Intelligence and Subtlety

An obvious but nonetheless telling observation that cannot be stated enough. This from a novel about a young girl and her talking book:

"Nell," the Constable continued, indicating through his tone of voice that the lesson was concluding, "the difference between ignorant and educated people is that the latter know more facts. But that has nothing to do with whether they are stupid or intelligent. The difference between stupid and intelligent people - and this is true whether or not they're well-educated - is that intelligent people can handle subtlety. They are not baffled by ambiguous or even contradictory situations - in fact, they expect them and are apt to become suspicious when things seem overly straightforward."

Neal Stephenson (1995), The Diamond Age, p.283.