alan2102 writes:
I agree heartily with your last paragraph, George. I would say that the things that can’t be counted are more important than the things that can. I have a moderately high IQ (not as high as Bob’s, but above average) and it has not done squat for me in the ways that really count — happiness, joy, satisfaction in life. I would happily trade away the IQ points for other qualities and aptitudes. Also, I’ve known more than my share of extremely intelligent people and every one of them has had severe problems, often a miserably failed life. Anecdotal, yes, but just sayin’
Can you give us some examples of extremely intelligent people who have serious problems or are broke? I know a number of people, all with genius IQ’s, and every one of them has a low income or is out and out unemployed. One does not work at all and has been on disability almost their entire life. As far as serious problems go, I know a number of people with genius or near genius IQ’s who are mentally ill or on drugs or alcohol.
Typically it is some sort of a mood disorder (Depression, Bipolar or Borderline Personality Disorder) and the drug they abuse is typically alcohol. Quite a few of them have been suicidal, often for years or decades, and at least one has made a suicide attempt. Another has been hospitalized repeatedly as a danger to themselves or others. IQ’s ranged from 139-147 (140+ is genius level). A few of them were quite creative also in art, music or writing. A few have never married, even into middle age.
Anyway, I was wondering if any of my readers have known anyone with a very high IQ ~140+ or at least seemed to be in that range) who had lived a life full of problems without much success.
