Intellect vs. Intelligence: Do we rely too much on our analytical mind as an Enneagram 5?

Fives are proud of being “smart.” But what if that thing we trust most is also the thing holding us back?

In this episode, we talk about the difference between intellect and intelligence, and why Fives tend to obsess over one while ignoring the other. We get into why being analytical can make you feel powerful but also isolated, emotionally numb, disconnected from your body, and limited in real life. We also share how we’ve been building other forms of intelligence like emotional awareness, body awareness, social intuition, and even a sense of connection to the world around us.

We look at how these other kinds of intelligence change creativity, connection, confidence, and energy. And why, as Fives, learning to trust them can be a bigger unlock than getting “smarter.”

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Intellect vs. Intelligence — We break down why intellect (analysis, logic, problem-solving) is just one slice of a much bigger system of intelligence. We talk about how Fives overuse that one tool and what it costs us.
• “I’m a Genius… and an Idiot” — Josiah shares how his high IQ scores gave him confidence but also blinded him to other ways of knowing. We explore why being clever can actually hold us back from growing wiser.
• Emotional, Body, and Social Intelligence — We explore what it means to reconnect with our emotions, tune into our bodies, and build social intuition — and how those neglected forms of intelligence help us feel more alive and connected.
• Overthinking, Intuition, and Letting Go — We look at how over-analysis kills momentum, why intuition deserves more trust, and what happens when you stop trying to think your way through everything and start experiencing your way forward.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

📩 Join the weekly newsletter: enneagramfive.com/newsletter
💬 Join the community: enneagramfive.com/community
🗒️ Full transcript and show notes: enneagramfive.com/56
🎬 The Princess Bride (1987) – “Battle of Wits” scene reference

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

What kind of intelligence have you undervalued in yourself because it didn’t feel “smart enough”? Has that cost you anything in your real life (energy, relationships, confidence, or momentum)?

TAKE THE FULLY FIVE QUIZ:

A 5-minute clarity check-in for Enneagram Fives that gives you a precise snapshot of your inner landscape so you can track where you are and choose your next move intentionally.

• Fast & free – 5 minute quiz, instant results.
• Personalized for you – No generic advice.
• Actionable & practical – Clear next steps.

➡️ Tap here to take the quiz now

***

JOIN THE FULLY FIVE ACCELERATOR (FFA):

Break free from observer mode with a proven growth framework and the weekly support of people who truly understand how your Five brain works.

🚀 ​See if you're ready for FFA

***

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE:

➡️ #27: Subtypes

***

CONNECT:

📷 Connect on Instagram
🧵 Connect on Threads
💼 Connect on LinkedIn
📹 Subscribe on YouTube

***

SAY THANKS:

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify