You (kind of conclude) that intelligence is unimpotant , yet still allow yourself a common arrogant view that I disagree with. No, running a successful business isn't just about capital and connections. It's about managing and overcoming failures which necessarily involves a high level of self-awareness (which is part of emotional intelligence). And other examples that you mention also require intellect. Athletes are no exception. Because each journey is a journey that requires making decisions, thinking long-term, and overcoming failure. Success is not random for the most part, except when you win a lottery. It's a derivative of intelligence, or at least some aspects of it. To me one important aspect of intelligence is not dissmissing others as unintelligen,. recognizing that there is a big range in what constitutes a person's abilities and how they manifest themselves in their success (or otherwise; for example, you could have a highly intelligent person be a comletel failure or mental/emotional wrack)