“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
Simplified Meaning:
Being really smart means you can think about two ideas that completely disagree with each other and still keep your cool and make decisions. For example, imagine a doctor who knows that a treatment can both help a patient but also cause serious side effects. The doctor has to consider both the good and the bad at the same time and still figure out the best way to help the patient. This skill is useful in everyday life too. For instance, if you want to move to a new city, you might feel excited about new opportunities but also scared about leaving friends and family behind. Being able to think about both feelings without getting overwhelmed helps you make a better choice. This kind of thinking makes you more adaptable and better at solving complex problems.