A forum for discussion ideas
Yes, there are many concepts in mathematics, philosophy, physics and psychology that may be intellectually inaccessible to all humans. One of the oldest and most fundamental questions that has confounded philosophers from ancient times is the question of “first cause.” That is, did the universe exist forever or was it created? If it was created, …
This is a difficult question to answer because intelligence has many facets. Today’s youth are much more adept, on average, than those of previous generations in using technology and in working cooperatively with others to find answers to their problems. However, they are not as proficient, on average, as the Baby Boomer generation in arithmetic, …
In November 15, 1927, Einstein’s long tribute to Newton on the bicentenary anniversary of his death, began with the statement: One’s thoughts cannot but turn to this shining spirit, who pointed out, as none before or after him did, the path of Western thought and research and practical construction. He was not only an inventor …
Did Einstein ever say that Newton was more Intelligent than He? Read More »
We can observe the evolution of personality changes that accompany changes in intelligence by watching young children evolve into adults. Young children live in an egocentric world. While they learn at a prodigious rate, they live on a roller coaster of emotion. They scream with joy as they plunge into the swimming pool and wail …
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 …
