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Why is the IQ of Ashkenazi Jews so High? - twenty possible explanations
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Ashkenazi Jews are smart. Shockingly brilliant, in general. Impressive in brain power. How did they get that way?
Ashkenazi
Jews, aka Ashkenazim, are the descendants of Jews from medieval Alsace
and the Rhine Valley, and later, from throughout Eastern Europe.
Originally, of course, they were from Israel. Genetic research from the
Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that the Ashkenazi
bloodline branched away from other Jewish groups there 2,500 years ago,
and that 40% of them are descended from only four Jewish
mothers. Approximately 80% of the Jews in the world today are
Ashkenazim, with the remainder primarily Sephardic.
who study the Ashkenazim agree that the children of Abraham are on top
of the IQ chart. Steven Pinker – who lectured on “Jews, Genes, and
Intelligence” in 2007 - says “their average IQ has been measured at
108-115.” Richard Lynn, author of “The Intelligence of American Jews” in
2004, says it is “only” a half-standard higher: 107.5. Henry
Harpending, Jason Hardy, and Gregory Cochran, University of Utah authors
of the 2005 research report, “Natural History of Ashkenazi
Intelligence,” state that their subjects, “score .75 to 1.0 standard
deviations above the general European average, corresponding to an IQ of
112-115.” Charles Murray, in his 2007 essay “Jewish Genius,” says
“their mean is somewhere in the range of 107-115, with 110 being a
plausible compromise.”
A
Jewish average IQ of 115 is 8 points higher than the generally accepted
IQ of their closest rivals—Northeast Asians—and approximately 40% higher
than the global average IQ of 79.1 calculated by Richard Lynn and Tatu
Vanhanen in IQ and Global Inequity.
Plus,
contemplate this astounding tidbit: Ashkenazi “visual-spatial” IQ
scores are only mediocre; in one study their median in this category was
a below-average 98. They surmount this liability by logging astronomic
figures in “verbal IQ”, which includes verbal reasoning, comprehension,
working memory and mathematical skill; a 1958 survey of yeshiva students
discovered a median verbal IQ of 125.6.
What
does it mean that Ashkenazim have a high IQ, in terms of producing
“geniuses”? With their population so small - a mere 0.25 of the world
total - does it make any serious difference? The answer is YES. A
“bell curve” is used to illustrate IQ percentile in a specific group –
in a “general population” where IQ average is 100 the curve assumes
these proportions:
less than 70 IQ - 2.5%
70-85 IQ - 12.5%
86-100 IQ - 35%
101-115 IQ – 35%
116-130 IQ – 12.5%
greater than 130 IQ – 2.5%
Applying the same bell curve for Ashkenazim, but with a 17-point upward lift in median IQ (using the From Chance To Choice digit) produces the IQ upgrade below:
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less than 87 IQ – 2.5%
88-102 IQ – 12.5%
103-117 IQ – 35%
118-132 IQ – 35%
133-148 IQ – 12.5%
greater than 148 IQ – 2.5%
This
shifting upward of the bell curve by more than a standard deviation (15
points) means that more than five times as many Ashkenazim are eligible
for Mensa (minimum 130 IQ) and more than five times as many have the
average IQ of an Ivy League graduate.
In reality, Ashkenazim are enrolled in the Ivies by a proportion ten times greater than their numbers; for example they represent 30% of Yale students, 27% of Harvard, 23% of Brown, 32% of Columbia, and 31% of Pennsylvania.
suggests that either the “bell’s curve” is lifted for the Ashkenazi a
bit longer at the high end or there are additional factors that enhance
their ability to succeed. Regarding the first possibility, Charles
Murray notes that “the proportion of Jews with IQs of 140 or higher is
somewhere around six times the proportion of everyone else.” Harpending,
Hardy and Cochran sport roughly the same equation; “4 out of every
1,000 Northern European is 140+ IQ, but 23 out of every 1,000 Jew is
140+.” Murray also relays a report from sky-high up in the genius range,
when he notes that a 1954 survey of New York public school children
with 170+ IQs revealed that 24 of the 28 were… Jewish.
Now
that I’ve established that Ashkenazi have superlative IQ scores, let’s
observe what they’ve accomplished with their highly functional brains.
In the 19th century, Mark Twain noted that:
[TheTwain’s
Jews] are peculiarly and conspicuously the world’s intellectual
aristocracy… [Jewish] contributions to the world’s list of great names
in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse
learning are way out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He
has made a marvelous fight in this world… and has done it with his hands
tied behind him.
observation is not dated. Ashkenazi Jews have continued to mentally
out-compete other demographics since his statement, often suffering
horrendous consequences for their toil. Here is a brief list of
Ashkenazi accomplishments in the last 90 years.
Nobel Prizes: Since 1950, 29% of the awards have gone to Ashkenazim, even though they represent only a small fraction of humanity. Ashkenazi
achievement in this arena is 117 times greater than their population.
This pace isn’t slowing down; it is accelerating. In the 21st century, they’ve received 32% of the total, and in 2011, five of the thirteen Nobel Prize winners were Jewish – 38.5%.
Hungary in the 1930s:
Ashkenazim were 6% of the population, but they comprised 55.7% of
physicians, 49.2% of attorneys, 30.4% of engineers, and 59.4% of bank
officers; plus, they owned 49.4% of the metallurgy industry, 41.6% of
machine manufacturing, 72.8% of clothing manufacturing, and, as housing
owners, they received 45.1% of Budapest rental income. Jews were
similarly successful in nearby nations, like Poland and Germany.
“Significant Figures”:
In “Jewish Genius” by Charles Murray, the author tallies up important
contributing individuals in a variety of vocations, noting how immensely
over-represented Jews are compared to what could be expected due to
their small population. His conclusion in various categories is:
Biology – “significant” Jews appear 5 times greater their population,
Chemistry 6X, Physics 9X, Literature 4X, Music 5X, Visual Arts 5X, Math
12X, Philosophy 14X.2
USA (today):
Ashkenazi Jews comprise 2.2% of the USA population, but they represent
30% of faculty at elite colleges, 21% of Ivy League students, and 25% of
the Turing Award winners. Plus, “Jews have made up 50% of the top two
hundred intellectuals… 40% of partners in the leading law firms in New
York and Washington… 59% of the directors, writers, and producers of the
fifty top-grossing motion pictures…”
Israel:
In 1922 this swamp-and-desert land had an impoverished population of
752,000 inhabitants. Today there are 7,746,000 residents, with a large
Ashkenazi population (3 million, and 60% of the workforce) that has
elevated it into a high-tech entrepreneurial nation with the highest per
capita income in the region. Israel rates 1st in the world in graduate degrees, 1st in museums, 1st in home computers, and 1st in publishing scientific papers.
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Personally,
I find the Nobel Prize statistic the most amazing. Consider this: if
everybody on the planet was an Ashkenazi Jew, would the result be 117
times more Nobel Prize-winning caliber individuals, with 117 times as
many spectacular achievements, per annum? INSTANT SINGULARITY! Without
any help from AI…
(Sephardic
Jewish achievement is represented in many of the categories above,
especially in Nobel Prize statistics. When this article was originally
published - in a shorter version, on August 7, 2011 by the Institute for
Ethics in Emerging Technology (ieet.org) – Sephardic Jews expressed
some perturbation that they were omitted from the essay. I’d like to
acknowledge the immense contribution of Sephardic Jews with this
all-too-brief list of notables from their lineage:
Elias
Canetti (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1981), Tobias Michael Carel Asser
(Nobel Peace Prize, 1911), Rene Cassin (Nobel Peace Prize, 1968), Franco
Modigliani (Nobel Prize in Economics, 1985), Francois Jacob (Nobel
Prize in Medicine/Physiology, 1965), Salvador Luria (Nobel Prize in
Medicine/Physiology, 1969), Baruj Benacerraf (Nobel Prize in
Medicine/Physiology, 1980), Rita Levi-Montalcini (Nobel Prize in
Medicine/Physiology, 1986), Emilio Segre (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1959),
Claude Cohen-Tannoudj (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1997), plus philosopher
Jacques Derrida, economist/philanthropist Bernard Baruch, painter Amedeo
Modigliani, and Benjamin Disraeli, the British Prime Minister.
In the medieval era, Sephardic achievements were also quite significant. In George Sarton’s Introduction to the History of Science,
the author notes that 95 out of 626 scientists in the world from
1150-1300 were Sephardic Jews -15% - far exceeding their population
proportion.
However, when
Sephardic IQ is presently recorded, the sums are no higher than the
northern European average, and definitively not as elevated as
Ashkenazi.)
Let’s
proceed. With the facts I’ve laid out, only the most obtuse reader can
resist my pronouncement that Ashkenazi Jews are, on average, extraordinarily intelligent.
I’m not asserting Ashkenazi cognitive specialness because I’m
Philo-Semitic, or Zionist, or pro-Israeli. I’m pointing it out because
it is irrefutably true.
That said, the question that my essay seeks to unravel is… Why? Why
is the IQ of Ashkenazi Jews so high? Is the reason due to their
genetics, environment, culture, education, or a unique combination of
multiple factors?
In my
initial publication of this essay, I provided eight reasons for high
Ashkenazi IQ. But then, I received a flurry of email suggestions (many
from professors) providing me with additional information. Twenty
theories are now listed in this expanded essay, and I’ve attempted to
give my sources the credit they deserve, even though – in several
instances - I don’t have their actual names, just their Internet
chat-monikers. Here’s my new list – many related to each other -
presented in roughly chronological order:
Babylonian Eugenics
– In 586 B.C.E., Jerusalem was totally destroyed by the Babylonians,
led by their monarch Nebuchadnezzar, who “carried into exile… all the
[Jewish] officers and fighting men, and all the craftsmen and artisans…
only the poorest people of the land were left.” (2Kings 24:10-14) The Indestructible Jews, by Max Dimont, defines the deported people as “the flower of Judah’s aristocracy and intellectuals.”
The
exiled Jews of this first Diaspora became highly successful in Babylon.
Dimont claims, “In the libraries of Babylon, intellectual Jews found a
new world of new ideas. Within five decades, exiled Jews bobbed to the
surface of the top echelons on Babylonian society, in business
enterprises, in the scholastic world, in court circles. They became
leaders in commerce, men of learning, advisors to kings.”
In
538 B.C.E., the Persian king Cyrus the Great granted Jews permission to
return to their homeland. Wealthy Jews - who had established successful
trade routes and businesses in Babylon - financed zealous returnees who
wanted to re-settle Judah. Initial attempts failed, but eventually,
1,760 settlers led by the prophet Ezra and the governor Nehemiah rebuilt
the wall of Jerusalem and resurrected the nation. These “Babylonian”
Jews returning to Israel discovered that their poorer brethren that were
left behind a half-century earlier had slipped away via assimilation,
vanishing into neighboring pagan creeds. Cyril Darlington, in his The Evolution of Man and Society,
suggests that the temporary separation of the Jewish elite, and
permanent removal of the uneducated and unskilled, provided a genetic
intellectual boost to the creed.
The
returning Jews also instituted two customs that enhanced the mental
solidity of their culture’s future. A ban on intermarriage with Gentiles
was enforced, and the first five books of Moses were canonized, as the
Torah.
People of the Difficult Book:
The Torah (the first five books of the Jewish Bible) and the Talmud
(recordings of rabbinic discussions) are intellectually complex and
sophisticated. Practitioners of Judaism are required to learn and study
the extensive, mentally rigorous laws. Thematic content of the
scriptural passages is not simplistic or literal, it is, conversely,
designed for comprehension on multiple, abstract, metaphorical levels.
Blind faith and slavish devotion, encouraged by other faiths, is not
conducive to Judaism. Instead, worship in the ancient monotheism demands
significant literacy skills due to the cognitive demands of the texts,
with tradition maintaining that understanding the Talmud requires “study
of seven hours a day for seven years.” Charles Murray notes
that, “no other religion made so many demands upon the whole body of its
believers,” with the subsequent analysis that, “Judaism evolved in such
a way that to be a good Jew meant that a man had to be smart.”
Healthy Hygiene & Diet: Professor
Sam Lehman-Wilzig of Bar-Ilan University in Israel provided me with
this theory. His suggestion is based on the fact that - due to their
customary practices - the Jews probably enjoyed better hygiene than
Gentiles. He points to the Jewish washing of hands before every meal,
the men bathing at least once a week in the “mikveh” (a purification
bathhouse) and the women bathing at least once a month, after their
menstruation was over. He also notes the restriction on pork prevented
Jews from contracting trichinosis. (Famous casualties of this parasitic
disease include Gautama Buddha and Wolfgang Mozart). With lower disease
rates, Jewish bodies would not have suffered as much as Gentiles and
this would have improved their mental capacities.
This
notion has been repeated elsewhere. In 1953, research by Johns Hopkins
University pharmacologist David I. Macht surmised that all the dozens of
meat items banned by Jewish dietary laws in Deuteronomy and Leviticus were, in fact, more toxic than the kosher flesh that was permitted. Additionally, in the recent book Survival of the Sickest,
author Sharon Moalem suggests that Jews removing leaven from their
homes during Passover helped keep out the rats that spread bubonic
plague in the 13th century. Last but not least, wealthy
Ashkenazi Jews dwelling in larger houses in eastern Europe would have
survived epidemics easier because they didn’t suffer the same high
multiple infection rate that occurred in smaller homes with greater
crowding.
Extensive
correlation between high IQ, healthy diet, infectious diseases,
sanitation, and home crowding, is examined via research studies in later
chapters of this book, particularly in “Early Years.”
Unterman of Jerusalem informed me that the Torah instructs every Jewish
father to teach the Torah to his children, and Marisa Landau notes on a
futurepundit.com 6/4/05 discussion that it’s forbidden by the
Jewish religion to keep child illiterate. Additionally, Landau reports
that Jewish women learned to read and write, a phenomenon that was
unique in the ancient world. Landau also mentions that it has long been a
custom among Jews to provide a full pension - for up to 10 years – to
an intelligent son-in-law who wishes to entirely devote himself to
study. The Jews, it seems, invented the notion of “scholarships.”
In
the medieval era, the French monk, Peter Abelard (1079-1142) penned
this about Jewish education: “A Jew, however poor, even if he had ten
sons, would get them all to letters, not for gain as the Christians do,
but for understanding of God’s law. And not only for his sons, but his
daughters.”
Mandatory Schools For Males -
In 64 A.D., the high priest Joshua ben Gamla issued and implemented an
ordinance mandating schools for all boys, beginning at age 6. Within 100
years, Jews had established universal male literacy and numeracy, the
first ethnicity in history to achieve this.
The
progressive, demanding edict created a huge demographic shift. The
high, oft-times prohibitive cost of educating children in the
subsistence farming economy of the 2nd to 6th
centuries prompted numerous Jews to voluntarily convert to Christianity,
leading to a decline in Jewish population from 4.5 million to 1.2
million.
Natural “eugenics”
favored two groups in this situation: 1) the sons of wealthier,
ostensibly more intelligent Jews, who could provide greater funding for
the schools that maintained their offspring’s membership as Jews, and,
2) the smartest boys who could quickly learn reading, writing and
arithmetic at a pace at which they could afford to “stay Jewish.”
Who was left out? Removed from the gene pool? Answer: the poorer, uneducated Jews, and/or those with the lowest IQ.
Urban Upgrade – 80-90%
of Jews were farmers in 1 AD. But only 10-20% remained in agriculture
by 1000 A.D. The education required by Joshua ben Gamla’s edict
delivered verbal and math skills to Jewish boys, enabling them to move
out of subsistence rural life into highly-skilled urban professions,
involving sales, trade, and financial transactions.
Moving
from a pastoral environment into cities implements an IQ boost, due to
urbanism’s increased complexity, literacy, and technology. A Hanoi
National University study in 2006 showed a whopping 19.4 IQ difference
between city and country students. A 1970 survey in Greece recorded a
difference of 10-13 points. Other studies note smaller discrepancies of
only 2-6 points, but unanimously, urban residents always score higher,
and Jews are one of the world’s longest-urbanized ethnicities.
Dialectic and Rational Thought – Dr.
Sam Lehman-Wilzig informed me that one of the noteworthy approaches to
Jewish learning is “dialectic.” The Talmud itself is not a “law code”
but instead, a huge compendium of ARGUMENTS. Jews are encouraged to see
different perspectives of an issue, and they’re taught to question
everything, including the Law, the Rabbi’s logic, and one’s own belief
system. Rabbis developed argumentative principles, an entire system of
questioning that the Jews have utilized for 2,000 years in both
religious and secular debates.
Dialectic
was not a ‘Jewish’ invention: it was a learning technique that Jews
borrowed and adapted from Greek philosophy; the synthesis is a
‘Socratic-Jewish methodology.’ Traces of the Greek influence are evident
in the Passover Seder where the Jewish father reclines on a pillow
(similar to the Greeks) while the youngest Jewish child asks Four
Questions. This method of learning was unique during the Middle Ages,
compared to Catholic Europe’s ‘authoritative’ traditions.
Dr.
Sanford Aranoff, Professor of Science and Mathematics at Rider
University, conveyed to me a similar message. In his opinion, Judaism is
based on principles of rational thought. (Rational thinking begins with
clearly stated principles, continues with logical deductions, and then
examines empirical evidence to possibly modify the principles.)
The
analytic, strategic skills developed in both Jewish dialectic and
critical thinking are an important component of IQ tests, and they’re
essential in legal, academic, science, and engineering careers.
Clever Clerics Propagate: A major difference between Catholicism and Judaism is that priests have been celibate since the 4th
century Council of Carthage decreed that they abstain from conjugal
relations, whereas Jewish rabbis have always been encouraged to marry
and multiply. In the Middle Age this resulted in massive IQ depression
for Catholics, because their brightest, academically gifted boys were
usually locked up in seminaries that wasted their gene pool. Meanwhile…
sage, scholastic Jewish rabbis were marrying smart women and creating
large, clever families. Three tomes that examine this phenomenon are
Robert Novick’s Anarchy, State and Utopia, Ernst Vandenberg’s The Jewish Mystique, and Paul Johnson’s A History of the Jews.
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Breeding for Brains:
“OurJudaic
Rabbis teach, Let a man sell all that he has and marry the daughter of a
learned man. If he cannot find the daughter of a learned man, let him
marry the daughter of one of the great men of his day. If he does not
find such a one, let him marry the daughter of one of the heads of the
congregation, or, failing this, the daughter of a charity collector, or
even the daughter of a schoolmaster; but let him not marry the daughter
of an illiterate man, for the unlearned are an abomination, as also
their wives and their daughters.” P’sachim, fol. 49, col. 2.
texts like the one above emphasize repeatedly that knowledge and
intelligence are supreme virtues, with ignorance the grossest
liability. Following this dictum, the Jews enhanced their gene pool for
smartnesss. In A History of the Jews, author Paul Johnson notes
that, “among the Jews the most intelligent people have always been very
valued and sought after as husbands, so they procreate and spread their
good genes.” Charles Murray observed another matchmaking
tendency, when he notes that “by marrying the children of scholars to
the children of successful merchants, Jews were in effect joining those
selected for abstract reasoning ability with those selected for
practical intelligence.”
Catholics were marrying for “class” reasons, angling for blue-blood
aristocrat gains that had no link to intelligence. Physical strength
and valor was also desired, via brave knights on the battlefield - this
exaltation of brawn over brains likewise did nothing to advance that
religion’s collective IQ.
Trading Tongues:
Ashkenazi merchants plied their wares over a vast area, originally to
Islamic regions, but later internationally - from rubber in Brazil to
silk in China. To prosper in the exchange, they memorized
multiple languages. The stateless tribe needed diverse fluency anyway,
to communicate in adopted lands with their neighbors that spoke German,
Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian, French,
Dutch, etc.
The Ashkenazi
developed a “fusion” tongue: Yiddish (German, Hebrew, Aramaic, plus
other Slavic languages and a touch of Romance). At its height - before
World War II - Yiddish was spoken by 13 million. The polyglot language
produced exemplary culture in literature, theater, and film.
Neurologists
today recognize that multiple language learning enhances memory, mental
flexibility, problem solving, abstract thinking, and creative
hypothesis formulation. Explanations of the benefits abound; I recommend
listening to the video, “Bilingualism Will Supercharge Your Baby’s
Brain.”
Squeezed Into Brilliance: Jews
in Europe were officially excluded from “common” occupations such as
agriculture from 800-1700 A.D. Indeed, they were usually not allowed to
own land. The restrictions forced Ashkenazim for 900 years into urban
vocations that were cognitively more demanding, such as trade,
bookkeeping, commerce, sales, and investment. The frequent Christian
prohibition against charging of interest in money lending - prohibited
as “usury” – assisted in opening up financial banking occupations for
Jews. Historical records reveal that 80% of the Jews in Roussilon,
southern France, in 1270 were money-lenders.
Later,
after they were evicted from Western Europe, Ashkenazim were welcomed
in Poland as urban investors and initiators of trade who could help
modernize the nation. They were also in great demand in middle
management positions because they had mathematic and business
administration skills.
Ashkenazim
who weren’t mathematically and verbally adept enough to succeed in
these “white collar” jobs drifted away from Judaism—low IQs were pushed
out. Conversely, the most successful merchants and number crunchers
raised larger families, passing on an increasing percentage of algebraic
brains.
Winnowed By Persecution:
The most intelligent and/or wealthy Ashkenazim were better equipped to
escape Inquisitions, pogroms, persecutions, holocausts, and other
genocidal threats because they: 1) could afford to emigrate; 2) could
predict the need to do so; and 3) had social and economic opportunities
in the nations they fled to. Poorer, less connected, and less astute
Ashkenazi ranks thus were inexorably depleted.
The
repeated annihilation, expulsion, and flight of the Jewish people is
universally known. The first Diaspora to Babylonia has already been
mentioned. A second Diaspora is popularly regarded as a series of
dispersals from Israel after the failure of Jewish revolts against the
Roman Empire from 70 C.E. – 135 C.E. In 629 C.E., King Dagobert of the
Franks ordered the Jews to convert, leave his land, or face
execution. The First Crusade, 1096-1099 C.E., cruelly
slaughtered thousands of Ashkenazi, an estimated 25%. Jews were expelled
from England in 1290, France in 1394 and parts of Germany in the 15th century. Pogroms in the Russian Empire in the 19th and early 20th
century murdered substantial numbers of Jews, and the Holocaust,
instigated by Adolf Hitler, led to the genocide of approximately six
million, primarily Ashkenazi.
Whenever
and wherever persecution began, Jews were more likely to escape if they
could pay their way out, or were wealthy enough to have horses,
carriages, employees as guards, rich relatives to flee to, and friends
in “high places.” High IQ has frequently been correlated with economic
success.
Sick Genius: Ashkenazim
are prey to about nineteen debilitating genetic diseases, and it’s been
surmised that several of them might have cognitive “side effects” that
can enhance intelligence. Many of the disorders can kill or severely
weaken those who have two copies of the gene, but if you inherit just
one, you get a “heterozygote advantage” that can include neuron growth
promotion and accelerated interconnection of brain cells. For example,
having just one of the allele in Tay-Sachs and Niemann-Pick –
GM2ganglioside - could moderately increase dentrite growth.
Another
Ashkenazi ailment is Gaucher’s disease, which seems to promote axonal
growth and branching. A survey discovered that out of 255 employed
patients of Gaucher’s disease at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in
Jerusalem, were in occupations that require IQs over 120, and 15% were
scientists. Another survey of Ashkenazim with Torsion Dystomia revealed
an average IQ of 121.
I interviewed Gregory Cochran via email; he’s the University of Utah co-author of the 2005 research report, “Natural History of Ashkenazi Intelligence.” In
his words, “any IQ boost due to Gaucher’s [would be] a good deal less
than 10-15 points [but] It may be that big for Torsion Dystonia:
everyone who has treated them marvels at how sharp they are… [However]
only a fraction [of Ashkenazi IQ elevation] is due to particular
mutations like Gaucher, in our opinion.” In another interview, Cochran
pinpointed the fractions as, “One in two thousand Askenazi, at most,
carry a Tay-Sachs mutation and a Gaucher mutation, the two most common.”
Ashkenazim
are not an isolated ethnicity, after residing with Eastern European
neighbors for over a millennium. While many observers suggest that
they’re 30% European, an Emory University study concluded that
researchers “were able to estimate that between 35 and 55 percent of the
modern Ashkenazi genome comes from European descent.”
Positive Thinking – Aubrey
Max Sandman, PhD, an electrical engineer in London, sent me an email
asserting that positive attitude is what counts, not genetics. His
opinion is that non-Jews do not work as hard as Jews, to attain their
full potential.
In actuality, “positive thinking” actually does elevate IQ.
2011 research at Michigan State University revealed that a subject’s
“mind set” makes a difference in intelligence because their attitude
determines if they react productively, or self-destructively, to their
mistakes. The report will soon be published, hopefully with specific
data charting IQ gains, in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science.
Check Mate: Chess
historically has been a highly favored activity among Ashkenazim; a
1905 magazine described it as the “Jewish National Game.” Almost 50% of
Grandmasters are Ashkenazi. The visual, organizational, and strategic
skills required for chess build up the precuneus in the superior parietal lobe, and the caudate nucleus, a part of the basal ganglia in the subcortical region.
Admittedly, these benefits are not hereditary, but youngsters who
practice the game can elevate their memory storage, strategic planning,
and IQ.
Additional information about the benefits of chess can be found in my later chapter, “School Years.”
Melodic Minds:
Music has been revered in Jewish religious traditions for 3,000 years.
Klezmer “reached a very high level of sophistication and ornamentation,”
according to the Jewish Music Institute, and Ashkenazi composers and
instrumentalists contribute hugely to Western classical music (one
history site declares, “The Jews ‘Own’ the Violin”). Have centuries of
practice paid off? Researchers today believe music training optimizes
neuron development and improves brain function in math, analysis,
memory, creativity, stress management, concentration, motivation, and
science.
Additional
information about the benefits of musical training can be found in the
following chapters: “Early Years” and “School Years.”
Comfortable Supportive Families, With High Expectations: Success promotes success, on the neurological level. Victory provides a rush of dopamine,
a neurotransmitter that activates motivation for further
accomplishments. Ashkenazi children generally understand they are
capable of high achievement, and they’re urged to develop their skills
for contribution to humanity.
Is
stern discipline necessary to produce these results? Ashkenazim have
long discouraged spanking of their children; strong familial ties,
incessant encouragement, and hard focused work at excellent
institutions, seems to be sufficient.
Available
income that allows offspring to study and develop intellectually is
also important; wealth also permits access to elite schools.
Surveys indicate that American Jews earn about twice the income of
non-Jews, plus they have 2.5 times more capital assets. The result? The
average American Jew receives 2.5 more years of education. Even during
the Middle Age many Jews were upper and middle class in economic status,
a condition that secured good education for their children.
Untermensch Go Elsewhere? A
40+-year old Jewish commenter from New York City with the nomenclature
“ASAMATTEROFFACT” informed me that - in his opinion - Ashkenazi who lack
high intelligence and creativity end up feeling inferior. He believes
this eventually leads to the “untermensch” marrying outside of the tribe. Only the ubermensch
remain to reproduce. His point of view was echoed by another poster -
Efox” - who stated that less intelligent Jews incapable of being their
own “Priest” inevitably left Judaism to join another religion.
Empathetic Rabbis – A
commenter who identified himself as “zeev from jew york city” informed
me that many rabbis were “Einsteins of Empathy” – amazingly kind,
patient, loving and understanding of other humans. The high-level
“empaths” impacted their congregations, making their lives better and
promoting their ambitions and enterprizes.
