@Bernard I get this and you’re right to call it out, but I would also like to make the case that western conceptions of intelligence can, and should, be challenged.

I understand that some groups of people who have not been overly exposed to western thinking include more social obligations in the idea of intelligence, such as people in rural areas of Zambia who use 'nzelu' (intelligence) to include both cleverness (chenjela) and responsibility (tumikila). And the Luo people in rural Kenya incorporate ‘luoro’ into their idea of intelligence, which includes social qualities like respect, responsibility and consideration.

For me it makes much more sense not to award the attribute of intelligence to people whose actions contribute to harm, and I believe it would be beneficial to dismiss the idea that intelligence can be coupled with bad intent.

The current western conception of intelligence certainly also contributes to tech billionaires being interviewed about climate change – because they are “intelligent” – with disregard for any sense of domain knowledge.

I’m well aware that my hope for this is a big ask. 😉