It is unlikely that anyone of average IQ could solve the Poincaré conjecture. Before attempting a solution, a person would have to invest years of study to acquire the background necessary to understand what’s involved. Then a great deal of abstract thinking, involving very high-order thinking skills would be required. The mathematicians, Freedman, Smale, and ultimately Grigory Perelman who solved the conjecture were first rate mathematicians with very high fluid intelligence (IQ) and years of mathematical training (crystallized intelligence). It’s not a matter of time, just as few people could break the record for the 100m dash no matter how long they trained.
