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This is truly an intriguing and interesting debate - whether one would prefer to be book smart or street smart. In my opinion, both qualities have merit and importance in society.

Being book smart means you have studied extensively, gaining knowledge from textbooks. For example, you may have expertise in science, math, computers or history. Consequently, your grasp of global issues and world affairs grows deeper and more analytical. You comprehend things technically and in granular detail. Hence, most prestigious jobs like scientists, engineers and doctors require being book smart - because these roles demand grasping complex concepts.

However, being street smart is also very important. It means that you are familiar with practical life experiences. For instance, knowing how to deal with people, looking out for your own benefits, and avoiding pitfalls. This is critical for success in daily life. Whether it's a job interview or business meeting, you can leverage this street smartness in interactions for your own advantage.

Surprisingly few book smart people possess this confidence and ability to cope with risk, even though they spend all their time studying and scrutinizing things extremely closely. In other words, book smart individuals often favor a purely scientific approach, striving for perfection.

This begs the question - which quality is preferable, book smarts or street smarts? In truth, both academia and real-world wisdom have merits, so striking a balance is ideal.

If someone is only book smart, meaning proficient in academics but lacking street smarts, they will not understand real world matters. For example, despite having excellent qualifications they may struggle to get a good job, because they lack the practical skills needed in the workplace like communication, quick thinking, crisis management. Conversely, if someone is only street smart but does not study, their growth will be limited. They may execute a business plan but remain outdated on the latest technologies.

In both these extreme cases, individuals' growth is impacted and they cannot realize their full potential. So, it's best to strike a balance between the two. One should be book smart enough to remember theories and principles, but also be able to apply them to practical life, otherwise what's the use? Some bit of book reading and online presence is also necessary alongside street smartness, or else you will remain isolated from the whole world.

And, if I had to choose only one of these, I would probably lean more towards being street smart. Because life is ultimately practical and street smart people are able to adapt better in it. They have good understanding and vision too. Their personality possesses that charm which appeals to and impresses people quickly. Whether it's closing a business deal, acing a job interview or making friends - street smart people are awesome conversationalists and people's persons! So, if I had to make a choice, I would prefer putting greater emphasis on being more street smart!

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I trust that you enjoyed reading my post. 😊

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^{I would like to invite @patjewell, @paholags, @malikusman1, @irawandedy, @chasad75, @radjasalman, @josepha and @heriadi to join this contest through this link, if they have not already taken part in it.}

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^{Author: @waqarahmadshah | Date: 21-Feb-2024 | Achievement 1}