Practical intelligence, or the ability to navigate social situations effectively, is crucial for success. Gladwell contrasts the experiences of Chris Langan, who had a high IQ but lacked social savvy, with Robert Oppenheimer, who leveraged his practical intelligence to achieve his goals. 'The particular skill that allows you to talk your way out of a murder rap, or convince your professor to move you from the morning to the afternoon section, is what the psychologist Robert Sternberg calls ‘practical intelligence.’' This underscores the importance of social skills in complementing intellectual abilities. | Malcolm Gladwell | Outliers: The Story of Success

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The Importance of Practical Intelligence

Practical intelligence, or the ability to navigate social situations effectively, is crucial for success. Gladwell contrasts the experiences of Chris Langan, who had a high IQ but lacked social savvy, with Robert Oppenheimer, who leveraged his practical intelligence to achieve his goals. 'The particular skill that allows you to talk your way out of a murder rap, or convince your professor to move you from the morning to the afternoon section, is what the psychologist Robert Sternberg calls ‘practical intelligence.’' This underscores the importance of social skills in complementing intellectual abilities.

-- Malcolm Gladwell