I tend to be a critic of IQ and (non-applied) psychology in general, but there must be something of value here. I've experienced something similar to what is d

I tend to be a critic of IQ and (non-applied) psychology in general, but there must be something of value here. I've experienced something similar to what is described here, and I know many others who experience it too. The highly intelligent people I've known who are also high achievers tend to have an exceptional work ethic, and yes many (but not all!) come from relatively privileged backgrounds. Communication problems may in some cases be linked to autism spectrum disorders, but in other cases highly intelligent people are actually exceptional communicators. However, I would agree with those who point out that intelligence is manifold and encompasses far more than the narrow logical puzzles found in IQ tests. Some people who are not even remotely 'book smart' seem to possess acute intelligence of another kind. Disclosure: Yes, I read Nassim Nicholas Taleb (who is pretty popular here I think).