We should not conflate what is ostensibly “intelligence” with wisdom, virtue, and character. Without genuine virtue, the mind cannot function properly. Without a spine, without virtue, temptations to throw the truth under the bus for the sake of lesser goods easily overwhelm. It leads to the misuse and abuse of intelligence. It leads to skillful evasion of the truth. It leads to rationalization rather than reason. The author gives us one example.
It’s not his wealth, objectively a good thing, that prevents a rich man from getting into heaven, it is his prioritization of it over superior goods, his idolatry even. And riches come in many forms.
I thought about that myself since I actually self-censored lately despite my free-speech belief. As I am learning, the belief is not as strong as the drive to survive and comfort. It is disheartening in a way. I was expecting more of myself. On the other, it offered a look into the mirror.
I an easily argue it is wisdom or even that there is good and right of me to focus on my family's well-being, but I know those are still just rationalizations.
It’s not his wealth, objectively a good thing, that prevents a rich man from getting into heaven, it is his prioritization of it over superior goods, his idolatry even. And riches come in many forms.