I Explain How To Become Smart.

Summary

This video explores the misconceptions about IQ and intelligence, emphasizing that while genetics play a role, applying oneself is crucial. It suggests that learning and applying knowledge in areas of interest can significantly increase one's practical intelligence, using examples like building a computer or understanding biology.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Genetics play a significant role in determining IQ, but it is not the sole factor.
• 📚 Schooling can potentially increase IQ, but the extent is debated, with some studies suggesting a minimal increase of 0.5 points per year.
• 🔝 The maximum IQ increase through education is often capped at 15 points, implying a limit to how much one can improve from their innate IQ.
• 🌏 Average IQs may be higher in some regions like Asia, but this does not guarantee that every individual from these regions is inherently smarter.
• 💡 Intelligence is not solely about raw IQ numbers; effort and application are crucial to realizing one's intellectual potential.
• 🖥️ Analogies like a powerful computer being underutilized highlight the importance of applying knowledge to fully utilize one's intellectual capacity.
• 🥑 Eating certain foods or taking supplements might improve brain health but do not directly contribute to learning or intelligence.
• 📚 Reading is beneficial, but it is not the only method to gain knowledge or become smarter.
• 🔧 Applying what you learn in real-life situations is essential for true understanding and intelligence, not just passive learning.
• 🌱 Interest in a subject is key to learning and applying knowledge, as demonstrated by the example of someone excelling in audio engineering despite poor grades in science.
• 💼 Specializing in one or two subjects and becoming an expert in those areas is more valuable than having a superficial understanding of many subjects.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest is the primary determinant of IQ?

The speaker suggests that a large portion of one's IQ is determined by genetics, which is something one cannot control.

Can someone with a low IQ be smarter than someone with a high IQ?

Yes, according to the speaker, someone with a low IQ could potentially be a lot smarter than someone with a high IQ if they apply themselves and utilize their capacity for learning.

What is the speaker's opinion on the impact of schooling on IQ?

The speaker mentions that while some studies suggest schooling can increase IQ, the extent of this increase is debated and may range from 0.5 to 5 points per year, with a consensus on an average increase of 1 point per year.

What is the maximum IQ increase the speaker attributes to schooling?

The speaker states that the maximum IQ increase due to schooling is capped at 15 points.

How does the speaker refute the stereotype of Asians being naturally smarter?

The speaker acknowledges that while studies show average IQs in Asia may be higher, this does not mean every individual from Asia is smarter, as intelligence also depends on personal effort and application.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the concept of 'capacity' in relation to IQ?

The speaker uses the analogy of a computer with a powerful graphics card and CPU being underutilized if only used for basic tasks like Google Docs, to illustrate that having a high IQ means nothing if one does not apply themselves.

What does the speaker believe is the key to becoming smart?

The speaker believes that the key to becoming smart is to apply what you learn, particularly in areas of personal interest, rather than relying on a one-step solution or a single method of learning.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of applying oneself while learning?

The speaker emphasizes this because applying oneself while learning ensures that the knowledge gained is utilized to its full potential, leading to a deeper understanding and mastery of the subject.

What are some alternative methods to reading books that the speaker suggests for learning?

The speaker suggests listening to audiobooks, watching YouTube videos, and learning by doing or practicing the skills being learned.

How does the speaker recommend learning a new skill like building a computer?

The speaker recommends learning by doing, such as building a computer while watching a tutorial video, to ensure that the learning process is interactive and practical.

What strategy does the speaker propose for learning abstract subjects like biology?

The speaker suggests writing down practice questions and answering them while learning, similar to the process of learning by doing, but adapted for abstract subjects.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of being an expert in one or two subjects rather than knowing a little about many?

The speaker believes that being an expert in one or two subjects is more useful in the long term and makes a person smart in their field of interest, rather than having a superficial knowledge of many subjects.

How does the speaker encourage viewers to apply the lessons from the video to make money?

The speaker encourages viewers to think about a monetizable topic they are interested in, choose a learning method that suits them, and apply themselves while learning, suggesting that this will lead to expertise and potential monetization of their skills.