Who is Smarter?

As I was reading today a question, quite possibly a future debate, sparked in my mind. I think I may post it on WebCT too just because it could be an interesting debate. So here it is...

With all this discussion of R-directed vs. L-directed thinking Pink has concluded that both sides of the brain are crucial for everyday life, however, while they are both important does that level the playing field as far as careers are concerned? If they are both valuable does that mean astrophysicists and designers are equal? What about architects and accountants? Does one out weigh the other? The people in the world deemed the smartest in the world are oftentimes mathematicians or scientists - where do R-thinkers fit into this genius catagory?

I did a google search and came across several websites linking high intelligence to the 'smartest person in the world.' These were specialized websites, however, when I looked at more publicly viewed websites I found one with a poll. This suggested people like Noam Chomsky, Shakespeare, Leonardo Divinci, and even Martha Stuart as the smartest people in the world! I thought it was interesting that the public is catching on but those who actually test and publish results consider IQ only. If the way we think is changing, shouldn't these changes be reflected in our considerations for who the smartest individuals in the world are? I think these tests should not only include math/science problem solving skills, but they should have some sort os asthetic component, possibly a component that measures social skills. ( I don't even know if this is possible but I'm just throwing it out there).

Now, even as I'm writing this I am redefining my own definition of "smart." In school the smartest of my friends were those who did the best on tests and had the highest GPA and could get an A in a chem. test. That is changing for me. I think smart is so many different things. Smart is contributing to the world, thriving in it, maintaining relationships, living a fulfilled life... people who are the happiest are the smartest to me now. Life involves so many different skills, knowing how to solve the most complex math equasion in the world won't help you when you have children, while you could be the Divinci of our generation, you still need to use your L-directed thinking to balance your checkbook. Many people would say that the person who is going to go on to do the best in college and get a great job in the future would be someone like the valedictorian. They have the highest grades right, that should get them far enough? But what if they have no social skills? It all balances and I think smart shouldn't be considered just IQ anymore by anyone. I think there are also problems relating to this with the testing in our public school systems, but thats another issue for another day.