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How Your Nation's IQ Matters So Much More Than Your Own

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A new book argues that the average IQ of a nation is a much better predictor of its economic success than the IQ of its individual citizens.

Hive Mind: How Your Nation’s IQ Matters So Much More Than Your Own

by Garett Jones

4.2 out of 5

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The book, titled "The Intelligence of Nations," is written by Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen. Lynn is a professor of psychology at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, and Vanhanen is a professor of political science at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

Lynn and Vanhanen argue that IQ is a key factor in economic development because it is a measure of a person's cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and memory. These abilities are essential for success in school, work, and life in general.

The authors also argue that IQ is a heritable trait, meaning that it is passed down from parents to children. This means that the average IQ of a nation is largely determined by the genetic makeup of its population.

Lynn and Vanhanen's research has found that there is a strong correlation between the average IQ of a nation and its economic development. For example, countries with high average IQs tend to have higher levels of economic growth, productivity, and innovation.

The authors also found that the average IQ of a nation is a better predictor of its economic success than other factors, such as the level of education or the amount of natural resources.

Lynn and Vanhanen's research has been controversial, but it has sparked a renewed debate about the role of IQ in economic development. Some critics have argued that the authors' research is flawed, and that IQ is not as important as other factors, such as culture and institutions.

However, other researchers have supported Lynn and Vanhanen's findings. A study published in the journal "Intelligence" found that the average IQ of a nation is a significant predictor of its economic growth, even after controlling for other factors.

The debate over the role of IQ in economic development is likely to continue. However, Lynn and Vanhanen's research has provided strong evidence that IQ is a key factor in a nation's economic success.

Implications for Policy

Lynn and Vanhanen's research has implications for policy. If IQ is a key factor in economic development, then governments should take steps to improve the average IQ of their populations.

One way to do this is to invest in education. Education can help to improve cognitive abilities, and it can also lead to higher levels of economic growth. Another way to improve the average IQ of a population is to encourage immigration from countries with high average IQs.

However, it is important to note that IQ is not the only factor that contributes to economic success. Other factors, such as culture and institutions, also play a role.

Therefore, governments should not focus exclusively on IQ when developing policies to promote economic growth. However, IQ is a key factor that should be taken into account.

Lynn and Vanhanen's research has shown that the average IQ of a nation is a much better predictor of its economic success than the IQ of its individual citizens. This has implications for policy, as governments should take steps to improve the average IQ of their populations.

Hive Mind: How Your Nation’s IQ Matters So Much More Than Your Own

by Garett Jones

4.2 out of 5