Logo - Feel The Words

Intelligent Quotes

On sharp minds, informed publics, and what intelligence really needs.

Several lines link good policy to an informed public, arguing that healthy debate depends on citizens who think critically. Read more in our Being quotes.

I have proven to the world that I am articulate, I am very intelligent, I'm well exposed.

Quotes by George Weah

Sometimes the first duty of intelligent men is the restatement of the obvious.

George Orwell

The Catholic and the Communist are alike in assuming that an opponent cannot be both honest and intelligent.

George Orwell

War is a way of shattering to pieces... materials which might otherwise be used to make the masses too comfortable and... too intelligent.

George Orwell

Intelligent design itself does not have any content.

Quotes by George Gilder

When one deals with stars, he is dealing with intelligent people. If they weren't intelligent, they wouldn't have arrived at the star pinnacle.

Quotes by George Cukor

If I could do what Hilary Mantel does, I would probably do that. She is more intelligent and a better researcher and knows more what she's about than I do.

Quotes by Garth Risk Hallberg

I don't think I'm that intelligent. I think I'm semi-intelligent.

Quotes by Gail Porter

Jim Hightower, Ann Richards - there are quite a few intelligent regular Texans.

Quotes by Fred Schneider

No intelligent idea can gain general acceptance unless some stupidity is mixed in with it.

Quotes by Fernando Pessoa

The road to freedom lies not through mysteries or occult performances, but through the intelligent use of natural forces and laws.

Quotes by Ernest Holmes

I'm such a huge advocate for strong, intelligent representation of women in the media.

Quotes by Emma Ishta

Yes, I won the Bafta. I thought the British were very intelligent.

Quotes by Eli Wallach

I thought perhaps it should be recognized that religious people, including fundamentalists, are quite intelligent, many of them are highly educated, and they should be treated with complete respect.

Quotes by E. O. Wilson

I'm what they call an intelligent hoodlum.

Quotes by E-40

Let's be honest: Everyone has got their opinion. It doesn't mean their opinion is an intelligent one.

Quotes by Doug Baldwin

I look at the kids coming out of Yale. They are so intelligent with their careers. I wish I had that.

Quotes by Dianne Wiest

Young people are more intelligent and sophisticated.

Quotes by Dianne Wiest

A film maker is a very intelligent man. Do not underestimate him.

Quotes by Dev Anand

I think the people of Victoria are smart, intelligent people.

Quotes by Denis Napthine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'intelligent' mean across this collection?
It covers both individual traits and collective ones — a call for an intelligent public to support an intelligent foreign policy in a democracy, alongside a personal claim about a whole generation being intelligent.
Is there a quote connecting intelligence to conversation?
Yes, one speaker says they're averse to incompetency and need mentally stimulating people and intelligent conversations — framing intelligence as something sought out socially, not just measured academically.
Why do people search for intelligent quotes?
They're a way to compliment someone's thinking, argue for smarter public discourse, or defend a group often underestimated. See related identity angles in Being quotes.
Does the collection touch on politics or policy?
One quote argues that an intelligent foreign policy requires an intelligent public because of how democracy works — presented as a general observation about the relationship between citizens and government, not a comment on any specific policy.
Is there anything lighter in this collection?
Yes — one line simply credits sci-fi fans as incredibly intelligent, a warmer, more affectionate use of the word than the political or philosophical lines nearby.

Others push back on stereotypes, defending communities like sci-fi fans as sharper than they're given credit for. Explore Design quotes for related themes.