In
later chapters (“Early Years” and “School Years”) I discuss the
IQ-boosting benefits of “Emotional Support” and “Teacher Effectiveness” –
two gifts that were undoubtedly provided by compassionate rabbis.
Fear of Anti-Semitism? – Commenter “Morris Wise” stated a paranoiac position after reading my original article on the instapundit.com
website. In his opinion, Jews are driven to attain high academic
success, career achievement, and wealth, because they want to feel safe,
protected and insulated from anti-Jewish feelings in the outside
community. This point-of-view can, of course, be justified by the long
history of resentment and persecution that Jews have experienced.
———————————————————————————————————————————
Twenty
explanations for high Ashkenazi IQ! My opinion? Regarding the
fourscore? They’re possibly all correct, and valuable to contemplate.
However, what I find most intriguing are the “environmental” factors that are accessible to all humanity.
I
wonder: if the people of the world really want high-level intellectual
achievement, why don’t we play chess with our children at night, instead
of tossing them a violent video game? Why can’t we listen to their
classical compositions on the weekend, instead of urging them to get
concussions on the football field? Isn’t a “dietary code” actually an
excellent idea, in American culture with its 33.5% adult obesity? Why
can’t we provide them with excellent schools, entice them to learn
foreign grammar, and convince them to believe in and expand their
abilities, instead of forcing them to endure years of educational
mediocrity and expecting nothing back but the same?
If
all humanity adopted the best available characteristics of successful
cultures like the Ashkenazi, would we, as a whole, immensely benefit?
Would we learn more quickly, more deeply, and produce greater wonders?
Would we become over- instead of under-achievers?
If we promoted high IQ behavior to humans everywhere, globally, would we all become… enhanced? Better humans?
——————-
To read the sixty-four footnotes and references, plus twelve additional essays on intelligence, you can purchase the book Why is the IQ of Ashkenazi Jews so High? Scientific Factors that Influence Intelligence
JEWISH COWBOY SHOW:
Ơ DAY IN LIFE OF PLOTT II) Voyage sode 2 JEW COWBOY-HD ~E.G.PLOTTPALMTREES.COM from Eric Plott on Vimeo.Comments:
What
an interesting article, I am not a jew but i can see which perspective
you are coming from. I think you are right. I served in the British
Army, until 1987 and i was interested in the Israeli rescue of the
Hostages in Entebbe in Uganda, and i think the success of the mission
was because of the jewish ability for detail. if you read about the
mission of which Benjamin Netnjahus brother was killed you can see how
much detail had gone into the planning of ther mission. I would like to
convert. anyway thankyou for an interesting report.
an interesting article, I am not a jew but i can see which perspective
you are coming from. I think you are right. I served in the British
Army, until 1987 and i was interested in the Israeli rescue of the
Hostages in Entebbe in Uganda, and i think the success of the mission
was because of the jewish ability for detail. if you read about the
mission of which Benjamin Netnjahus brother was killed you can see how
much detail had gone into the planning of ther mission. I would like to
convert. anyway thankyou for an interesting report.
By Simon Gunns on Mar 15, 2013 at 12:54am
Carnitine—in the egg—in matzoh brie; gefilte fish, and chicken protein in their soup, may boost IQ of Jews somewhat.
By Alan Brooks on Mar 18, 2013 at 6:49pm
This
article is a myopic one, I wouldn’t blame the author or anyone who
accede to the possiblity of evaluating racial or ethnic supremacy in
intelligence and achievement, regardless of which, even though the
Yorubas of today aren’t aware, their ancestors of old still remain those
who has ever lived with the greatest IQ otherwise how were they able to
achieve supernatural things yet unknown to the world today.
Supernatural things persistently demonized as satanic and denigrated as
diabolically occultic by the insidious presence of Christianity and
Islam in our land. This is a chapter I’m researchly ensconced in, the
Yorubas of today are still not aware of the incessant devastation the
repackaged Abrahmic faiths forced down their fore-father’s throats by
the European and Arab missionaries, colonialists, Jihadists and slave
dealers has done and still does to them.
Only
if they can ditch the foreign religions that has despoiled their land
and go back to our ancient paganism and show the world what Einstein
couldn’t even dream of; Kanoko: means of shortening long distance,
Aferi: means of becoming invisible; Ayeta: our native sciences of
rendering projectiles such as bullets, pellets, boris, arrows
ineffective, Egbe: means of achieving teleportation, and hundreds of
others that I am writing a pre-thesis on to be titled: Yoruba Advanced
Sciences: Why I Am Not Yet An Atheist but an A’theist. I will disprove
so many accepted theories and believes. The Yorubas of Old were,
according to Ifa; our unwritten oratory bible were the first of mankind.
http://www.nairaland.com/ghostofsparta
article is a myopic one, I wouldn’t blame the author or anyone who
accede to the possiblity of evaluating racial or ethnic supremacy in
intelligence and achievement, regardless of which, even though the
Yorubas of today aren’t aware, their ancestors of old still remain those
who has ever lived with the greatest IQ otherwise how were they able to
achieve supernatural things yet unknown to the world today.
Supernatural things persistently demonized as satanic and denigrated as
diabolically occultic by the insidious presence of Christianity and
Islam in our land. This is a chapter I’m researchly ensconced in, the
Yorubas of today are still not aware of the incessant devastation the
repackaged Abrahmic faiths forced down their fore-father’s throats by
the European and Arab missionaries, colonialists, Jihadists and slave
dealers has done and still does to them.
Only
if they can ditch the foreign religions that has despoiled their land
and go back to our ancient paganism and show the world what Einstein
couldn’t even dream of; Kanoko: means of shortening long distance,
Aferi: means of becoming invisible; Ayeta: our native sciences of
rendering projectiles such as bullets, pellets, boris, arrows
ineffective, Egbe: means of achieving teleportation, and hundreds of
others that I am writing a pre-thesis on to be titled: Yoruba Advanced
Sciences: Why I Am Not Yet An Atheist but an A’theist. I will disprove
so many accepted theories and believes. The Yorubas of Old were,
according to Ifa; our unwritten oratory bible were the first of mankind.
http://www.nairaland.com/ghostofsparta
By Ghost of Sparta on Mar 30, 2013 at 9:43pm
I’m
always suspicious of articles that are measuring us as a people but
this was very delightful and insightful! I’m Ashkenazi with an IQ of
145. I commented on other page, so I’ll just say thank you for the fun
facts!
always suspicious of articles that are measuring us as a people but
this was very delightful and insightful! I’m Ashkenazi with an IQ of
145. I commented on other page, so I’ll just say thank you for the fun
facts!
By Sheila Epstein hunter on Apr 13, 2013 at 11:27pm
Fascinating. I am just discovering my ashkenazi routes
By Valma on Apr 16, 2013 at 10:27pm
It
would be the same as being proud that people with brown hair are
statistically smarter than people with blonde hair. You’re not Einstein
even if you have the same hair style as him. Einstein had the right to
be proud of his intelligence. Feynman had the right to be proud of his
intelligence. You’re just living their shadows.
would be the same as being proud that people with brown hair are
statistically smarter than people with blonde hair. You’re not Einstein
even if you have the same hair style as him. Einstein had the right to
be proud of his intelligence. Feynman had the right to be proud of his
intelligence. You’re just living their shadows.
By Hummus on Apr 27, 2013 at 9:23pm
I
am also an Askenazi with a 145 IQ. Many years ago, when I was single, I
attended my first and only Mensa event. I thought it might be a place
to meet an eligible guy. First, my 145 IQ and female intuition didn’t
notice any high-status cars in the parking lot; in fact, most were old
and dented. Most of the people seemed socially inept and didn’t seem to
be doing anything interesting with their lives. The Ashkensazi
advantage may be soon lost, except for those in Israel, as intermarriage
is at 50%, and the wealthier, more educated and more intelligent
evidence a lower birthrate. My sister-in-law is Sephardic, and I
believe the large families and less emphasis on education, especially
for females, may account for some of the difference. Now, I don’t put
the kind of pressure on my kids that my generation received, but the
idea that my kids would not attend college is unthinkable.
am also an Askenazi with a 145 IQ. Many years ago, when I was single, I
attended my first and only Mensa event. I thought it might be a place
to meet an eligible guy. First, my 145 IQ and female intuition didn’t
notice any high-status cars in the parking lot; in fact, most were old
and dented. Most of the people seemed socially inept and didn’t seem to
be doing anything interesting with their lives. The Ashkensazi
advantage may be soon lost, except for those in Israel, as intermarriage
is at 50%, and the wealthier, more educated and more intelligent
evidence a lower birthrate. My sister-in-law is Sephardic, and I
believe the large families and less emphasis on education, especially
for females, may account for some of the difference. Now, I don’t put
the kind of pressure on my kids that my generation received, but the
idea that my kids would not attend college is unthinkable.
By Princess on Apr 27, 2013 at 9:59pm
Great article!
By olga on Apr 29, 2013 at 6:04pm
I
would stay away from the bell curve and iq when making a point about
ethnic superiority. They were both used by the american eugenics
movement to show low intelligence of the eastern european immigrants
(Ashkenazi?) And African Americans.
would stay away from the bell curve and iq when making a point about
ethnic superiority. They were both used by the american eugenics
movement to show low intelligence of the eastern european immigrants
(Ashkenazi?) And African Americans.
