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No, but it would depend on what you mean by “smart.” All evidence indicates that the quality scientists refer to as intelligence, or g, is largely inherited, i
by gregjor 5y ago
No, but it would depend on what you mean by “smart.”
All evidence indicates that the quality scientists refer to as intelligence, or g, is largely inherited, i.e. genetic. The remainder is usually attributed to early childhood environment and development. By the time you’re old enough to think about this and post on HN you’re probably too old to budge your IQ.
“Smart” can mean educated, wise, skilled, experienced, etc., qualities that generally come from effort, practice, and getting older.
- GianFabien 5y agoThe term "smart" is very subjective. Many people with PhDs are rather forthcoming about all the things they don't know. Being able to learn complex stuff might be seen as being smart, but what use is it if you can't apply it to practical ends? Being "smart" is very contextual. So if you are smart when it comes to computers, can you fix a blocked drain? or tune a quad carbie set-up on a big V8? or even build a shed in the backyard?
- gregjor 5y agoIntelligent and educated are different qualities, in the same way that dumb and ignorant mean different things. A person can have high IQ but no education. A person with average IQ can have a PhD. Knowing how to unclog a drain or tune a V8 have more to do with practice and experience than IQ. We call those abilities skills, things you can learn and get better at.