The most commonly used instrument for measuring intelligence is the IQ test. However, intelligence is a multi-faceted human attribute that involves many dimensions, such as imagination, creativity, and long-term problem solving ability that are not measured in an IQ test. This means that judgements about intelligence, yours or someone else’s, are somewhat subjective. So, the …
Einstein had the intellectual capacity to learn mathematics at the advanced level, but in his early youth, he thought that most abstract mathematics had little use. While at the Zurich Polytechnic, he scored 5 out of 6 points in this theoretical physics courses, but only 4 out of 6 in his mathematics courses. Believing that …
The intelligence that we have when we reach adulthood is generally attributed to two factors: our DNA and our environment. For years, psychologists engaged in what was called the “nature vs. nurture” debate about the relative importance of each factor. Those on the “nurture” side of the debate argued that every human begins life as …
Absolutely! In researching biographies of more than 500 of the world’s highest achievers, I have discovered that many of the world’s richest people came from very little wealth, equipped with nothing more than a high capacity for work and a dream that they pursued with an intense, unrelenting passion. A few clips from three of …
As societies became more intellectually oriented, developing increasingly more sophisticated technologies and building the abstract skills of reading and writing, our environment became more intellectually stimulating. The difference in the cave etchings of primitive populations and the art of the Renaissance suggests an enhanced sophistication in human cognitive strength. Psychologists asked, “Is this increased sophistication …
As education becomes more widespread globally, do you see IQ scores improving as well? Read More »
Participants in the International Mathematics Olympiads (IMO) represent the brightest of the bright. They have very high SAT scores, qualify for the best university programs, and have their pick of virtually any career they wish to pursue. Having these options, do they complete a Ph.D. in mathematics and enter academe or do they move into …
Recently, the decline in the intelligence of President Joe Biden has raised questions about the mental acuity of people at advanced ages. During the 20th century, the belief that intelligence peaks early in life and goes into decline thereafter, spawned policies such as mandatory retirement at many universities. The Fields Medal, often referred to as …
To answer this question adequately would require much more space than is available on this post. Therefore, I will focus on only one example of an important approach to problem-solving that is widely employed by those of high mental function. An old adage about dealing with an intractable problem states, “Sleep on it.” For centuries, …
In responding to questions on this site, it’s my policy to avoid expressing political opinions, because the value of intellectual discourse lies in a rational discussion of ideas, rather than an attempt to persuade. So let me skate around the net and carry the puck over the blue line en route to the goal. When …
Although a high IQ and EQ are both important assets in achieving success in many endeavors, there are some high achievers who have made been able to achieve remarkable success through intense desire, tenacity and a powerful work ethic. Many of the celebrities in entertainment have attained high status through strong personal discipline and unrelenting …
