The Longest Ever Study on Human Intelligence Reveals Something Extraordinary

Summary

In 1970, the British Cohort Study (BCS) began tracking 17,000 individuals from birth to understand lifelong development. A key finding from the study shows that reading habits, particularly in childhood, are a strong predictor of intelligence, life success, and even earning potential. Children with better literacy and numeracy skills fare better in life, regardless of intelligence or family wealth. However, reading is in decline, especially among younger adults, with social media being a major factor. The video explores how reading benefits intelligence and society, while offering practical tips to cultivate better reading habits.

Takeaways

• 😀 The British Cohort Study, launched in 1970, tracks 17,000 people born in the UK and has provided valuable insights into human development and learning.
• 😀 The study's 2012 analysis found that early childhood literacy and numeracy skills have a significant impact on future cognitive abilities and success.
• 😀 People with similar cognitive abilities early in life can boost their intelligence through a key habit, which accelerates their intellectual growth.
• 😀 This key habit, which boosts intelligence, has a greater impact than having parents with a university degree.
• 😀 Research shows that childhood reading habits are a major predictor of adult job prestige, socioeconomic status, and overall success, even more than family wealth or intelligence.
• 😀 The decline in reading habits, especially among young people, is a major issue, with social media being one of the top reasons cited for not reading.
• 😀 Reading is linked to numerous benefits, including improved mental health, better social skills, increased empathy, and a reduction in anxiety.
• 😀 Studies show that reading not only boosts intellectual development but also helps increase longevity and protects against depression.
• 😀 Reading habits are in steep decline, with one-quarter of 16-24-year-olds in the UK admitting they never read for pleasure, which is contributing to societal challenges.
• 😀 To combat the decline in reading, individuals can adopt simple strategies like carrying a book around, setting small reading goals, and reading for enjoyment.
• 😀 The societal consequences of reduced reading include poorer critical thinking skills, lower empathy, and an inability to understand differing perspectives, all of which affect societal well-being.

Q & A

What is the 1970 British Cohort Study and why is it important?

The 1970 British Cohort Study is a long-term research project that tracks 17,000 people born in the UK during the week of April 1970. It is one of the longest studies on human development and provides valuable data on lifelong learning, health, education, employment, and life outcomes.

What key discovery did researchers make in the 2012 study of the cohort?

In the 2012 study, researchers discovered that childhood literacy and numeracy skills were strong predictors of future success, including intelligence, mental health, and financial stability. These skills had a greater impact than family wealth or intelligence.

What habit is shown to boost intelligence and life success according to the study?

Reading, especially in childhood, is shown to significantly boost intelligence and life success. The study highlights the importance of literacy and numeracy skills in shaping lifelong cognitive development and future outcomes.

How does early reading compare to other factors like parental education in predicting future success?

The impact of early reading on future success is four times greater than having parents with a university degree. Early literacy and numeracy skills have a more substantial effect on intellectual growth and life trajectory.

How does reading affect mental health and longevity?

Reading has been linked to improved mental health, increased brain connections, reduced anxiety, and better mood regulation. It also slows age-related brain decay and helps protect against depression, leading to better overall well-being and longevity.

What does the 1958 cohort study reveal about the economic impact of reading?

The 1958 cohort study found that children who were just one level ahead in reading at age seven earned £5,000 more per year by the time they turned 42, even after controlling for intelligence and family background.

What is the major problem highlighted by the research from the Reading Agency in 2024?

The major problem identified is the sharp decline in reading habits, particularly among people aged 16-24. A quarter of this age group never reads for pleasure, and half of all UK adults do not read regularly.

What role does social media play in the decline of reading?

Social media is the primary reason given by people for not reading more. Its constant engagement distracts individuals from reading, leading to a decrease in attention spans and reading stamina.

What societal consequences might arise from the decline in reading?

The decline in reading could lead to poorer critical thinking skills, lower empathy, an angrier society, and a reduced ability to see things from different perspectives. This may also contribute to societal division and authoritarianism.

What are some practical tips for improving reading habits?

To improve reading habits, individuals can: 1) Carry a book or Kindle for spare moments, 2) Read before bed, 3) Set realistic reading goals, 4) Read what interests you, and 5) Focus on enjoyment without pressure to finish books you don't like.