By Boychik on Apr 29, 2013 at 7:31pm
For
the first time I encounter with a table spread and detailed analysis. I
agree that the genetic code is influenced by many factors. All of them
are important. But the base should be considered of Jewish tradition
teached boys to read and write from three years, so they could study the
Torah. 33 centuries of continuous mental exercise of children’s brain
has formed a path to deep brain centers and is fixed at the gene level.
Everything else is superimposed on that foundation.
the first time I encounter with a table spread and detailed analysis. I
agree that the genetic code is influenced by many factors. All of them
are important. But the base should be considered of Jewish tradition
teached boys to read and write from three years, so they could study the
Torah. 33 centuries of continuous mental exercise of children’s brain
has formed a path to deep brain centers and is fixed at the gene level.
Everything else is superimposed on that foundation.
By Joseph Kheyfets on Apr 30, 2013 at 10:30am
I
hear what you’re saying but I am from a long line of Jews and have
observed that although many Jews are very hard workers and apply
themselves with strong focus, I find them almost always to have a blind
side and to be extremely stupid in some areas to off set their success
in another.
One of the weak
spots I’ve noticed is an intolerance in regard to non-achievers,
slackers. and parasites over the age of 13. Although when we give alms
we are grateful to the taker for the opportunity to give charity and
love ourselves, the takers hate themselves if they aren’t given an
opportunity to give something back.
It is good to study the Kabbalahic concept that enlightens us about the
right way to give. It is important to acquire for the purpose of
sharing rather than to acquire for ones self only. It is a huge mistake
to give without requiring something back in return because when we do
so the taker loathes themselves and feels unworthy.
That is why it is better to give someone a job than to give them charity for doing nothing.
Unfortunately, under the growing socialistic economies people who work
are require to give to people who are required to give nothing back,
which makes people hate themselves and therefore hate us for stripping
themselves of the oppportunity for self respect, self love and self
esteem.
Perhaps that is part of why so many people hate us.
hear what you’re saying but I am from a long line of Jews and have
observed that although many Jews are very hard workers and apply
themselves with strong focus, I find them almost always to have a blind
side and to be extremely stupid in some areas to off set their success
in another.
One of the weak
spots I’ve noticed is an intolerance in regard to non-achievers,
slackers. and parasites over the age of 13. Although when we give alms
we are grateful to the taker for the opportunity to give charity and
love ourselves, the takers hate themselves if they aren’t given an
opportunity to give something back.
It is good to study the Kabbalahic concept that enlightens us about the
right way to give. It is important to acquire for the purpose of
sharing rather than to acquire for ones self only. It is a huge mistake
to give without requiring something back in return because when we do
so the taker loathes themselves and feels unworthy.
That is why it is better to give someone a job than to give them charity for doing nothing.
Unfortunately, under the growing socialistic economies people who work
are require to give to people who are required to give nothing back,
which makes people hate themselves and therefore hate us for stripping
themselves of the oppportunity for self respect, self love and self
esteem.
Perhaps that is part of why so many people hate us.
By viqui on Apr 30, 2013 at 5:57pm
If Jews are so smart, why has Israel been completely unable to find a way to live peacefully with its neighbors?
By peter on May 05, 2013 at 8:50pm
Due
to the encouragement to argue each point of law in the Torah and
Talmud, and listen to every argument for and against it, no wonder the
Jews are some of the best lawyers in the world. My father and
grandfather were two such lawyers, well known in their city.
to the encouragement to argue each point of law in the Torah and
Talmud, and listen to every argument for and against it, no wonder the
Jews are some of the best lawyers in the world. My father and
grandfather were two such lawyers, well known in their city.
By Rivca Elias on May 06, 2013 at 7:08am
IQ
is a score on a particular type of test emphasizing verbal and
mathematical reasoning. It is highly dependent on educational level. My
personal IQ testing as an example:
High school, rural Appalachia - 122
Undergraduate, small college - 135
Graduate school, major university - 148 or 156 depending on test type
is a score on a particular type of test emphasizing verbal and
mathematical reasoning. It is highly dependent on educational level. My
personal IQ testing as an example:
High school, rural Appalachia - 122
Undergraduate, small college - 135
Graduate school, major university - 148 or 156 depending on test type
By dep on May 08, 2013 at 5:20am
They are Raelian descendants…
By LoveYourDNA on May 08, 2013 at 10:34am
Another
important reason: Jews are direct descendants of the Elohim, scientific
creators of all life on Earth. See Raelian website for more info.
important reason: Jews are direct descendants of the Elohim, scientific
creators of all life on Earth. See Raelian website for more info.
By Mehran - Raelian Bishop on May 08, 2013 at 1:54pm
Peter asks, “If Jews are so smart, why has Israel been completely unable to find a way to live peacefully with its neighbors?”
It’s
a fair question. Einstein and Freud exchanged a substantial amount of
correspondence over the baffleplexing problems of conflict, violence,
and suffering, lamenting the failure of the greatest thinkers and
theologians to discover a practical way to solve any of them.
See “Why War: Einstein and Freud’s Little-Known Correspondence on Violence, Peace, and Human Nature” on Brain Pickings:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/06/why-war-einstein-freud/
I’ve
also ruminated for many years on a somewhat broader spectrum of
seemingly intractable and insoluble problems that have long plagued
humankind: Conflict, Violence, Oppression, Injustice, Corruption,
Poverty, Ignorance, Alienation, Suffering, and Terrorism.
Most of what I’ve written on the subject can be found on my blog:
http://moultonlava.blogspot.com
The
short answer is that all ten of the “plagues” are instances of a class
of problems that modern mathematicians (or computer scientists) would
call problems in “untamed recursion.” Before the advent of modern
mathematics, theologians had a different term of art for this class of
problem. The called them “hellish” (or in the equivalent word in Hebrew,
“the pits”).
They are
actually solvable on paper. But to solve them in practice evidently
requires roughly 25% of the population to understand the underlying
mathematics. Otherwise, there is no reliable way to compel those
without the deep mathematical apprehension to adopt the best practices
that concord with the mathematical solution.
Jesus
actually had (and taught) the solution, but most of the followers of
Jesus don’t understand how he derived the optimal best practice.
Without that mathematical insight, it’s unrealistic to expect lay people
to adhere to the peacemaking protocol he recommended.
By
the way, that difficulty does not apply to machines. Computers on the
Internet which strictly adhere to the TCP/IP Protocol inter-operate
peaceably and efficiently with each other, in a manner analogous to what
Jesus had in mind for errant humans.
It’s
a fair question. Einstein and Freud exchanged a substantial amount of
correspondence over the baffleplexing problems of conflict, violence,
and suffering, lamenting the failure of the greatest thinkers and
theologians to discover a practical way to solve any of them.
See “Why War: Einstein and Freud’s Little-Known Correspondence on Violence, Peace, and Human Nature” on Brain Pickings:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/06/why-war-einstein-freud/
I’ve
also ruminated for many years on a somewhat broader spectrum of
seemingly intractable and insoluble problems that have long plagued
humankind: Conflict, Violence, Oppression, Injustice, Corruption,
Poverty, Ignorance, Alienation, Suffering, and Terrorism.
Most of what I’ve written on the subject can be found on my blog:
http://moultonlava.blogspot.com
The
short answer is that all ten of the “plagues” are instances of a class
of problems that modern mathematicians (or computer scientists) would
call problems in “untamed recursion.” Before the advent of modern
mathematics, theologians had a different term of art for this class of
problem. The called them “hellish” (or in the equivalent word in Hebrew,
“the pits”).
They are
actually solvable on paper. But to solve them in practice evidently
requires roughly 25% of the population to understand the underlying
mathematics. Otherwise, there is no reliable way to compel those
without the deep mathematical apprehension to adopt the best practices
that concord with the mathematical solution.
Jesus
actually had (and taught) the solution, but most of the followers of
Jesus don’t understand how he derived the optimal best practice.
Without that mathematical insight, it’s unrealistic to expect lay people
to adhere to the peacemaking protocol he recommended.
By
the way, that difficulty does not apply to machines. Computers on the
Internet which strictly adhere to the TCP/IP Protocol inter-operate
peaceably and efficiently with each other, in a manner analogous to what
Jesus had in mind for errant humans.
By Barry Kort on May 08, 2013 at 3:16pm
This
story is trotted out every few years. I am half Jewish, and I find
this offensive. If any other racial group came out with an article like
this one, half the population would be raising hell. This does nothing
but piss people off. Bragging is for the schoolyard—best to leave it
there.
story is trotted out every few years. I am half Jewish, and I find
this offensive. If any other racial group came out with an article like
this one, half the population would be raising hell. This does nothing
but piss people off. Bragging is for the schoolyard—best to leave it
there.
By Aaron on May 08, 2013 at 6:12pm
The only IQ I care about is ethical IQ.
By Hernan Tasies on May 09, 2013 at 6:51pm
IQ is in the I of the beholder.
By May on May 10, 2013 at 9:41pm
Every
time that anyone brings up this nonsense I think of my uncle, Joel. He
always has an excuse, but never doubts that he is somehow superior.
There
is an implicit insult within this and other “studies” directed at those
who actually work hard for their success and their place in society.
time that anyone brings up this nonsense I think of my uncle, Joel. He
always has an excuse, but never doubts that he is somehow superior.
