Posted on 05/22/2018 1:02:49 PM PDT by fwdude
I know that FReepers tend to be the most intelligent people on the planet, if not the salt-of-the-earth, generous beings in existence. So, does anyone give any veracity to IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test scores? Has anyone had theirs tested?
Any FReepers who are members of Mensa?
Reason I'm asking is that I've never (knowingly) had mine tested. Also, a friend who is really down on himself needs a pick-me-up, and I'm going to mention having his IQ tested as an ego boost, since I know he's at least average.
I know this score is mostly irrelevant as far as competence, but just wanted to pick your brains ?:)
Just like any other bell curve, having a higher IQ is a positive until the peak -— and then it is all down hill when it comes to communication and interpersonal relationships. Life is so much easier when you don’t notice, recognize, and/or understand the myriad of events, sequences, and interactions happening all around minute by minute on this whirling swirling world.
I scored high on IQ tests when I was a kid, and there’s no doubt it has helped me throughout my life, including having my BS degree fully funded. No doubt it was a huge ego booster because everyone was in awe about how smart I seemed to be. I eventually destroyed enough brain cells with drugs and alcohol that now my IQ is probably moderately above average, but I’m 65, retired, and no longer have a need to impress anyone.
Just curious: what if your friend tests only average on the test? Would that deflate his morale? Just asking...I’m convinced that there are different kinds of intelligence, including emotional and social IQs that may not show up on a standardized test. For example, my wife is not good with logic, but has exceptional social skills I, on the other hand, would be lucky to score average on a social skills test, and that would be now, after I’ve spent a good portion of my adult life learning how to play well with others.
The 12 Rules for Life is a good book.
I think that was Groucho Marx....................
And if you are, you won't.
Like Sheldon on Big Bang Theory multiplied by a hundred..................
As far as I am concerned, IQ should not be an ego booster for anyone. What does matter is what you do with the IQ you have. A high IQ is a gift, not an accomplishment.
Years ago, I witnessed the work that a young man with Down’s Syndrome did at a fast-food restaurant in keeping the dining area spotless. I praised him highly not to make him feel good but because he deserved it!
The first year I taught (many moons ago), I had the IQ of every student in my classes, mostly college freshmen and sophomores. (I suppose that such information is now verboten.) Anyway, most fell in a range from mid 90s to 120. They were intelligent enough to do college work and pass the exams. It did seem easier for the higher IQ students but I never discounted the ones who applied disciplined effort to the course because determination could always overcome a few missing IQ points.
I only recall one student who was below 80. I assume he got into the school because he was the starting center on the football team. Trying to put it diplomatically, he reminded me of Goober Pyle. ;o)
Now we tell our friends our cholesterol LDL and HDL numbers for fun.......................
Don’t buy into Mensa. Christopher Hitchens took them apart years ago; one of the stupidest men I have ever known (although a good bridge player) was a member. I think IQ tests are accurate but I wouldn’t administer one to an adult with low self esteem.
Thanks! At first I thought it was Edison, then recalled that the reference I had read was Einstein. The language is decidedly different, but I suppose it’s not surprising that great minds think alike, nor that great minds are very aware of their limitations ;)
My take on high intelligence is that unless it’s used wisely, it’s more frivolous than beauty. With beauty, it at least brighten’s up a moment for everyone who sees them or it in the case of a work of art or a sunset. . .
Ah, Mensa, mensa (Italian … get it?)
High IQ means ...
1. You are good at test-taking.
2. You are smarter than average. But if you apply that smartness poorly, it won’t help you much.
I was a dedicated pot head through highschool. Took the SAT one Saturday morning completely baked. After a Friday night of heavy partying.
Got an invite in the mail based on my score. Joined, as a lark. Rippy jeans longhair stoner Mensan!
Quit when they raised the membership fee to $50. Never attended anything, but would impress the stoner chics with my Mensa card. While passing the weed :)
LOL! And I graduated Thankya Laude.
All I know is they told me 63 was pretty dang good.
Yours is the most useful post so far.
I was more thinking about boosting my resumé with such a distinction.
I read something many years ago and it is amusing how accurate it turned out to be.
All boys played high school football.
All girls could have married the most popular guy in school.
All guys could run the 100 really fast.
Everyone has a high IQ but they just don’t want to brag.
I read something many years ago and it is amusing how accurate it turned out to be.
All boys played high school football.
All girls could have married the most popular guy in school.
All guys could run the 100 really fast.
Everyone has a high IQ but they just don’t want to brag.
I'm a big believer in "EQ"..... Emotional Quotient
I know people in MENSA. And, I know a few who couldn't get in the door, but possess the ability to charm ANYONE, ANYTIME to acquire ANYTHING.
If I could trade a few points of my IQ for a few more EQ, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.