Would You Rather #1: be Known for your Intelligence or Good Looks?

Photo credits to Google Images.

I came across a long list of would you rather questions on SignUpGenius which I found intriguing. So, I have decided to answer them as posts in order to discover myself more and also give you the opportunity to evaluate yourself concerning what you deem important.
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As a young adult in the 21st century, there is no doubt that ‘good looks’ does help to an extent in accessing certain places in the world especially the entertainment industry. But in most cases, it takes more than your appealing outlook to attract attention from the right people.

I believe that the beauty of a woman lies in her character and intelligence. It goes way beyond the stereotypic curvature of her body. After all, who defines ‘good looks,’ the cosmopolitan magazines? Well, you are sure to be rewarded by covering the magazines in vogue and claiming a lot of cosmetic endorsements. But when you age (which we all shall), and someone takes your place on the cover, what happens next?

Most people may have passed decades ago but are still remembered and celebrated up to this day because of what they have contributed to the world via their brain work or talents. William Shakespeare, Chinua Achebe, Kofi Annan, Mark Zuckerberg and a host of others continue to inspire people all around the whole world not primarily because of their good looks.

And coming from a school where the ‘Brainy Beauty’ is the epitome of a true woman, I have learnt that it is far more substantial to be known for your brains than your mere looks. Even the Bible says ‘charm is deceptive and beauty is vain‘ (fleeting) – Proverbs 31:30a. So why bank all your success on your looks which would be outdated in the next two or three decades? As it is said, the beautiful ones are yet unborn. Someone far more beautiful is growing up to overthrow you. And Pete Edochie, a renowned Nollywood actor is known to have said this, “when a girl has beauty without brains, the private parts suffer the most.” This is awfully true since young people of today think their breakthrough into fame is leaking sex tapes. It might work out for a while but the long term consequences are certainly not worth the trouble. For me, that is the most miserable position for a woman to find herself.

Photo credits to quotesgram.com

And for the guys, I’m not going to sideline you. Been named the ‘finest’ or ‘sexiest’ man of your generation might give a head start with the girls but any lady worth her salt would be more interested in your intelligence than your slim body and six packs. If you’re comfortable being with someone who is with you only because you are good to look at and thus will serve as an enviable arm candy is probably as vain as you are. She won’t help you become a better person in any way. And when she gets bored because you have nothing more to offer, she’ll leave you for someone more promising.

Good looks is a big plus if you’ve been blessed with some because people may give you the benefit of a second glance and spare a minute to hear you out. But not falling within the world’s category of ‘beautiful’ doesn’t disadvantage you from making an impact in the world.

I want to be known for how my intelligence helped better the world than how pretty my photos look on Facebook. And to be clear, to be tagged intelligent isn’t exclusive to the scientists or economists. Everyone making the very best out his talents is intelligent. Be intelligent in your office, music/art studio, classroom, sports field, on stage…anywhere you find yourself.

Do you agree with me or you think good looks matters more than intelligence? Kindly share your thoughts; I can’t wait to read them!