It is a reminder that critical thinking and creative problem-solving are vital for success and must be cultivated, even in those with great intellectual power. This perspective is central to de Bono’s work, which advocates for more structured and deliberate approaches to thinking.