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That depends on your measure of intelligence. MENSA holds
that Nikos Ligeros, a math and computer science professor, has the
highest IQ ever recorded-189. A 100 IQ score is generally accepted
as average, so this man is 89% smarter than most people. The problem
with this score, though, is that it comes from a test that is
ridiculous. IQ tests, in general, are not a measure of general
intelligence. Rather, they are a measure of one’s scholastic
aptitude and test taking abilities. The IQ test shows the value we
place in pen and paper schooling.
Another, perhaps more apt, measure from Howard Gardner holds
that this logical, mathematical, linguistic intelligence is only two
of several different types of intelligence. These other
include:
-Spatial: the ability to formulate an internal map an
navigate the environment
-Musical: the ability to see and understand pitch, rhythm,
etc.
-Body-Kinesthetic: as related to motor movement
-Interpersonal: ability to understand others, how they feel,
etc.
-Intrapersonal: how well one knows one’s self
Using this model, a Michael Jordan or Yo-Yo Ma would be just
as intelligent as Nikos Ligeros. It would be a different type of
intelligence, yes, but an equal one. The problem here is that our
society does not really view them as equal. Take elementary schools,
for example. In the state of New Mexico, there is no line item
offering money for music programs. But, you can be sure that as soon
as the children begin to spell, the school is preparing them for
standardized testing by having them fill in the scantron’s that are
so ubiquitous with public education.
The way I look at intelligence is more adaptive. It is a
measure of your ability to live. Not in the “survival of the
fittest” sense, though. Rather, if you can go about your life fairly
well, so that you are content, then you are “the smartest man(or
woman) alive.” You may not be where you want to be now, but you are
working towards that end. It’s more forgiving than the other
measures. It understands that life is not perfect. People will
experience grief and depression but, if they didn’t, the moments of
joy would not mean nearly as much. There may be times when they
cop-out when asked about the plumping properties of various meat
products. Hell, they may not even feel like answering anybody’s
question. Yet, at the end of the day, they can hop into a hot bath,
close their eyes, and stop thinking. If only for a
moment. |
