Assistant Village Idiot
2007-07-31 07:44:49
IQ does measure a real g-factor of intelligence, in the sense of raw brain power. I liken it to height in basketball: it’s an advantage, everyone would like a little more, but the tallest players are not always the best players. As william jonas notes, other skills come into play which are often more important.
The myth that people of medium-high-IQ, like Mensa members, are any more likely to be incompetent at daily tasks is envious nonsense. There is certainly some social dysfunction at the highest levels because of the increased number of Asperger-y folks, but even that is oversold.
As to the arrogance of Mensa members, its commonness has certainly been noted by others, though it is hardly universal.
