The graph below shows the distribution of IQ across the human population. The shaded region shows that 84% of humans have an IQ less than 115, while 2.4% of people are above 130 and separated in IQ from half the population by more than two standard deviations.
This very significant difference in IQ means that people of iQ above 130 usually have different interests, different ways of interpreting the world, and different beliefs. People with IQs in the shaded area often share similar interests, and arrive at their beliefs by absorbing the consensus of the tribes to which they belong. This enables them to self-reference in order to understand how most people think.
The people with IQ above 130 are the outliers. Since they usually don’t share the same interests, world view or tribal loyalties as the majority, they are often less able to empathize with others and often have difficulties in social relationships. For that reason, so-called “nerds” are most comfortable hanging out with other “nerds,” as depicted in the sitcom Big Bang Theory. They live in a world that is made to accommodate the majority, so they suffer the same challenges that the disabled faced in the days before ramps and special parking spaces.
While many of the gifted endure these social challenges, some use their intelligence to study other people and learn some basic social skills. Consequently, there are many high IQ people who are very personable and quite comfortable in social situations. However, most highly intelligent people are introverts and usually prefer to be engaged in pursuing a special interest rather than participating widely in social gatherings.
