The evolution of science a few centuries ago has enhanced the value of rational thought. In earlier eras before science became our main source of information, we filled the vacuum of knowledge with superstition. We believed in witches, soothsayers and eternal punishment in Hell. Today, most people in the educated world are less likely to …
This is an important question that has been a focus of the human resources departments of high tech companies in recent decades. In 1993, Forbes journalist Richard Karlgaard, in a conversation with Bill Gates asked, “What Microsoft competitor worries you most?” Without hesitation, Gates responded, “Goldman Sachs.” When Karlgaard responded with surprise that Gates named …
Although IQ tests provide the best estimate of intelligence that we have, they have limitations that result from the fact that these tests are usually administered over a short period of time. Though they measure short term memory, pattern recognition, concept acquisition, short term problem solving etc., they cannot measure all the dimensions of intelligence …
Intelligence, like athleticism, is generally considered to be a positive trait, because it increases the options available to you for career, choice of spouse, and perhaps, access to a wider variety of social groups. However, there are significant advantages to having average intelligence. The world is designed for people who are considered “normal” in height, …
It took a long time for Einstein’s ideas to gain acceptance. His first paper on his Special Theory of Relativity was published in 1905, when he was 26 years old. It was the same year he received his Ph.D. Einstein’s assertion that time was not absolute ran against Newton’s assumption that had stood for more …
More than two thousand years ago, Plato stated, “A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men.” In that quote, Plato is expressing his observation that “wise men” or geniuses exist, but only a fraction …
An aptitude test of middle school students asks them, “Which of these questions is mathematically different from the other two?” a) What is the approximate cost of building a fence around a rectangular swimming pool that is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide if fencing costs $10 per foot? b) What is the cost …
Intelligence is relative, rather than absolute. That is, it’s easier to discern intellectual differences in a class of primary students than to estimate the intelligence or IQ of a particular child. Elementary school teachers scanning 25 or 30 students in their classroom, observe that some children absorb ideas and master skills quickly, while others have …
The best time to begin building wisdom, intelligence and knowledge is during your early formative years, but that is no longer possible for us adults and we must settle for the second-best time–now. A popular author who was writing about education, stated that children come to school as a question mark and by the end …
What are some ways to increase wisdom, intelligence and Knowledge? Read More »
In 2005, Professor Larry Summers, President of Harvard University, stated, “The physicists in the top 25 universities in the US are probably 3.5 standard deviations above the mean IQ.” This equates to an IQ of 100 + 3.5 x 15 or 152.5. IQ is a reasonably good measure of the ability to think in abstract …
