“Character is higher than intellect... A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.”

An intellect not subsumed under a Virtue tempered character is a rogue intellect.

Emerson here distinguishes the being’s tangible substance or essential nature from mere façade and imagery / intellect as thought process(s). The attributes, which would describe a moral excellence and firmness, traits of mental, spiritual and manifest integrity and truth / honesty vs. mere information are greater than empty scholastics. The constituent(s) or element(s) that are love, truth, knowledge (vs. gathered information or data) and faith far exceed the otherwise frivolous religions, politics and philosophies of the carnal man.

It's not so much what I know, but how I apply it.  Just like any power or weapon, how I wield it matters more than possessing the power itself.

Be honest with yourself, then walk honestly among men. This, then provides good conscience before an ever present Creator.
Charity of mind, humility before honor. will get the job done. As charity covers a multitude of sins, then seek to live at peace with all men. Knowledge is power, avoid foolish and unlearned questions that gender strife.