Some people rely on their knowledge, while others rely on their instincts. Some people are book smart, some people are street smart—and some people are both.
Answer these quick questions, and we’ll tell you which one you are.
Questions Overview
- Give them the money, but charge them interest. That way, I make some money!
- Give them the money, but take their ID and cards as collateral. They'll get it back when they pay me back.
- Tell them no, that’s too much money to lend.
- I cram study the night before. I can at least give it my best!
- I email the teacher and ask to take it later. If I'm honest about my mistake, they'll understand.
- I just call in sick and take it later. Easy peasy.
- A crossword
- Rock-Paper-Scissors
- A foot race
- Bring it with me to the bathroom. No biggie.
- Ask the barista to watch it behind the counter.
- Just leave it at the table. What, is someone gonna steal it?
- Look for something to eat. I need energy if I'm gonna survive.
- Look for fresh water. I read somewhere that you can't survive for long without water.
- Make a shelter. I'm done for if I'm not warm and dry.
- Find someplace to crash for a while. Maybe someone online can help?
- Scope out a new job. I'll need money to get on my feet!
- Head to the library. I know they've got loads of resources for people like me.
- "I'm super knowledgeable and experienced."
- "I'm a hard worker who strives for perfection every time and learns from my mistakes."
- "I'm a great coworker who can get along with anyone, no trouble."
- Novels and fiction. I want a good story!
- History or non-fiction. I want to learn about the world.
- I don't really read books.
- Comics, graphic novels, or poetry. I love a good work of art.
- A high school diploma/GED is enough for me.
- I want an undergraduate college degree!
- I want a master's degree or PhD!
- I don't really know.
- Being the CEO of a big company.
- Traveling the world.
- Graduating from Harvard or Yale.
- Living to 90 years old.
- Ignorant
- Boring
- Pretentious
- Duck into a cafe where I'm safe with other people until they pass.
- Stop and confront them. I can handle this myself.
- Call the cops. I don't mess around with this stuff.
- Call a friend to come pick me up. I need an ally.
More Quizzes
Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts
What are street smarts?
Street smarts are the ability to navigate anything life throws at you using only your intuition and instinct. It’s something that only comes through hard-earned experience and making a few mistakes here and there, so that the next time you’re faced with a tough situation, you know just what to do and say to make it through. It’s practical, useful, real-world knowledge that helps you connect to other people and survive in ways that just studying from a textbook won't.
What are book smarts?
Book smarts are academic abilities, like being able to learn and remember raw information like definitions, formulas, and facts. People who are book smart are usually great students who excel at more technical skills that other people might struggle with, like how to research a tricky topic, or how to puzzle their way out of a tricky situation using logic and facts.
Which is better?
It depends! Really, neither is “better” than the other, but one might be more useful depending on the situation. For example, if you’re in a fight with a friend, you might present them with a logical and well-thought-out argument that proves you’re correct, but that might not help your relationship heal. On the other hand, if you’re street smart, you might be able to play it off and heal the relationship, but it won’t solve the question that started the argument in the first place, and sooner or later, you’ll find yourself back where you started.
How do you get more book smart or street smart?
Luckily, both book smarts and street smarts are muscles you can exercise and make stronger! Work out your book smarts by, well, reading more books! Crack open a novel, a biography, or an engaging non-fiction book to learn more about yourself and the world around you. And to exercise your street smarts, just be curious about the world around you, and get yourself into new situations! It’s one thing to read about how to climb a mountain, and it’s another to get out there and climb it yourself.
Want to learn more?
For more information about book smarts and street smarts, check out these helpful resources:
