Intelligence is incredibly valued in this day and age. And it’s a touchy topic. Like it or not, many of us would probably feel insulted if someone said we were outright dumb or not quite as smart as we think we are. But it’s sometimes hard to know what people mean when they talk about intelligence.
Are they thinking about raw IQ, innate talent, a good memory, and a penchant for solving puzzles? Do they mean living wisely? Or perhaps being incredibly successful in life (however you define it)? Do they have in mind folks who are studious, disciplined, and well-read? Or maybe they’re subtly hinting at social or emotional intelligence?
For instance, if you’re looking specifically at success as measured by wealth, it’s not always the brainiest of the bunch that hit the jackpot. Instead, chance plays a core role here.
In one of the best-titled articles, well, ever—“If you’re so smart, why aren’t you rich?”—the MIT Technology Review argues that the most successful, wealthiest people aren’t the most talented ones. They’re “just the luckiest” ones. At least, based on the work done on a computer model of wealth creation by Alessandro Pluchino and his colleagues at the University of Catania.
“The maximum success never coincides with the maximum talent, and vice-versa,” according to the researchers. “It is evident that the most successful individuals are also the luckiest ones. And the less successful individuals are also the unluckiest ones.”
Extrapolating from this, the best strategy for funding scientists, for instance, would be to give everyone equal funding. Just in case they accidentally make a big discovery. And just because one scientist got lucky before doesn't make it more likely that they'll get lucky again.
Cognitive intelligence, directly associated with IQ (intelligence quotient) and so-called ‘book smarts,’ mainly focuses on visual and spatial processing, knowledge of the world, fluid reasoning, working memory, short-term memory, and quantitative reasoning. Your cognitive intelligence affects your academic performance, expertise, critical thinking, and logic.
Meanwhile, according to Verywell Mind, emotional intelligence (EQ), aka ‘street smarts,’ revolves around your ability to perceive, control, evaluate, and express emotions. This includes understanding how other people feel, as well as your ability to self-regulate, and using emotions for social communication. In a nutshell, your EQ is directly correlated to your empathy, self-awareness, and relationships.
Having a high IQ is, of course, an advantage. Typically, it means that you’ll do well in school, potentially earn more money, and live a healthier lifestyle. That being said, being book-smart won’t necessarily mean that you’re successful or happy.
Your ability to get along with other people is phenomenally important. These days, many companies check applicants’ EQ scores and even organize EQ training courses. Generally, people with strong leadership and managerial potential tend to be more emotionally intelligent.
The good thing is that everyone can improve both their IQ and EQ. A few ways that you can improve your IQ, according to Verywell Mind, include things like:
- Practicing memory activities, and doing puzzles and concentration games;
- Improving your reasoning skills by playing games that rely on higher-order reasoning;
- Building your relational skills by reading and making comparisons between things;
- Learning a new language.
Meanwhile, here are a few ways to boost your EQ:
- Build your self-awareness by focusing on how you feel and observing your emotions;
- Keep a journal so that you better understand yourself;
- Put in the effort to empathize with someone. Put yourself in their shoes and consider how they might feel;
- Approach situations with more of an open mind and less judgment so you consider new ideas and perspectives;
- Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future.
