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Science & Technology

Human intelligence is declining

2016-04-09

Posted by:g(r)omgoru

#11 "an average citizen from Athens of 1000 BC were to appear suddenly among us, he or she would be among the brightest and most intellectually alive of our colleagues and companions"

Should I conclude that things had already deteriorated significantly by 399BC?

Posted by: james 2016-04-09 20:15

#10 Intelligence is finite,
Stupitity is infinite.

I believe Eienstien said that.

Posted by: CrazyFool 2016-04-09 19:07

#9 I knew an college grad architect who did not know how to use an allen wrench. Had no interest in such things.

I do not know how to work on a car's transmission. I would like to.

There is the difference.

Deliverance > Cash Cab

Posted by: swksvolFF 2016-04-09 17:58

#8 Being stupid and making poor decisions are two different things. The poor decision part is way more damaging to society. I know plenty of less than average intelligent people who live decent lives. And I know plenty of smart people who negatively impact large portions of society.

Posted by: Airandee 2016-04-09 17:29

#7 I didn't understand the article

Posted by: Frank G 2016-04-09 13:08

#6 Thus, evolution consists of variation followed by selection. It is important to remem-ber that this process of variation/selection never stops. Genes responsible for phenotypic attributes are subject to mutation. If a new allele produces a phenotype that has higher (Darwinian) fitness than the "old" phenotype, it will replace the original allele. Alternatively, as is true for most mutations, the new phenotype will have lower fitness than the old phenotype, and the mutant allele will be eliminated. That is, adaptive attributes are maintained by natural selection.

In other words use it, or lose it

Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2016-04-09 12:47

#5 Closer to the truth than many want to acknowledge P2k.
Sometimes, 'behavior-based' intelligence is just imitation of observed social mannerisms disguised by claims of cultured refinement.
An example would be the adoption of nontraditional clothing. Business suits made of dark wool are functional in northern climates but serve little purpose in hot environments other than a demonstration of 'northern-ness'. The elongated silk tie adds a bit of color for clan identification but also suggests male 'prowess' in reproduction rather than the bow tie developed to emphasize breadth of shoulders and strength of arms.
In localized subcultures, styles of red or blue membership and billed hats worn left or right perform similar functions.

Posted by: Skidmark 2016-04-09 11:23

#4 I thought from the title it was about humint and I was going to make a snarky remark about the intellectual level of the species. Instead we have an entire article of snark.

Posted by: Bobby 2016-04-09 09:10

#3 Intelligence is finite. There are just more people around today.

Posted by: Procopius2k 2016-04-09 09:07

#2 Brawndo: Its what plants want!

Posted by: whitecollar redneck 2016-04-09 07:08

I don't travel much anymore, but I believe the problem may be localized and exacerbated by urban sprawl. Anthropologists and population biologists might support my theory, 'too many rats in the box' as it were. Multiple roads lead to de-civilization. We've picked several, not the least of which is man's capacity for evil.

The constant and ever increasing struggle to meet Maslow's Physiological Needs may also be a factor.

The Physiological or 'first order' include the most basic needs necessary for survival, such as the need for water, air, food, money, and sleep. (Money added). If we find ourselves too consumed with acquisition of these needs, little time is left for study, research, and learning.

Sorry, I'm beginning to digress and ramble. Must be the Brawndo electrolytes again.

Posted by: Besoeker 2016-04-09 07:01

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