Stubbornness: A Sign of Stupidity or Intelligence?

In the provided quotations, Montaigne and Yevtushenko consider the topic of stubbornness, a personality trait loathed by some and revered by others. Montaigne posits that headstrong adherence to one’s beliefs is a sign of stupidity, while Yevtushenko argues that tenacity is actually a sign of intelligence. While both viewpoints are correct to some degree, evidence points towards the idea that stubbornness truly is indicative of intelligence. Steadfastness in maintaining one’s ideals, even in the face of looming adversity, is an occasion in which stubbornness displays one’s intelligence. Rosa Parks exemplifies this version of stubbornness. A key figure in last century’s civil rights movement, Parks became famous for refusing to give up

In other words, one cannot truly be stubborn until it has been determined that being stubborn is the best option. Otherwise, adhering to one’s beliefs would just be arbitrary and without a basis. For instance, Rosa Parks remained stubborn by remaining in her seat because it was the most utilitarian response; the black community benefited as a result. On the other hand, the pharaoh was not really stubborn because he impulsively kept the Israelites under his control. He failed to consider other factors, such as the degradation of his kingdom that came about from his obstinacy. Furthermore, the pharaoh even faltered in his ability to maintain his opinions—he eventually submitted to Moses’ petitioning and God’s wrath. Accurate forms of stubbornness, such as that of Rosa Parks, exemplify a broad intellect, while their baseless counterparts, such as that of the pharaoh, falsely indicate that stubbornness is a sign of stupidity. Only true, well-founded tenacity can signify greater