Intelligence - An Interesting Subject

I have been giving the subject of intelligence considerable thought over the past several years. I haven't done any in-depth research into it yet, so what I am about to write (and I'm not sure what that will be) will be only my personal thoughts and opinions.

It seems one does't give the subject of memory, or intelligence much thought, if one has a modicum of both. Throughout my life I have been blessed with a very good memory, and from various tests and life events, have been led to believe I was moderately intelligent.

So just what is intelligence?  Is it being quick to see a problem? Is it the ability to multi-task?  Is it having a brain that fires faster than the average, thus in effect slowing time, giving a person more time to analyze a situation?  There are other avenues I'm sure to address but for now I will leave it at these few obvious (to me) to examine.

                                            Or it it just a matter of memory?

As one ages most humans eventually begin to notice originally just tiny bit of memory problems. These usually are minor things like "where did I leave my purse, keys, glasses,"  etc.  A bit annoying but of no real concern, if fact, often the subject of self directed jokes. This can, and often will, go on for many years.

Then one day, you may notice while in a conversation/argument with someone, an important point (that you know intimately) just refuses to let your little brain have it. This life changing event hits different people at at various ages, but I'm quite convinced it eventually will affect us all if we live long enough.

A personal example of what appears to be intelligence, or is it just a good memory?  The subject of the Vietnam War came up the other evening. Having lived through the time of this terrible time in world history as an Air traffic Controller I had a deep personal interest in the "war".

 An aside - right now I cannot remember if the USA actually declared war on that small country, I believe they did not.

As a Controller in Vancouver in the nineteen sixties and seventies we handled thousands of military flights back and forth from Washington State to Alaska. It became a bit personal as we talked to the pilots going both ways. Always very little banter on the south bound trip, with casualties.

To get back to my point about memory and intelligence. For several years I was a self professed expert on all aspects of that War. Then suddenly when being challenged on this subject I had extremely strong feelings about, I just could not quote the many facts and examples that not that long ago were at my fingertips. If no one present knew me, or any of my background, or my age, I assume they would assume I was a bit of a dolt!
Now does that mean I am not as intelligent now than I was twenty years ago, or am I just as intelligent, but with a rotten memory? Does it mean I cannot learn new subjects now, if I do not have a good long term memory, or short, for that matter? I have decided to take an on-line programming course from MIT, so we will see!

Now lets look at the quick firing brain. I know I used to have a quick brain. It is hard to explain, but you just know. I used to wonder why people used to stop and think about what I considered obvious answers to questions.  There many examples from my past, but I will not bore people.
I would say the speed of my comprehension now is at about 60% (at best) from what it was in my twenties. Does this mean I cannot think clearly and make intelligent decisions, probably in most cases I would come to the same conclusion, but in a split second situation, quite possibly not.

I'm going to publish this as an ongoing piece right now - I will be adding more very  soon

AN INTERESTING ASIDE - I JUST PUBLISHED THIS IN THE WRONG BLOG - JUST SAYING!