“Education is no substitute for intelligence”

American science fiction writer Frank Herbert (1920-1986) wrote in Chapterhouse: Dune (1985):

“Education is no substitute for intelligence. That elusive quality is defined only in part by puzzle-solving ability. It is in the creation of new puzzles reflecting what your senses report that you round out the definition.”
 
While Herbert is often cited for “education is no substitute for intelligence,” it had been said before. “In education, as in life, there is no substitute for intelligence, and no high intelligence without freedom” was written by David Starr Jordan in The Trend of the American University (1929). “Education is no substitute for intelligence” was said in 1939 by Rep. E. M. Stanchfield, of Minneapolis, in reaction to the formal educational requirements of a civil service bill. “We know that education is not a substitute for intelligence and ambition” was printed in a 1947 newspaper advertisement for graduates. “Just remember that while education is no substitute for intelligence, intelligence can very often compensate for educational lack” was cited in a 1955 newspaper opinion about IQ tests.
 
   
Wikipedia: Frank Herbert
Franklin Patrick Herbert, Jr. (October 8, 1920 – February 11, 1986) was an American science fiction writer best known for the novel Dune and its five sequels. Though he became famous for science fiction, he was also a newspaper journalist, photographer, short story writer, book reviewer, ecological consultant and lecturer.
 
The Dune saga, set in the distant future and taking place over millennia, deals with complex themes such as human survival and evolution, ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics and power. Dune itself is the best-selling science fiction novel of all time and the series is widely considered to be amongst the classics of the genre.
     
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The Trend of the American University
By David Starr Jordan
Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press
1929
Pg. 113:
In education, as in life, there is no substitute for intelligence, and no high intelligence without freedom,
 
17 January 1939, Brainerd (MN) Daily Dispatch, “Open Fire on Civil Service Bill” (UP), pg. 1, col. 1:
Rep. E. M. Stanchfield, of Minneapolis, declared that “Education is no substitute for intelligence.” He said he feared high educational requirements for jobs which did not necessarily require such education might bar many qualified applicants.
 
28 May 1947, The Progress (Clearfield, PA), pg. 4, col. 1 ad:
Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Graduates!
We know that education is not a substitute for intelligence and ambition, but we know too that it helps the ambitious person to go farther.
(...)
THE COUNTY NATIONAL BANK AT CLEARFIELD
 
2 September 1955, The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ), “Standard IQ Tests Don’t Fill The Bill” by Julian DeVries, pg. 6, col. 2:
Just remember that while education is no substitute for intelligence, intelligence can very often compensate for educational lack.
 
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The Bulletin of the National Association of Secondary School Principals
Volume 50, Issue 1
1966
Pg. 282:
In closing, I may state briefly, that our compulsory education programs should follow the advice of Abraham Lincoln: “I shall prepare, and maybe my chance will come,” remembering also that education is not a substitute for intelligence. Because what God forgot, even The University of Madrid cannot supply.
 
Google Books
Chapterhouse: Dune
By Frank Herbert
New York, NY: Putnam
1985
Pg. 71:
Education is no substitute for intelligence . That elusive quality is defined only in part by puzzle-solving ability. It is in the creation of new puzzles reflecting what your senses report that you round out the definition . — Mentat Text One (decto)
 
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In Search of Theater
By Eric Bentley
New York, NY: Applause Theatre Books
1992
Pg. 130:
Crude spirits are no valid American equivalent for seasoned European wine, and the rags and tatters of a modern education are no substitute for intelligence.
 
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The Path to Leadership for Native American Women at North Dakota Tribal Colleges
By Koreen M. Ressler
Capella University doctoral dissertation
Ann Arbor, MI:  UMI
2008
Pg. 120:
My father would say that education was no substitute for intelligence. I think it is probably true.
 
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Education is no substitute for intelligence. - Frank Herbert http://www.quotesaboutlife.ca
10:09 PM - 17 May 2010