The IQ Barrier: Examining the Impact of High Intelligence on Professional Success

Intelligence quotient (IQ) is often viewed as a gateway to success, but the reality is more complex. This article explores the potential barriers that high intelligence can present in certain fields and discusses the implications for both individuals and employers.

IQ as a Barrier Across Careers

While a high IQ can be advantageous, it is not a clear-cut requirement for success in any specific occupation. There is no universally accepted IQ score that would be a strict barrier to all jobs. Personal interests, motivation, and skills are more often the determining factors for job satisfaction and success.

For instance, a U.S. court ruled in favor of a police department that had a hiring criterion based on IQ scores. Jordan, a 49-year-old college graduate, scored an IQ of 125 and was deemed unsuitable for the position due to his high score. The police reasoned that highly intelligent candidates might get bored and leave after intensive training, which would be a costly and inefficient use of resources. This case highlights how intelligence can sometimes be perceived as a liability rather than an asset.

Malcolm Gladwell's Perspective on IQ and Success

In his book 'Blink,' Malcolm Gladwell discusses how IQ correlates with success up to a certain point. He suggests that an IQ score of 125 seems to be the threshold after which additional intelligence becomes less predictive of career success. This is particularly relevant for high-demand fields such as engineering, where the average IQ is above 117. While a high IQ can be advantageous, hard work and motivation often trump raw intelligence.

The Case of Richard Feynman

The celebrated physicist Richard Feynman, known for his exceptional intelligence with an IQ of 123, exemplifies the importance of perseverance and dedication. Feynman's success, including the Nobel Prize in Physics, demonstrates that a high IQ is not the sole determinant of professional success. Instead, passion, effort, and adaptability play crucial roles.

The Challenges of Super High Intelligence

There are documented cases of individuals whose high intelligence leads to social and professional difficulties. An article titled 'The Inappropriately Excluded' discusses how people with extremely high IQs might struggle to communicate effectively with others, leading to isolation and frustration. This highlights the importance of balancing high cognitive abilities with social and interpersonal skills.

The IQ of 115 as a Gateway to Professional Success

Despite the challenges associated with high intelligence, an IQ of 115 is often seen as a threshold that opens the door to a wide range of professions, including academia. This score allows one to pursue a diverse career path, from teaching at the university level to working in a variety of professional settings. It underscores the idea that there is no hard and fast rule about the "ideal" IQ score for success.

Ultimately, while IQ can be a significant factor in professional success, it is not a definitive barrier. Success in any field often depends on a combination of intelligence, motivation, hard work, and adaptability. As Richard Feynman and other accomplished individuals demonstrate, hard work and determination can overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges.