4 ms·
Seemingly more plausible explanation: some form of underlying "individual biological healthiness" predicts both IQ and longevity. Otherwise, you need to make t
by yobbo 4y ago
Seemingly more plausible explanation: some form of underlying "individual biological healthiness" predicts both IQ and longevity.
Otherwise, you need to make the argument that IQ enables people to make better choices, but until recently in history human biology was a mystery to even the most educated. The famous "food pyramid", for example, promoted a high-carb diet and did not favour health or longevity.
Such underlying factors could be caused by random conditions; illnesses, environment, sleep habits, or very early in life - even in womb?
- mjburgess 4y agoOr there is no direct causation: people who make choices which are long-life-ish tend to be those with higher-IQ. Why? Because, jointly with IQ, also correlates wealth (etc.).
- Talinx 4y agoIt would be interesting to measure IQ in childhood and 20 or 30 years later to see how many people have a significantly lower IQ as adults because of poor health choices.
- 8note 4y agoOr local pollution? Hasn't that been studied with leaded gas and paints?
- oneoff786 4y agoSeems like the most likely idea to me. It seems hard to imagine that health doesn’t gradually accrue changes in iq.