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What I am thinking about 🤔
When growing up, there were two traits that people seemed to highly value: being intelligent and attractive. If we were to pick one though, especially in the Kenyan context, intelligence would emerge as the winner. Everyone seemed to care about this smartness thing. Peers would always want to compare exam results. Parents would grill you about your school performance. When I say everyone cared, I mean EVERYONE. Your schoolmates, your parents, your parents’ friends, your cousins, your second uncle’s cousin's grandmother 😅. When you went to the village, you’d greet everyone and engage in small talk before someone (anyone) would dive in to ask- “Ulikuwa number?” [which loosely translates to “what position were you in class?”].
With this constant comparison in our society, it’s not surprising that many people are hyperaware of their perceived intelligence and how it compares to others. If you had great school grades, you were smart and you’d therefore receive lots of praise, acknowledgement and rewards. If you didn’t do very well at school, everyone would constantly remind you that you didn’t measure up. Many would even take this a step further and compare you to someone “smarter”. They would ask you why you aren’t like the smarter kid that they know.
I belong to the group of people who received constant praise and recognition. It was very uncomfortable. I always felt like this praise took away from all the hard work and diligence I put into studying. Truth is- if I didn’t study, I would fail. I tried it enough times to not want to test it out again. I however felt like there was this misconception that everything was effortless for me. I haven’t been able to shake off this feeling even as an adult. To me, intelligence seemed overrated.
So… I decided to dive into the topic of intelligence and find out whether it’s a thing. And… it’s a thing. I also realized that it can be a bit invalidating for others when I don’t recognise the privilege that comes with having this highly praised and recognized trait. It’s analogous to denying pretty privilege/beauty bias.
In the scientific community, intelligence is described as the G factor. The famous Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests usually seek to measure this G factor, which consists of various skills such as language and numerical reasoning, processing speed and reasoning abilities. There is so much about IQ that I found interesting but I won’t bore you with the details. Here are three facts that I found most intriguing1:
It doesn’t matter what kind of IQ test you take. At the core, different IQ tests are highly correlated with each other.
Standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SATs) are a good proxy for IQ measurement.
IQ tests are very accurate and highly reliable. However, outside influences such as low motivation and anxiety can affect IQ test scores.
Although I discovered that IQ is actually a legit thing, it was clear that it measured a very narrow component of intelligence. It didn’t test for important things in life such as the ability to make things work, the ability to relate to other people or self-awareness. Our definition of intelligence could be broader and richer (as shown in the chart below).
Source: 9 Types of Intelligence by Howard Gardner
I won’t get into the argument over whether intelligence (as measured by IQ tests) is more useful than other types of intelligence (especially interpersonal/intrapersonal/ emotional intelligence). The utility of different types of intelligence varies with context. At the core of it, I think we should make a point to identify, celebrate and where possible, cultivate all kinds of intelligence.
Given that the word intelligence is usually associated with logical reasoning, I’d rather think about different types of intelligence as strengths. What strengths do you think you have?
What I am listening to 🎧
Hidden Brain Podcast Episode: Why You're Smarter Than You Think | Hidden Brain Media
This podcast is what motivated today’s musing. It features Scott Barry Kaufman, a renowned cognitive scientist, who describes his experience of constantly getting low IQ scores throughout his life.
The Knowledge Project Podcast: Kunal Shah -Core Human Motivations
This is what I call high leverage content i.e. content that leaves you with so many “ahaaa” moments that you can’t help but shift some of your perspectives. Kunal talks about human nature, psychology and the Indian cultural context. The most fascinating part is how he relates these human condition elements to business and technology. For instance, he explains how India is a status-driven society and therefore, many people invest in having an impressive living room because their image is very important. He then takes this insight to create a living room renovation product and charge a premium, compared to other rooms in the home. 🤯🤯 what??
Kunal made me so curious about India’s economy, culture and tech scene. It’s all very fascinating so I’ll just share all the content I came across (it was also serendipitous):
Tyler Cowen Podcast: Barkha Dutt on the Nuances of Indian Life
Quartz India Article: Why are Indian managers so damn good?
Youtube Video: The side of India the West doesn't know about by Slidebean
Not Overthinking Podcast: The Case Against the Sexual Revolution
In this episode, two brothers (Taimur and Ali) give a summary and review of Louise Perry’s controversial book- The Case Against the Sexual Revolution. The book is literally against the feminist sexual liberation movement. It was so… different. I am still forming opinions and mulling over the discussion. I may just pick up the book.
Song on Repeat: Jireh (My Provider) by Limboblaze, Lecrae and Happi
The moment I heard this song I knew that’s it! It’s going to be on repeat for at least 3 weeks. Afrobeat, Lecrae and some good ol’ worship in the same tune? It is finished!
What I am reading 📚
Essay: Why virtue signalling is not just a vice, but an evolved tool
I detest virtue signalling i.e. expressing an opinion with the intent of showcasing morality. It seems like such an easy way out as opposed to just doing the right thing (which is usually harder). This doesn’t mean that I am free of it. I also virtue signal both consciously and subconsciously. So when I came across this article, it was a bit eye-opening. I still don’t like virtue signalling but I am trying to be less judgemental about it.
Newsletter: MarketingBS- A Review of Talent
If you are an OG subscriber, you may remember how I was excited about Tyler Cowen and Daniel Gross’ new book on Talent. If you aren’t up for reading the book, this is a great summary and review.
Ps: I didn’t read much this month because I felt like I was consuming enough non-fiction content and I couldn’t find any fiction books that grabbed my attention. I may just go back to my fave, Sefi Atta. Before I do though, please feel free to recommend light-hearted, non-global north 😆 books in the comment section or by replying to this newsletter if you are on email. Am not up for the typical African story of a woman who has a dilemma of following her own path or doing what society expects of her. I am tired of that storyline. Tired!!!
What I am watching 💻
Apple TV+ Series Trailer WeCrashed - Official Trailer | Apple TV+
This was hella entertaining and well done. It’s based on the true story of the rise and fall of WeWork- a co-working space that marketed itself as a tech company. It was a bit scary that I found Adam (the founder) really likeable, especially after hearing some of the stories that his former employees shared. I think the writers and directors could have been more intentional about showing us the range and depth of the employees’ experiences. It focused a bit too much on Adam.
The movie highlights the story of Serena and Venus Williams through their father’s lens. It was so wholesome. I have always been intrigued by top-performing athletes, the business sides of sports and performance psychology. This movie really intensified my curiosity. My Youtube homepage is now full of tennis matches and commentaries.
Youtube Episode: I met Rema, and Divine by Korty EO
I am so glad I came across Korty EO. She is authentic, chilled and such a great storyteller. She also made me fall in love with the Nigerian accent.
Series: How I Met Your Father | Trailer
I was such a huge How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) fan. I rarely finish series, leave alone repeat them. HIMYM is the exception. I have watched that series so many times that I couldn’t count. I initially was a bit sceptical about this remake but it was such a pleasant surprise. It’s really well done, modern, relevant and without the cringe (read sexist) parts of HIMYM. I highly recommend it especially if you are a fan of the initial series.
Quote I am pondering💭
“Do the work.
That's all the productivity advice you need, and the only useful productivity advice you're ever going to get.”
Productivity Advice by Slava Akhmechet- The Zero Credibility Newsletter
Yup, IQ should also take into account context e.g. a math genius and music genius will do equally well in their respective fields. I think the world has also valued different types of IQs at various points in time. Philosophy and the arts were very highly valued in earlier centuries relative to today for example. Is it possible that the industrial and tech age has propelled logic IQ further to the fore?