The power of intellect is the ability to think, reason, and understand, which allows for problem-solving, innovation, and navigating complex situations. It involves using knowledge and logic to make considered decisions, acting as a crucial regulator that guides actions based on evaluation rather than mere impulse. This capacity for higher-order thinking and generalization enables abstract thought, the creation of complex ideas, and the ability to simplify complex problems

Intellect is the human ability to think, reason, understand, and acquire knowledge, especially at a high level. It encompasses reasoning, abstraction, conceptualization, judgment, and critical thinking, allowing a person to discern truth and falsehood and solve complex problems. In a broader sense, a person with great intellectual power can be called an intellect. 

Definitions of Intellect

• Intelllect is defined as the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract matter
• a : the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
• b : the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed.  Miriam Webster
  the ability to understand and to think in an intelligent way
• Intellect is a faculty of the human mind that enables reasoning, abstraction, conceptualization, and judgment. Wikipedia

A person’s intellectual understanding of reality derives from a conceptual model of reality based upon the perception and the cognition of the material world of reality. The conceptual model of mind is composed of the mental and emotional processes by which a person seeks, finds, and applies logical solutions to the problems of life.

Core functions of intellect

• Problem-solving and innovation: Intellect provides the ability to identify challenges, analyze them critically, and devise creative solutions.
• Discernment: It allows for the evaluation of thoughts and ideas generated by the mind, discerning which are worth pursuing.
• Regulating impulses: Intellect serves as a regulator to control impulses and desires, leading to more thoughtful actions instead of impulsive ones.
• Abstract reasoning: It is the faculty that allows humans to work with abstract terms, draw conclusions from assumptions, and generalize experiences.
• Critical judgment: Intellect enables the discernment of truth and falsehood, as well as higher-order thinking beyond immediate perception. 

Developing intellect

Real-world experience: Real-world experience is crucial for intellectual development, as it provides understanding of reality and helps in learning to resolve life’s problems without being overwhelmed by emotion.

Acquiring knowledge: A factually accurate understanding of the world is a key component of a mature intellect.

Collaboration: The historical and modern norm for intellectual work is often collaboration, as seen in scientific and artistic endeavors, where people work together to create something.

Reading is strongly linked to intellect, as it enhances both fluid and crystallized intelligence by building knowledge and improving brain function through neural pathway development. It strengthens vocabulary and comprehension, increases problem-solving skills, and fosters emotional intelligence. While reading can improve intelligence, the ability to read itself is a separate skill from general intelligence, as some individuals with superior intellect may struggle with specific reading challenges like dyslexia

How reading improves intellect

Increases knowledge and vocabulary: Reading exposes you to new terms, ideas, and facts, increasing your crystallized intelligence.

Enhances problem-solving: It helps you detect patterns and make connections, boosting your fluid intelligence.

Develops the brain: Reading creates new neural pathways and strengthens existing ones, leading to clearer and more creative thinking.

Boosts emotional intelligence: Engaging with stories and characters helps you understand and manage emotions, leading to better social interactions.

Improves reading skills: It strengthens skills like phonological awareness, which is the ability to reason about the sounds in language, and improves reading speed and fluency

The relationship between reading and intelligence

• Reading is a learned skill that relies on repurposing specific brain regions for processing language and recognizing letters.
• Studies show that reading ability is a significant predictor of later intelligence, especially verbal intelligence.
• However, some individuals with high general intelligence may face difficulties with reading, a condition known as a specific reading disability or dyslexia, demonstrating that reading ability and intelligence are not identical. 

References

 – The paradoxical relationship between intelligence and reading disability

P G Aaron

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4094867/

 – Cotrugli Business School

Professor Mike George

https://cotrugli.org/the-mind-and-intellect