Acharya Prashant addresses the debate between IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) by first defining their domains. He explains that what is called intelligence, or IQ, pertains mostly to the thinking self and thoughts. In contrast, EQ relates to emotions and feelings. He asserts that in any conflict between thoughts and feelings, feelings will invariably win because feeling is the very source of thought. Emotions always take precedence over thoughts, dictating them and even constructing arguments to support themselves. Therefore, EQ is fundamentally more important and powerful than IQ. The speaker elaborates that a person with a high IQ who is ignorant of their emotions is a dangerous individual, both to themselves and to others. This is because their great power of thought will be in the hands of their "dark emotions"—emotions that arise from an unknown, unseen place within. He illustrates this with an example of a brilliant researcher who, if filled with hatred, jealousy, or anger, will use their technological creations, which are products of thought, to serve these destructive emotions. This underscores the primacy of EQ over IQ. Acharya Prashant then introduces a third, superior quotient: SQ (Spiritual Quotient). He distinguishes SQ from IQ and EQ by stating that while IQ and EQ are largely given by birth and nature and are difficult to change, SQ is a choice. It is the conscious decision to know oneself. This process of self-inquiry, or the desire for self-knowledge, is what can bring light to one's fundamental biological tendencies. These tendencies manifest as emotions, which in turn control one's thoughts. Ultimately, the hierarchy presented is that self-inquiry (SQ) can illuminate and manage one's tendencies and emotions (EQ), and by doing so, it also governs one's thoughts (IQ). If a person finds they are unable to control their emotions, experiencing mood swings or getting hurt easily despite knowing better, what they require is self-knowledge. By understanding the origin of one's emotions through self-inquiry, it becomes easier to maintain a distance from them. When emotions are not empowered, they lose their power to control thoughts.