There
is an implicit insult within this and other “studies” directed at those
who actually work hard for their success and their place in society.
By Dave on May 19, 2013 at 5:51am
OK I had to test this empirically.
I took 3 !Q tests and averaged the result (196)
then joined the local synagogue (thrown out twice as required)
became an orthodox askanazi then took the IQ test again.
IQ actually dropped 4 points.
I took 3 !Q tests and averaged the result (196)
then joined the local synagogue (thrown out twice as required)
became an orthodox askanazi then took the IQ test again.
IQ actually dropped 4 points.
By eldras on May 23, 2013 at 2:57pm
This
is a biased topic from the start. The very nature of it strikes me as
no better than eugenics studies. The sociological explanation for why
Jews tend to be smarter (survived pogroms, discrimination, genocides,
exceedingly high standards for spouses aka the Jewish Mom stereotype)
may be accurate, but it can’t be proven objectively true—the claim is
just too portentous.
Interesting
to bring math into a problem that is strictly sociological. Computers
don’t interact peaceably—they merely interact. This is a subtle
anthropomorphic overlay that has been going on since the explosive
growth rate of our technological capabilities. It is the same with our
relationship to the animal world—domestic pets have higher value than
their feral counterparts for no reason other than, they’re ‘ours’. See
Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven for pet owner insanity.
is a biased topic from the start. The very nature of it strikes me as
no better than eugenics studies. The sociological explanation for why
Jews tend to be smarter (survived pogroms, discrimination, genocides,
exceedingly high standards for spouses aka the Jewish Mom stereotype)
may be accurate, but it can’t be proven objectively true—the claim is
just too portentous.
Interesting
to bring math into a problem that is strictly sociological. Computers
don’t interact peaceably—they merely interact. This is a subtle
anthropomorphic overlay that has been going on since the explosive
growth rate of our technological capabilities. It is the same with our
relationship to the animal world—domestic pets have higher value than
their feral counterparts for no reason other than, they’re ‘ours’. See
Errol Morris’ Gates of Heaven for pet owner insanity.
By johndoe on May 24, 2013 at 10:36am
The
Solomon hypothesis. It is recorded that God gave Solomon more wisdom
and understanding than anyone else. It is also stated that as an opulent
and affluent king he had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
If
God altered Solomon genetically so that he could comprehend and store
knowledge then that trait would on some level be transmitted to many
Israelis as presumably at least the proper wives would be from Israel.
With the offspring that would result the ubiquity of the gene or genes
is virtually assured and would be present among the Jews today who have
remained an insular people to a much higher degree than would be
expected.
It is almost
impossible to recognize that the Jews have genetic advantage when it
comes to mental abilities, certain other environmental factors could
explain achievement beyond IQ expectations but you can send a chimp to
Harvard and he will still be a chimp after all.
Solomon hypothesis. It is recorded that God gave Solomon more wisdom
and understanding than anyone else. It is also stated that as an opulent
and affluent king he had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
If
God altered Solomon genetically so that he could comprehend and store
knowledge then that trait would on some level be transmitted to many
Israelis as presumably at least the proper wives would be from Israel.
With the offspring that would result the ubiquity of the gene or genes
is virtually assured and would be present among the Jews today who have
remained an insular people to a much higher degree than would be
expected.
It is almost
impossible to recognize that the Jews have genetic advantage when it
comes to mental abilities, certain other environmental factors could
explain achievement beyond IQ expectations but you can send a chimp to
Harvard and he will still be a chimp after all.
By James Bowman on Jun 06, 2013 at 2:13am
While
there may indeed be a genetic component to being endowed with a
high-functioning brain (or at least one that is not organically damaged
from genetically transmitted disorders), it occurs to me that culture
and education may have a lot more to do with it than genes.
In
Howard Gardner’s catalog of Multiple Intelligence, the ninth and most
recent one to be added to his list is one that goes by more than a dozen
obscure names. Eventually Gardner proposed to call it Existential
Intelligence.
Aristotle
didn’t have a name for the chapter that came after Physics; he just
called it “Metaphysics” (meaning “beyond physics”).
Temple Grandin suggests calling it Pattern Thinking.
If
anyone had asked me, I’d have nominated Systems Thinking as the most
appropriate name for the Ninth Intelligence in Gardner’s evolving
catalog of different kinds of thinking.
Solomon
exemplified the Ninth Intelligence. So did Moses, Buddha, Hillel,
Jesus, Lao Tsu, Beckett, Maimonides, Stephen Langton, Fyodor Dostoevsky,
Mark Twain, and a host of 20th Century thinkers, notably including
Gregory Bateson and the brilliant mathematicians who collaborated with
him in the establishment of Cybernetics, Cognitive Science, and Systems
Thinking.
See “The Ninth Intelligence” ...
http://iste2013.org/profiles/blogs/the-ninth-intelligence
there may indeed be a genetic component to being endowed with a
high-functioning brain (or at least one that is not organically damaged
from genetically transmitted disorders), it occurs to me that culture
and education may have a lot more to do with it than genes.
In
Howard Gardner’s catalog of Multiple Intelligence, the ninth and most
recent one to be added to his list is one that goes by more than a dozen
obscure names. Eventually Gardner proposed to call it Existential
Intelligence.
Aristotle
didn’t have a name for the chapter that came after Physics; he just
called it “Metaphysics” (meaning “beyond physics”).
Temple Grandin suggests calling it Pattern Thinking.
If
anyone had asked me, I’d have nominated Systems Thinking as the most
appropriate name for the Ninth Intelligence in Gardner’s evolving
catalog of different kinds of thinking.
Solomon
exemplified the Ninth Intelligence. So did Moses, Buddha, Hillel,
Jesus, Lao Tsu, Beckett, Maimonides, Stephen Langton, Fyodor Dostoevsky,
Mark Twain, and a host of 20th Century thinkers, notably including
Gregory Bateson and the brilliant mathematicians who collaborated with
him in the establishment of Cybernetics, Cognitive Science, and Systems
Thinking.
See “The Ninth Intelligence” ...
http://iste2013.org/profiles/blogs/the-ninth-intelligence
By Barry Kort on Jun 06, 2013 at 8:45am
Wow
that was an extremely interesting article! Couldn’t stop reading Once I
started. I’m off now to play chess, write more music, stay healthy,
learn a new language, be motivated!
that was an extremely interesting article! Couldn’t stop reading Once I
started. I’m off now to play chess, write more music, stay healthy,
learn a new language, be motivated!
By NickG on Jun 06, 2013 at 7:00pm
Barry
not sure I agree, completely at least. I went to the link and read your
blog and I’m a bit confused. The first part of the list for the ” Ninth
Intelligence” all have an obvious connection to ethics yet the last few
seem as if they belong on another list. Perhaps you could elaborate and
show the correlation as you see it?
No
doubt there is an innate understanding among us of right and wrong. So
we humans understand to some degree at least what is ethical or not.
Jesus said do unto others as you would have them do unto you, which is
the most poignant way that gets to the heart of the matter.
The
question that this article addresses is what caused the Ashkenazi Jews
to have an undisputably higher IQ then the general population? I don’t
think environmental factors alone suffice. Twin studies as well as Jews
who were raised in distinctly non Orthodox or even in lower educated
house holds still perform on another intellectual plane. Bobby Fischer
is the first example that comes to mind. IQ has a very undeniable
genetic component. This may be offensive to some people especially non
Jews, but reallity doesn’t change to accompany our feelings. I try to
remain objective and first determine if something is true or not before
deciding the cause and implications that go along with it.
The
Flynn effect certainly raises some interesting questions about
heritabillity in a Lamarkian sense. It seems that scientists are
discovering that our code is a little more bi-directional than it was
once believed. In that thought perhaps you are correct that environment
is what programs the genetic code and that programming could potentially
be culmative over many generation. This going beyond selection for
desired traits towards actually inducing those traits. Anyway the Ninth
Intelligence is very interesting if not entirely relevant as I see it.
Thanks for the response to my comments Barry.
not sure I agree, completely at least. I went to the link and read your
blog and I’m a bit confused. The first part of the list for the ” Ninth
Intelligence” all have an obvious connection to ethics yet the last few
seem as if they belong on another list. Perhaps you could elaborate and
show the correlation as you see it?
No
doubt there is an innate understanding among us of right and wrong. So
we humans understand to some degree at least what is ethical or not.
Jesus said do unto others as you would have them do unto you, which is
the most poignant way that gets to the heart of the matter.
The
question that this article addresses is what caused the Ashkenazi Jews
to have an undisputably higher IQ then the general population? I don’t
think environmental factors alone suffice. Twin studies as well as Jews
who were raised in distinctly non Orthodox or even in lower educated
house holds still perform on another intellectual plane. Bobby Fischer
is the first example that comes to mind. IQ has a very undeniable
genetic component. This may be offensive to some people especially non
Jews, but reallity doesn’t change to accompany our feelings. I try to
remain objective and first determine if something is true or not before
deciding the cause and implications that go along with it.
The
Flynn effect certainly raises some interesting questions about
heritabillity in a Lamarkian sense. It seems that scientists are
discovering that our code is a little more bi-directional than it was
once believed. In that thought perhaps you are correct that environment
is what programs the genetic code and that programming could potentially
be culmative over many generation. This going beyond selection for
desired traits towards actually inducing those traits. Anyway the Ninth
Intelligence is very interesting if not entirely relevant as I see it.
