The Sad Reality Of Low IQ People

Summary

The speaker discusses the challenges faced by an individual with an IQ of 80 in a volunteer role at a charity, highlighting the complexities of seemingly simple tasks like folding papers and matching them with envelopes. They delve into the implications of intelligence on job roles and societal structures, noting the increasing demand for cognitive abilities in the workforce. The discussion touches on the shrinking opportunities for those with lower IQs and the need for society to address this gap, as automation and technological advancements continue to reshape the job market.

Takeaways

• 📄 The process of obtaining a volunteer job can be more challenging than getting a paid job, often requiring background checks like police checks.
• 🔍 Detailed tasks such as folding letters and matching them with corresponding envelopes highlight the complexity of seemingly simple tasks.
• 🏛️ Working in a charity environment can be demanding, requiring careful sorting and handling of materials, including language-specific matching and avoiding damage to photographs.
• 🧠 The cognitive demands of certain jobs may be underestimated, as illustrated by the difficulty faced by an individual with an IQ of 80 in performing tasks that require precision and attention to detail.
• 🤝 Training and support are crucial for individuals with lower cognitive abilities to perform tasks that may seem straightforward to others.
• 🚫 The script points out the harsh reality that even volunteer positions can lead to dismissal, which can be particularly devastating for individuals with fewer opportunities.
• 🤔 Intelligence, as measured by IQ, plays a significant role in determining one's position in societal hierarchies and access to opportunities.
• 📊 The distribution of IQ scores and their correlation to job roles and educational attainment is discussed, emphasizing the importance of cognitive abilities in professional success.
• 🏢 The increasing complexity of jobs due to technological advancements is leading to a shrinking demand for lower cognitive skills, posing challenges for employment opportunities.
• 🤖 Automation and the demand for higher cognitive skills are impacting job availability, particularly for those in lower IQ brackets, indicating a need for societal reevaluation of job creation and training.
• 💡 The discussion suggests that intelligence is a significant factor in lifetime success and economic status, and that the current societal and economic structures may not adequately accommodate individuals with a wide range of cognitive abilities.

Q & A

What is the significance of the volunteer job mentioned in the script?

The volunteer job mentioned in the script is significant as it illustrates the challenges faced by individuals with lower cognitive abilities in performing tasks that may seem simple but require precision and attention to detail, such as folding papers and matching them with envelopes.

Why is a police check required for a volunteer job as described in the script?

A police check is required for the volunteer job to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of the individual, especially when handling sensitive materials like letters and photographs, which might contain personal information.

What is the problem the client with an IQ of about 80 faced while folding papers?

The client with an IQ of about 80 faced the problem of accurately folding papers without creasing photographs and ensuring that the folded papers fit perfectly into the envelopes, which required a high level of precision and attention to detail.

Why was the client at risk of being fired from his volunteer job?

The client was at risk of being fired because he struggled with the precision required for the task of folding papers and matching them with the correct envelopes, which led to inefficiencies and potential issues with the sorting machines.

What is the IQ range typically associated with professional roles like attorneys and engineers?

The IQ range typically associated with professional roles like attorneys and engineers is above 130, which places them in the top 5% of the population.

How does the script suggest that intelligence contributes to success in various professions?

The script suggests that intelligence, particularly the ability to learn and strategize rapidly, contributes to success in various professions by allowing individuals to reach the forefront of their fields and come up with innovative ideas.

What is the implication of the increasing demand for cognitive power in the job market?

The increasing demand for cognitive power implies that jobs requiring higher intelligence and problem-solving skills are becoming more prevalent, which may lead to a structural problem for individuals with lower IQs who struggle to find employment in a rapidly evolving job market.

Why is it challenging to find jobs for individuals with IQs less than 85 according to the script?

It is challenging to find jobs for individuals with IQs less than 85 because the job market is increasingly demanding cognitive abilities, and repetitive or simple jobs that might suit this demographic are being automated or are becoming rare.

What does the script suggest about the future of employment for those with lower cognitive abilities?

The script suggests that the future of employment for those with lower cognitive abilities is uncertain and potentially bleak due to the rapid automation and complexity of tasks, which may leave a significant portion of the population without suitable job opportunities.

How does the script address the political perspectives on employment and intelligence?

The script critiques both conservative and liberal perspectives on employment and intelligence, arguing that neither side adequately addresses the structural problem of differing cognitive abilities and the impact on employment opportunities.