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This is a simplified argument but if you gave any adolescent group an assignment to study and argue the Talmud, then I think they'd naturally grow into inquisit
by baker0 12y ago
This is a simplified argument but if you gave any adolescent group an assignment to study and argue the Talmud, then I think they'd naturally grow into inquisitive-minded individuals well versed in critical thinking. It seems clear that the intellectual success of European Jews is directly related to their cultural upbringing and academic endeavors.
I doubt anyone has ever suggested otherwise. The fact that 27% of Nobel Prize winners in the 20th century were of Ashkenazi heritage is most likely directly related to their culture and a ton of endless hard work. We are all homo sapiens. Yes some cultures are worse off than others but I see no evidence of any genetic superiority. It's not like all these academic achievers are coyly existing on a beach in a tropical environment, barely exerting any effort, and causally changing the world of science. No, it takes a ton of effort.
(My comment is based on Watson's theory on IQ and race, and books like, The Bell Curve. And I'm not promoting religion just the critical thinking skills developed by analyzing and arguing a complicated text.)
- IndianAstronaut 12y agoAnother component in intelligence may be the parasite burden people in certain regions have. http://www.economist.com/node/16479286 http://www.economist.com/node/16479286
- deleted 12y ago[deleted]
- seekingtruth 12y agoAll I did was post a link to Jason Malloy's article "James Watson Tells the Inconvenient Truth" at the Gene Expression blog and it was flagkilled in minutes. I'd hate to see the venom that would come my way if I referenced it in real life.
- vixen99 12y agoNon Jewish, non-prize winner here! If culture and this 'ton of hard work' is such a winning strategy why hasn't it been emulated by other groups of people. The Jewish achievement is extraordinary: twelve million out of six billion winning 32% of Nobel Prizes in the 21st century! And this is supposed to be down to hard work and culture? Strange how a vast range of characteristics are known to be determined by our genes but apparently, intellectual eminence cannot possibly be linked to genes. What is remarkable is the determination with which folk set their face against considering any such interpretation. What are they scared of?