Tag: Intelligence

Which is more important in the 21st century: beauty or intelligence?

In the 21st century, intelligence is generally more vital than beauty, driving innovation and problem-solving, although beauty still holds significant social and cultural value.

In the 21st century, intelligence is generally more vital than beauty, driving innovation and problem-solving, although beauty still holds significant social and cultural value.

I. Introduction

  • Hook: The enhanced standard of living and quality of living over the last 20 years are all thanks to sporadic and collective intelligence – not beauty!
  • Background: Overview of the roles of beauty and intelligence in society.
  • Thesis Statement: Intelligence is more vital in the 21st century, yet beauty remains significant in social and cultural contexts.

II. Supporting View 1: Intelligence Drives Innovation and Progress

  • Topic Sentence: Intelligence is more important than beauty as intelligence is essential for technological and scientific advancements.
  • Example 1: Greta Thunberg’s climate activism (2018-2021) driven by her understanding of climate science. Her intelligence and knowledge have mobilised global climate action (source: BBC, 2019). Greta Thunberg has influenced millions of students in over 100 countries.
  • Example 2: India’s space missions (2017-2021) showcasing scientific prowess. ISRO’s Mars mission demonstrated advanced technological capabilities (source: The Guardian, 2017). India became the first nation to reach Mars on its first attempt.
  • Example 3: Singapore’s smart nation initiatives (2016-2021) leveraging intelligence. Advanced technologies improved urban living and efficiency (source: Reuters, 2020). Singapore ranks among the top smart cities globally.
  • Analysis: Intelligence fosters innovation, crucial for addressing modern challenges.

III. Supporting View 2: Intelligence Enhances Economic Opportunities

  • Topic Sentence: Intelligence is more important than beauty as intelligence is vital for career success and economic growth.
  • Example 1: Germany’s focus on STEM education (2016-2021) boosting the economy. Emphasis on science and technology education led to economic resilience (source: The Guardian, 2018). STEM fields in Germany contribute significantly to GDP growth.
  • Example 2: South Korea’s tech industry (2017-2021) driven by intelligent workforce. High levels of education fostered a thriving tech sector (source: Reuters, 2019). South Korea ranks high in global innovation indices.
  • Example 3: Finland’s education system (2015-2021) prioritising critical thinking. Produced a highly skilled workforce, driving innovation (source: BBC, 2020). Finland consistently tops international education rankings.
  • Analysis: Intelligence and education are key to economic success and individual prosperity.

IV. Supporting View 3: Intelligence Solves Global Problems

  • Topic Sentence: Intelligence is more important than beauty as intelligence has solved critical global issues.
  • Example 1: COVID-19 vaccine development (2020-2021) showcasing scientific intelligence. Rapid development of vaccines mitigated the pandemic (source: The Guardian, 2021). Vaccines developed within a year saved millions of lives.
  • Example 2: Japan’s disaster response technologies (2016-2021) improving resilience. Intelligent systems reduced disaster impact and improved recovery (source: Reuters, 2020). Advanced warning systems reduced disaster fatalities by 30%.
  • Example 3: Kenya’s innovative water management (2017-2021) addressing drought. Smart technologies conserved water and supported agriculture (source: BBC, 2019). Innovative irrigation systems increased agricultural yields by 20%.
  • Analysis: Intelligence is crucial for developing solutions to complex global challenges.

V. Opposing View 1: Beauty’s Social and Cultural Influence

  • Topic Sentence: Beauty remains vital for social acceptance and cultural impact.
  • Example 1: South Korea’s beauty industry (2016-2021) influencing global standards. Beauty products and trends gained international popularity (source: The Straits Times, 2019). K-beauty industry valued at $10 billion.
  • Example 2: Bollywood’s emphasis on beauty (2017-2021) shaping cultural norms. Influenced fashion and lifestyle across India and beyond (source: BBC, 2018). Bollywood is a $2.5 billion industry.
  • Example 3: Brazil’s plastic surgery market (2015-2021) reflecting societal values. High demand for cosmetic surgery highlights beauty’s importance (source: Reuters, 2019). Brazil performs over 1.5 million cosmetic surgeries annually.
  • Analysis: Beauty continues to hold significant social and cultural influence.

VI. Opposing View 2: Beauty’s Role in Media and Entertainment

  • Topic Sentence: Beauty is essential in media and entertainment industries.
  • Example 1: K-pop’s global success (2016-2021) driven by visual appeal. Attractive visuals played a key role in the industry’s popularity (source: The Guardian, 2019). K-pop generated $5 billion in revenue in 2019.
  • Example 2: French fashion industry (2017-2021) setting global beauty trends. High aesthetic standards maintained its global influence (source: Reuters, 2020). France’s fashion industry valued at $150 billion.
  • Example 3: Italy’s luxury brand dominance (2015-2021) emphasising beauty. Fashion and design industries thrived on visual appeal (source: BBC, 2020). Italy’s luxury market worth over $70 billion.
  • Analysis: Beauty is crucial in industries where visual appeal drives success.

VII. Opposing View 3: Beauty’s Psychological and Social Benefits

  • Topic Sentence: Beauty contributes to psychological well-being and social advantages.
  • Example 1: Norway’s wellness tourism (2016-2021) focusing on natural beauty. Beautiful landscapes promoted mental health and well-being (source: The Straits Times, 2018). Wellness tourism grew by 8% annually.
  • Example 2: Spain’s cosmetic industry (2017-2021) boosting self-esteem. Access to beauty products improved self-confidence (source: Reuters, 2019). Spain’s cosmetic market valued at $8 billion.
  • Example 3: Thailand’s beauty pageants (2015-2021) offering social mobility. Winners gained social recognition and opportunities (source: BBC, 2021). Beauty pageant industry contributes significantly to local economies.
  • Analysis: Beauty can enhance psychological well-being and provide social benefits.

VIII. Conclusion

  • Restate Thesis: Intelligence is more vital in the 21st century, yet beauty remains significant in social and cultural contexts.
  • Summary of Key Points: Intelligence drives innovation, economic growth, problem-solving versus beauty’s social influence, media role, psychological benefits.
  • Call to Action: Encourage a balance between valuing intelligence and appreciating beauty to create a more enriched and successful society.
  • Final Thought: Balancing intelligence and beauty can lead to a more enriched and successful society.