Thanks for the response to my comments Barry.
By James Bowman on Jun 06, 2013 at 9:02pm
I
notice that many of the respondents are not comfortable with the idea
that cognitive ability is inherited, not learned. They are, I fear, a
product of the “Nurture over Nature” movement that occurred after WWII.
I am reminded of a good friend who became an eminent pediatric
psychiatrist, and whom, shortly before retiring, told me, “Some kids are
simply wired wrong.” When I commented to his sister than I, a
biologist, was delighted to hear him say that, she replied, “Yes, but it
took him thirty five years to say it.”
For
whatever reason, a winnowing process occurred, selecting out the more
intelligent members of the gene pool, who then continued to breed true
by deliberate selection of intelligent spouses.
Mac
notice that many of the respondents are not comfortable with the idea
that cognitive ability is inherited, not learned. They are, I fear, a
product of the “Nurture over Nature” movement that occurred after WWII.
I am reminded of a good friend who became an eminent pediatric
psychiatrist, and whom, shortly before retiring, told me, “Some kids are
simply wired wrong.” When I commented to his sister than I, a
biologist, was delighted to hear him say that, she replied, “Yes, but it
took him thirty five years to say it.”
For
whatever reason, a winnowing process occurred, selecting out the more
intelligent members of the gene pool, who then continued to breed true
by deliberate selection of intelligent spouses.
Mac
By Mac on Jun 06, 2013 at 9:46pm
James,
the last few items in the list of synonyms for the Ninth Intelligence
are firmly rooted in modern applied mathematics: Systems Theory, Pattern
Recognition, and Cybernetics. In that regard, they are not “Logos”
(Narrative) but “Mathos” (Theory or Function).
“Theology”
is the Word of God. But if you look at the modern scientific models of
Natural Law, they are typically expressed as Mathematical Models rather
than as Narrative Stories. You can think of these Mathematical Models
as Templates or Blueprints or Formulas from which the exemplary
narratives arise.
Umberto Eco said, “Whereof we cannot express a theory, we must narrate a story instead.”
For
most of human history, cultural knowledge, wisdom, and insight was
passed down through stories. Even today, the study of mathematical
models is limited to the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics).
If you read the Humanities, you rarely will find a mathematical, scientific, or analytical model embedded in the literature.
What the last few varieties of Existential Intelligence do is bridge the gap between narrative and theory.
See,
for example, this presentation by Wai H. Tsang, a British neuroscience
scholar who can effortlessly synopsize the modern mathematical
scholarship in the corresponding theological or metaphysical version of
the same ideas:
Becoming Aware of ‘Becoming Aware’
http://moultonlava.blogspot.com/2013/06/becoming-aware-of-becoming-aware.html
See
also the other recent posts on my blog, which dive into many of the
same questions. Many of those blog posts have protracted discussions in
the comments which further explore and fill in the gap between
traditional narrative and modern theory.
If you have a Google Blogger account, you can join the discussions there if you like.
the last few items in the list of synonyms for the Ninth Intelligence
are firmly rooted in modern applied mathematics: Systems Theory, Pattern
Recognition, and Cybernetics. In that regard, they are not “Logos”
(Narrative) but “Mathos” (Theory or Function).
“Theology”
is the Word of God. But if you look at the modern scientific models of
Natural Law, they are typically expressed as Mathematical Models rather
than as Narrative Stories. You can think of these Mathematical Models
as Templates or Blueprints or Formulas from which the exemplary
narratives arise.
Umberto Eco said, “Whereof we cannot express a theory, we must narrate a story instead.”
For
most of human history, cultural knowledge, wisdom, and insight was
passed down through stories. Even today, the study of mathematical
models is limited to the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics).
If you read the Humanities, you rarely will find a mathematical, scientific, or analytical model embedded in the literature.
What the last few varieties of Existential Intelligence do is bridge the gap between narrative and theory.
See,
for example, this presentation by Wai H. Tsang, a British neuroscience
scholar who can effortlessly synopsize the modern mathematical
scholarship in the corresponding theological or metaphysical version of
the same ideas:
Becoming Aware of ‘Becoming Aware’
http://moultonlava.blogspot.com/2013/06/becoming-aware-of-becoming-aware.html
See
also the other recent posts on my blog, which dive into many of the
same questions. Many of those blog posts have protracted discussions in
the comments which further explore and fill in the gap between
traditional narrative and modern theory.
If you have a Google Blogger account, you can join the discussions there if you like.
By Barry Kort on Jun 07, 2013 at 11:37am
Peter
asks if Jews are so smart, why have they not found a way to live in
peace. Well, Peter, they would love to live in peace, however, their
Arab neighbors deny their existence and would love to see Israel wiped
off the face of the earth, that is why. Have you ever visited Israel, I
have. The Israelis treat the Palestineans in their hospitals, without
predjudice, treat the Arab children who are cancer patients, free of
charge with their wonderful medical research and would love to live side
by side w/o the daily rocket attacks. When that day comes, peace will
follow.
asks if Jews are so smart, why have they not found a way to live in
peace. Well, Peter, they would love to live in peace, however, their
Arab neighbors deny their existence and would love to see Israel wiped
off the face of the earth, that is why. Have you ever visited Israel, I
have. The Israelis treat the Palestineans in their hospitals, without
predjudice, treat the Arab children who are cancer patients, free of
charge with their wonderful medical research and would love to live side
by side w/o the daily rocket attacks. When that day comes, peace will
follow.
By Harriet on Jun 09, 2013 at 2:58pm
Ashkenazy
IQ is not different from Asian IQ. I believe the major difference
historically has been the (unwanted) role of Jews as “outsiders”. Every
human group tends to cling to beliefs that become self-limiting. Jewish
persecutions have the unwanted side-effect of forcing Jews to abandon
fixed beliefs from groups they want to belong to, but which do not
accept them. This is obviously true in Europe and the Muslim world; it
is happening today. So Einstein, to name a famous example, began to
wonder at age 16 “what would it be like to travel on a ray of light?” An
unusual question, and possibly part of his status as an outsider.
Einstein never had academic recognition until he published his five
fundamental articles of 1905, his Annus Mirabile. Those articles were
short, conceptual, and broke the fixed beliefs of conventional physics
at the time. The amazing thing is that the small theoretical physics
community was receptive to such revolutionary thoughts. Breaking set
(fixed beliefs) is a key ingredient of scientific creativity, but it has
to be very disciplined.
IQ is not different from Asian IQ. I believe the major difference
historically has been the (unwanted) role of Jews as “outsiders”. Every
human group tends to cling to beliefs that become self-limiting. Jewish
persecutions have the unwanted side-effect of forcing Jews to abandon
fixed beliefs from groups they want to belong to, but which do not
accept them. This is obviously true in Europe and the Muslim world; it
is happening today. So Einstein, to name a famous example, began to
wonder at age 16 “what would it be like to travel on a ray of light?” An
unusual question, and possibly part of his status as an outsider.
Einstein never had academic recognition until he published his five
fundamental articles of 1905, his Annus Mirabile. Those articles were
short, conceptual, and broke the fixed beliefs of conventional physics
at the time. The amazing thing is that the small theoretical physics
community was receptive to such revolutionary thoughts. Breaking set
(fixed beliefs) is a key ingredient of scientific creativity, but it has
to be very disciplined.
By Bernard Baars on Jun 11, 2013 at 4:56am
Bernard
Ashkenazi IQ is measurably different even than their closest rivals the
East Asians hence the discussion and subsequent hypothesises to give an
explanation.
The politically
correct response is to presume that it is the product of environment or
more favorable conditions. This notion has been adequetly refuted for
the most part, twin studies differing economic and social backgrounds
etc… IQ is a largely heritable trait like height, eye color and so
forth. Do I think ones environment effects individuals of course, I get a
tan. Malnurished peoples are smaller in stature too but no matter how
much time in the sun I will not get Sub Saharah African dark because
genetically my abillity to produce melanin is predetermined. This is
also confirmed in by albinism which is genetic.
My
width seems to be more flexible than my heigth is even when
overnourished. So no offence it is simply that observations tell us that
Ashkenazi Jews in particular have a significantly higher IQ than the
norm. As I already stated first determine what is true then proceed to
determine what implications that has.
Why
Jews have been persecuted throughout HIStory is an interesting topic in
itself, I might suggest natural explanations alone fall short so my
answer would be prophetic in nature. The answered question is are they
smarter on the whole than other people groups, the remaining question is
why? For me the next question is why can’t we accept it if it is true?
Ashkenazi IQ is measurably different even than their closest rivals the
East Asians hence the discussion and subsequent hypothesises to give an
explanation.
The politically
correct response is to presume that it is the product of environment or
more favorable conditions. This notion has been adequetly refuted for
the most part, twin studies differing economic and social backgrounds
etc… IQ is a largely heritable trait like height, eye color and so
forth. Do I think ones environment effects individuals of course, I get a
tan. Malnurished peoples are smaller in stature too but no matter how
much time in the sun I will not get Sub Saharah African dark because
genetically my abillity to produce melanin is predetermined. This is
also confirmed in by albinism which is genetic.
My
width seems to be more flexible than my heigth is even when
overnourished. So no offence it is simply that observations tell us that
Ashkenazi Jews in particular have a significantly higher IQ than the
norm. As I already stated first determine what is true then proceed to
determine what implications that has.
