Rethinking Intelligence: The Real Impact of Being Smart

[Anderson]

Audio version of the post:

 

Imagine being faced with the choice of being smart or foolish. Who in their right mind would choose foolishness? From a young age, we are taught that being smart is good, and being foolish is bad. Rarely are we praised with "You little fool," unless it's in jest. Instead, we're often praised with "You clever one." This idea carries an obvious implication: if you're smart, you'll succeed in anything you do. And let's not forget, women supposedly prefer smart men over just handsome, brave, or ambitious ones. This very channel is dedicated to intellectual content, and you're likely here to exercise your brain.

The internet is flooded with articles and videos on how to become smarter and develop your intellect. It seems we fear being foolish, as if it dooms us to unhappiness, poverty, and loneliness. However, things aren't that black and white. In this video, we’ll explore whether you can become smarter while sitting on the toilet, how intelligence and foolishness affect our happiness and success, and why hitting the gym might be better for your brain than playing chess.

Intelligence vs. Wisdom

Let's clarify what we mean by "intelligence." Often, intelligence and wisdom are used interchangeably, but they can be different. Intelligence typically refers to the cognitive abilities of our brain, encompassing logic, memory, learning, planning, abstract thinking, creativity, and critical thinking. It's the brain's ability to solve a wide range of problems.

But why do some people not fully utilize their intelligence? It's not necessarily because they're foolish, but because their everyday tasks don't require solving a wide range of problems. Meanwhile, those we deem smart often do use their full intellectual potential because their professions demand it.

Myths and Misconceptions About IQ

So, how do we measure intelligence? Commonly, through IQ tests. While many argue that IQ tests are not comprehensive and focus mainly on logic, have you ever taken a genuine IQ test? Most online IQ tests are rubbish. True IQ tests measure various cognitive abilities and are much more comprehensive than the simplified versions you find online.

The Wechsler Test

Among the real IQ tests, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is considered the most reliable. It assesses multiple cognitive domains: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Each category contains subtests that thoroughly evaluate different intellectual capabilities. This test must be administered by a qualified professional under strict conditions to ensure accuracy.

Intelligence and Longevity

Research shows a strong correlation between higher IQ and longer life expectancy. A Swedish study of over a million 18-year-old men found that those with higher IQs had significantly lower mortality rates over a 20-year period. The difference in death rates between the highest and lowest IQ groups was threefold, particularly in causes like poisoning, fire, falls, drowning, and traffic accidents.

Happiness and Intelligence

Contrary to the stereotype of the "tortured genius," higher IQs are associated with lower incidences of mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. People with higher IQs also report greater life satisfaction. However, factors like social engagement, physical activity, and financial stability can significantly mitigate the influence of IQ on happiness. It's sometimes better to be active and engaged than simply intelligent but inactive.

Can You Get Smarter?

While playing brain games and solving puzzles can temporarily boost your cognitive skills, these effects are often short-lived. The idea that playing chess or doing Sudoku will make you permanently smarter is a myth. However, physical exercise has been shown to improve brain health and cognitive function significantly. Regular physical activity can boost your IQ and enhance your overall brain performance.

Conclusion

Being smart is undeniably beneficial. Intelligence correlates with better health, higher earnings, and greater life satisfaction. But, it's important to note that being active and engaged in life is equally important. For those who may not be exceptionally intelligent, engaging in physical exercise and social activities can still lead to a fulfilling and successful life. 

Remember, intelligence is not the sole determinant of success. Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to take action often play just as crucial a role. So, don’t just focus on being smart; be active, stay engaged, and never stop learning.

[Monk]

@Monk Given the strong correlation between success & intelligence discussed in the text, do you think intelligence is the most key factor for achieving success in life?

Edited July 29 by Monk

[Anderson]

Let's see - no doubt that intelligence is a significant thing, it's not the sole determinant of success. Personal experience and numerous studies suggest:

Other factors like perseverance, emotional intelligence & social skills are equally vital. For instance, I know several highly intelligent individuals who struggled professionally because they lacked interpersonal skills. Conversely, people with average IQs but exceptional emotional intelligent skills, communicational and social often excel in their careers.

[Olga]

The text mentions the limitations of IQ tests. Intelligence can be measured through various means beyond traditional IQ tests, such as emotional intelligence assessments, creativity tests, and problem-solving tasks. Personally, I find that real-world problem-solving and adaptability are the true measures of intelligence. For example, someone who can navigate complex social situations or creatively solve unexpected problems at work demonstrates a type of intelligence that standard tests might not capture.

[Super]

The text suggests that physical exercise can enhance cognitive function. Have you experienced or observed the benefits of exercise on mental sharpness?

[Anderson]

@Super Absolutely! Regular physical exercise has significantly improved my mental clarity and focus. After starting a consistent workout routine, I noticed better memory retention and quicker problem-solving abilities. This is backed by research showing that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of new neurons. It's a reminder that a healthy body truly supports a healthy mind.

[Monk]

Contrary to the "tortured genius" stereotype, the text indicates that higher IQ correlates with lower rates of mental disorders. In your opinion, are smarter people generally happier?

[Olga]

@Monk In my experience, intelligence alone doesn't guarantee happiness. While higher IQ individuals might have fewer mental health issues, happiness often depends on other factors like social connections, a sense of purpose, and emotional well-being. I've met incredibly smart people who are unhappy because they feel isolated or lack fulfillment in their lives. Conversely, people with average intelligence who have strong relationships and pursue their passions often seem much happier.

[Super]

The post touches on common perceptions about intelligence. How do these perceptions influence the opportunities people pursue and their overall life choices?

[Anderson]

Perceptions about intelligence can greatly shape the paths people take in life. For instance, those labeled as "not smart" might steer clear of challenging academic or career opportunities, believing they are beyond their reach. This can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals limit their own potential based on external opinions. On the other hand, individuals constantly praised for their intelligence may feel pressured to meet high expectations, sometimes at the cost of their mental well-being. I’ve seen friends who excelled in school but later struggled with the immense pressure to maintain that standard in their careers, leading to burnout.

[Olga]

Considering the discussion about intelligence and success, how have social and emotional skills become essential in today’s world?

[Anderson]

@Olga In today's interconnected and collaborative environment, social and emotional skills are indispensable. They enable individuals to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, build strong relationships, and lead effectively. For example, in my own career, I’ve noticed that those who excel in communication, empathy, and emotional regulation often outperform those with purely intellectual prowess. A former manager of mine, not necessarily the most technically skilled, was incredibly effective because he could inspire and manage his team with empathy and insight. This underscores how emotional intelligence can drive success in ways that raw intellectual ability alone cannot.