Many people believe that the richest 10 percent are significantly smarter or more hard-working than people less wealthy than them. This is particularly prevalent among opinions of the ultra-rich, where some look to billionaires for guidance in all walks of life. But are they actually more intelligent than the rest of us?
A new study suggests the answer is no: the elite may actually be just like us when it comes to intelligence, though there is some correlation between success and intelligence before you reach the big leagues. According to a study of almost 60,000 men, there is a strong relationship between intelligence and wage until it reaches above €60,000 ($64,000) a year, where the correlation becomes almost negligible. Strikingly, those in the top 1 percent were found to be potentially less smart than those close behind them, indicating ultra-success could be due to something different entirely.
The Link Between Intelligence and Economic Success
Previous literature has linked intelligence with economic success but hasn’t considered the relative ability of top earners. The researchers sought to explore this by looking at data taken from Swedish military conscripts, who had cognitive scores and labor information available.
In total, almost 59,400 men around the age of 40 were followed using 11 years’ worth of labor market data, as well as a series of cognitive, physical, and psychological test scores taken when they were younger. These tests were compared against their wages and job “prestige” between ages 35-45 to look for any links.
The Plateau Effect of Intelligence on Wages
The results showed an expected increase in wage and prestige as cognitive ability rose, but then a plateau as the wages reached the top end.
At €60,000 a year, there ceased to be any differences in ability between those earning above and below it, and intelligence did not increase above 70 prestige (doctors, lawyers, etc.). They also found the top 1 percent scored slightly worse on cognitive ability tests than those in the income level beneath them.
Limitations and Call for Further Research
The study is limited in a number of ways, particularly in the lack of diversity in the sample. Limiting the analysis to only men lessens how well the results can be translated to the wider population, and the authors welcome further research with more diverse samples. The study was published in the European Sociological Review.
Other Research on the Link Between Intelligence and Success
The study discussed above challenges the notion that the wealthiest individuals are inherently smarter. However, it’s important to note that this is just one piece of research in a complex field. Other studies have explored the relationship between intelligence and success from different angles.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals with higher cognitive abilities tend to have higher levels of job performance and income. This suggests that intelligence does play a role in achieving success, but the relationship may not be as straightforward as previously thought.
Similarly, research from the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London found that individuals with higher levels of intelligence tend to have better health outcomes and live longer lives. This can be attributed to factors such as making healthier lifestyle choices and better access to resources.
It’s worth considering that while intelligence may be a contributing factor to success, it is certainly not the sole determinant. Factors such as motivation, personality traits, opportunity, and luck can also play significant roles in an individual’s achievements.
Different Measures of Success
When discussing the link between intelligence and success, it’s important to consider how success is defined. While financial wealth is often used as a measure of success, it is by no means the only indicator of accomplishment.
Success can be viewed through various lenses, including:
Personal fulfillment
Professional achievements
Social impact
Creative endeavors.
It’s essential to broaden our perspective and recognize that intelligence can contribute to success in different domains, beyond just monetary wealth.
For example, Nobel laureates, renowned artists, and influential thinkers are often celebrated for their intellectual contributions to society. These individuals may not be the wealthiest, but their intelligence and creativity have had a profound impact on their respective fields.
Tips for Achieving Success
Whether or not intelligence plays a significant role in achieving success, there are certain principles and habits that can increase your chances of reaching your goals:
Continuous Learning: Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and never stop learning. Embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Set Goals: Clearly define your objectives, both short-term and long-term. Create actionable plans to work towards achieving them.
Resilience: Success often involves overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Develop resilience and learn from failures along the way.
Network: Build meaningful connections with individuals who can support and inspire you. Collaborate and learn from others in your field.
Take Risks: Be open to taking calculated risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Growth often occurs when we challenge ourselves.
Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural part of the journey towards success. Learn from your mistakes and use them as stepping stones towards improvement.
Signs of Intellectual Role Models
While financial success may not be the sole indicator of intelligence, there are certain qualities and behaviors that can help identify intellectual role models:
Critical Thinking: Intellectual role models possess strong critical thinking skills. They analyze situations, consider multiple perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions.
Innovation: Look for individuals who challenge conventional thinking and bring fresh ideas to the table. Intellectual role models often push boundaries and inspire others to think creatively.
Curiosity: Intellectual role models have a genuine thirst for knowledge. They are curious about the world around them and actively seek out new information and experiences.
Emotional Intelligence: Intellectual role models possess a high degree of emotional intelligence. They are empathetic, self-aware, and skilled at managing relationships.
Effective Communication: Look for individuals who can articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Intellectual role models have the ability to inspire and engage others through their words.
Philosophical Reflection: Intellectual role models often reflect on deep questions, challenge assumptions, and engage in philosophical discussions about life, society, and the world.
A Holistic Perspective on Success
When considering success, it’s crucial to adopt a holistic perspective that goes beyond financial wealth. Success can be defined and achieved in various ways, including personal fulfillment, professional accomplishments, and social impact.
Intellectual role models can provide inspiration and guidance, but it’s important to look beyond monetary wealth as the sole measure of intelligence or success. By embracing continuous learning, setting goals, building resilience, and seeking out meaningful connections, individuals can work towards their own personal definitions of success.
So, as you navigate your own path toward success, remember to take a nuanced approach, value different forms of accomplishment, and never underestimate the power of your own intelligence and hard work.
Sources:
– European Sociological Review
– Journal of Applied Psychology
– University of Edinburgh
The post The Ultra-Rich May Actually Be Less Intelligent Than Lower-Paid People, Study Finds appeared first on Healthy Holistic Living.
Many people believe that the richest 10 percent are significantly smarter or more hard-working than people less wealthy than them. This is particularly prevalent among opinions of the ultra-rich, where some look to billionaires for guidance in all walks of life. But are they actually more intelligent than the rest of us?
