It is widely believed that success is the prime measure to define the individual’s intellect. I personally disagree with that because success depends on many other factors. Also, different fields require different skills to succeed.
There are a lot of conditions that can prevent people from being successful, while other conditions make it easier for them. Many people can’t achieve big things in their lives or careers despite being intelligent, because of some hard conditions, such as family issues and the shortage of opportunities where they live. Other people, with less intellect and skills, can have notable success because they have better conditions and more family support, so it’s easier for them to achieve things in their lives. For instance, many people from third-world countries fail where they live, and when they move to developed countries, where there are more chances to demonstrate their capacities, they do much better and achieve great things.
Another reason is the field’s requirements. Some domains require a high level of intelligence to make things work, such as engineering. Therefore, other domains require more hard work and other practical skills, such as professional sports and cooking. For example, many athletes, as football players and fighters, achieve great things and earn first places, even though their intellect is average. Meanwhile, some scientists and researchers, with a higher IQ level, failed in innovations and projects in their field.
In conclusion, I think success is one of the measures to define a person’s intelligence, but it is unfair to limit it to only success. Especially when the person has harder conditions in their life or harder boundaries to success.