I am wondering if this question puts the cart before the horse. Can we first ask: why is intelligence the thing that makes a living being valuable and worthy of respect? What about being a part of something bigger than itself? Being consistent, strong, rooted, and durable? Being non-judgmental or generous? Happy to exist in stillness right where it is?

From the Tao Te Ching to Chris Arnade's "Dignity" I really have found many reasons to become disillusioned with "intelligence" as a virtue.