Implications of a World with the Average IQ of 180

IQ scores are always discussed in academic and cultural contexts, often with varying opinions. The hypothetical scenario of an average IQ of 180 brings with it many interesting and thought-provoking possibilities. While it's impossible to accurately predict due to the individual variability of intelligence, this article explores some potential implications.

Challenges and Feasibility

Firstly, it is important to note that achieving an average IQ of 180 would be a highly unlikely scenario. IQ scores are calculated on a bell curve, and having an average intelligence so far above the norm would make it challenging to justify the calculation method used today. However, for the sake of discussion, let's imagine a world where this hypothetical scenario transpires.

Changes in Society

Based on the assumption that the average IQ of the population would indeed be 180, several profound changes could occur in society:

Reduced Interest in Certain Activities

With such a high average intelligence, people would likely show less interest in activities like sports, gambling, and hard drugs. This doesn't necessarily mean that these activities would disappear but rather that they would become less prevalent or less sensational among the general population. Instead, more people might focus on intellectual pursuits, scientific endeavors, and creative hobbies.

Increased Focus on Ethical and Rational Thinking

A smart world would likely see a greater emphasis on ethical and rational thinking. People would be more likely to analyze and question the implications of their actions and decisions. This could lead to a significant reduction in crime rates, as individuals would be more inclined to think about the long-term consequences of their actions. Instead of impulsive behaviors driven by immediate gratification, there would be a greater focus on achieving holistic well-being and long-term societal benefit.

Expertise Overlap and Frustration

Another potential outcome of a universally intelligent population would be the overlap of ideas and expertise. As everyone possesses a high level of intelligence, individuals might claim to have unique insights into various topics, leading to constant debate and challenge to each other's ideas. This could create a dynamic intellectual environment but might also result in frustration and conflict as expressions of knowledge become more common.

Health and Mental Well-being

In such a world, we could expect significant improvements in mental health and a reduction in classical mental illnesses such as schizophrenia (SCZ) spectrum disorders. The lack of direct suffering resulting from an increased human-nature distance would contribute to a meta-stable global society. However, this stability might be challenged by the rapid emergence of super-powerful AI, which could introduce new complexities to societal structures and ethical dilemmas.

Analogous Experiment

A similar scenario was explored in the fictional world of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. While the exact circumstances differ, the concept of a highly educated and intelligent population facing unique challenges provides valuable insights. Mr. Newborn's observations highlight the complexities of such a situation, where advanced education might lead to heightened awareness of societal issues and challenges, yet practical problems persist.

Conclusion

The hypothetical world with an average IQ of 180 presents a fascinating alternative to our current reality. While it is speculative, the exploration of such a scenario allows us to question and better understand the implications of varying levels of intelligence on societal structures and individual behavior. It is clear that a world where intelligence is the norm would bring about significant changes, both positive and challenging.

Related Topics

Further reading on related topics might include discussions on the IQ bell curve, the human potential for intelligence, and the impact of artificial intelligence.