Robert Sternberg, a veritable polymath of psychology, has developed successful theories of intelligence, creativity and even love. In the field of Wisdom research, he is renowned for his ‘Balance Theory of Wisdom’. In this paper below, he argues that universities place too much value on intelligence and ignore the importance of creativity and wisdom in education. He proposes that a synthesis of wisdom, intelligence and creativity would better prepare students to maximize their positive future impact in the world.

Abstract: What are the qualities a student needs to develop in order to become an active, reflective, and involved citizen and professional who achieves success in his or her life endeavors? How do these qualities go beyond the ones that we typically foster and evaluate among students in liberal arts courses in colleges and universities? If there is a discrepancy, is it possible that we in the academy are, at some level, mis-preparing students for the world in which they will find themselves? And if so, are there elements we can add to a liberal-arts education that will more fully address the qualities our graduates will need for successful engagement in the world? These are the central questions I seek to address in this essay.

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