Oct 28 2008
Are You A Genius?
Today’s IQ tests are largely discredited as a true mark of intelligence, as they don’t measure drive, application or emotional intelligence – which are aspects of a person’s ability to perform. A large body of research over the years has shown that IQ indicates a person’s ability to think in complex and abstract terms and to learn quickly. In terms of a job, however, IQ is a good indicator of how well an employee will perform (you can take the test here).
If your score is high, which commonly is anything around the score of 120 to 130, embrace your ability, which means don’t hide that you’re smart. Take care not to brag, but when you think about your own mind, feel good about it.
Use your intelligence, because it is a power, and use it for good. Solve a complex traffic problem. Chart weather patterns. Benchmark human resources in a company. Begin a company and nurture it from the ground up. Don’t sit back and let life be easy because your mind makes it so. Take on more.
Trust your mind. Ask questions, especially of experts. The point of intelligent people in this world is to question accepted conventions, and to think laterally where others may only have thought on a single plain. This is the benefit of human complexity. And on that note: find kindred spirits so that they may encourage and help you build on your gifts. Your intelligence may make you feel like you’re an island. But there are others like you out there and it’s your responsibility to find them.
If you’re frustrated with society’s institutions, such as schools, colleges or corporations; consider going it alone. If you’re a self-motivated learner, your work will be more relevant if you’re not held back by strictures that don’t apply to you. But remember to give yourself a break: no genius is a genius all the time, just like an idiot isn’t an idiot all the time. Maintain an even strain and you’ll get more from your mind.
And last of all; find the right person to love you. One of the signature characteristics of geniuses, according to Dr. Marty Nemko writing for US News, is that they use their brains during most of the time that they’re awake. Average people, after a 40-hour work week, are more likely to turn to mindless activities, like watching TV. So you need someone patient and loving who’s going to understand why you’re reading yet another dissertation at 11pm, instead of watching Heroes on TV with her.