Why
Jews have been persecuted throughout HIStory is an interesting topic in
itself, I might suggest natural explanations alone fall short so my
answer would be prophetic in nature. The answered question is are they
smarter on the whole than other people groups, the remaining question is
why? For me the next question is why can’t we accept it if it is true?
By James Bowman on Jun 14, 2013 at 5:14pm
Theoretically,
all Jews should score about the same in IQ, given that there’s such an
emphasis on education (whether holy or secular) among Jews in general
and that that emphasis predates the contemporary Jewish divisions -
Sephardim, Oriental Jews, and so on should be scoring about the same as
the Ashkenazim. But it seems to me that the Ashkenazim have had the
advantage of living in more favourable general environments in the past
couple of hundred years than other Jews, and of having been more
isolated historically from the general population than the Sephardim
etc. Furthermore, in that article, there’s no mention of
ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic Jews of Ashkenazi descent vs. other, more secular
Ashkenazim (and it’s the latter who have been behind at least almost
all the stunning achievements mentioned in the article).
While
the article discusses Ashkenazi Jews and Northeast Asians among the
highest achievers in our contemporary world, the author seemed to forget
to mention smaller groups like the Armenians, Parsees, and Jains (the
latter two of which are from India), and maybe the Lebanese Maronites as
well, that have made a good number of contributions to the world as
well. These groups have been historically, just like the Jews and the
Chinese in their Southeast Asian diaspora, businessmen and middlemen
(and were more literate than most of the rest of the world).
(Full disclosure: I’m Ashkenazi.)
all Jews should score about the same in IQ, given that there’s such an
emphasis on education (whether holy or secular) among Jews in general
and that that emphasis predates the contemporary Jewish divisions -
Sephardim, Oriental Jews, and so on should be scoring about the same as
the Ashkenazim. But it seems to me that the Ashkenazim have had the
advantage of living in more favourable general environments in the past
couple of hundred years than other Jews, and of having been more
isolated historically from the general population than the Sephardim
etc. Furthermore, in that article, there’s no mention of
ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic Jews of Ashkenazi descent vs. other, more secular
Ashkenazim (and it’s the latter who have been behind at least almost
all the stunning achievements mentioned in the article).
While
the article discusses Ashkenazi Jews and Northeast Asians among the
highest achievers in our contemporary world, the author seemed to forget
to mention smaller groups like the Armenians, Parsees, and Jains (the
latter two of which are from India), and maybe the Lebanese Maronites as
well, that have made a good number of contributions to the world as
well. These groups have been historically, just like the Jews and the
Chinese in their Southeast Asian diaspora, businessmen and middlemen
(and were more literate than most of the rest of the world).
(Full disclosure: I’m Ashkenazi.)
By Yosef on Jun 19, 2013 at 4:31pm
about the age of 12 my IQ was 124 . Finished high school , but never attended
college . About 65 years later I was given an extensive IQ exam and the result was
144 I was puzzled and so was the psychologist ,
college . About 65 years later I was given an extensive IQ exam and the result was
144 I was puzzled and so was the psychologist ,
By solomon rosen on Jun 21, 2013 at 2:08pm
some really good points here but healthy living will always play a part.
By kevin smith on Jun 24, 2013 at 4:25am
“Jews
have made up 50% of the top two hundred intellectuals… 40% of partners
in the leading law firms in New York and Washington… 59% of the
directors, writers, and producers of the fifty top-grossing motion
pictures…”
“Israel: In 1922
this swamp-and-desert land had an impoverished population of 752,000
inhabitants. Today there are 7,746,000 residents, with a large Ashkenazi
population (3 million, and 60% of the workforce) that has elevated it
into a high-tech entrepreneurial nation with the highest per capita
income in the region. Israel rates 1st in the world in graduate degrees,
1st in museums, 1st in home computers, and 1st in publishing scientific
papers.”
In academia, law
firms and in Hollywood they practice racial exclusion. They prefer to
hire each other to high positions. So for example will Jewish producers
and directors favor Jewish actors, often when it could even hurt a
movie’s or TV series’ success because the Jewish actor is less
attractive than numerous other actors who could have won the role
instead.
Israel’s wealth is
not a testament to Jewish intelligence. Remove verbal skill from IQ
tests, as is more and more often done these days in favor of pattern
recognition in symbols, and Jewish average intelligence plummets.
Therefore Israel’s average IQ is only 98. Israel receives massive
economic aid from the U.S. every year, more than any other country, as
well as enormous loans that they never have to pay back. Israel also
enjoys favored trade status, for example access to the EU’s free-trade
area without having to reciprocate by opening up its own domestic market
to free-trade competition, thereby giving Israeli businesses a truly
unique advantage. Also, Israel can exploit cheap labor from the former
Soviet bloc without giving them citizenship. In fact, remove the free
money, the trade privileges and the cheap labor, and Israel with its
98-average IQ and socialist policies would quickly have financial
troubles.
have made up 50% of the top two hundred intellectuals… 40% of partners
in the leading law firms in New York and Washington… 59% of the
directors, writers, and producers of the fifty top-grossing motion
pictures…”
“Israel: In 1922
this swamp-and-desert land had an impoverished population of 752,000
inhabitants. Today there are 7,746,000 residents, with a large Ashkenazi
population (3 million, and 60% of the workforce) that has elevated it
into a high-tech entrepreneurial nation with the highest per capita
income in the region. Israel rates 1st in the world in graduate degrees,
1st in museums, 1st in home computers, and 1st in publishing scientific
papers.”
In academia, law
firms and in Hollywood they practice racial exclusion. They prefer to
hire each other to high positions. So for example will Jewish producers
and directors favor Jewish actors, often when it could even hurt a
movie’s or TV series’ success because the Jewish actor is less
attractive than numerous other actors who could have won the role
instead.
Israel’s wealth is
not a testament to Jewish intelligence. Remove verbal skill from IQ
tests, as is more and more often done these days in favor of pattern
recognition in symbols, and Jewish average intelligence plummets.
Therefore Israel’s average IQ is only 98. Israel receives massive
economic aid from the U.S. every year, more than any other country, as
well as enormous loans that they never have to pay back. Israel also
enjoys favored trade status, for example access to the EU’s free-trade
area without having to reciprocate by opening up its own domestic market
to free-trade competition, thereby giving Israeli businesses a truly
unique advantage. Also, Israel can exploit cheap labor from the former
Soviet bloc without giving them citizenship. In fact, remove the free
money, the trade privileges and the cheap labor, and Israel with its
98-average IQ and socialist policies would quickly have financial
troubles.
By Carpenter on Jul 04, 2013 at 8:00pm
Obviously,
Carpenter is not Jewish, much less of the Eastern European variety, or
else he would know that verbal fluency is an overwhelming marker in the
creation of intelligence; hence, one cannot separate verbal IQ out of
the IQ debate because without language proficiency, we cannot form
ideas, structure ideas, consider ideas, strategize and proceed in
action.
In a rejoinder, if we
factored out the rest of the world’s verbal IQ from the IQ equation, I
suggest the number might be in the single digits, roughly equivalent to
that of a radish. That reasoning is as laughable as Carpenter’s
anti-Semitic (read as “envy”) appraisal of Ashkenazim IQ.
Carpenter is not Jewish, much less of the Eastern European variety, or
else he would know that verbal fluency is an overwhelming marker in the
creation of intelligence; hence, one cannot separate verbal IQ out of
the IQ debate because without language proficiency, we cannot form
ideas, structure ideas, consider ideas, strategize and proceed in
action.
In a rejoinder, if we
factored out the rest of the world’s verbal IQ from the IQ equation, I
suggest the number might be in the single digits, roughly equivalent to
that of a radish. That reasoning is as laughable as Carpenter’s
anti-Semitic (read as “envy”) appraisal of Ashkenazim IQ.
By LaneyB on Jul 09, 2013 at 3:15pm
There
must be some inherited trait that coupled with an environment that
promotes learning for the sake of learning that shows up in IQ tests.
It can’t all be nature or all be nurture. The results are too
consistent across geographical boundaries.
must be some inherited trait that coupled with an environment that
promotes learning for the sake of learning that shows up in IQ tests.
It can’t all be nature or all be nurture. The results are too
consistent across geographical boundaries.
By LaneyB on Jul 10, 2013 at 1:31pm
Carpenter
Israel was a desert waste land, barren for the most part as you already
noted. I don’t think Russia did nearly as well with the labor force so
not sure why Israel succeeds with the same people? I find the notion
that language be removed from the IQ equation as somewhat unfathomable,
not unlike removing speed and strength from athleticism?
That
Jews prefer Jews in Hollywood is of course true, but remember most of
the major studios were started by Jews who were kept from show business
to begin with. As much as I despise Hollywood they succeeded and even
surpassed those who excluded them from the industry initially. This is
itself a testimony to them being very smart imho.
No
the article makes more than a sufficient case that Jews are inherently
more intelligent on average. Arguments to environment or even denial of a
collectively higher IQ simply fail when looked at objectively.
As
far as I know I’m not Jewish although some ancestral evidence suggests
it is likely. All potential links are not in the paternal line so Y DNA
testing wouldn’t be useful and autosomal tests seem to be very
subjective and random. I score well on standardized tests but tend to
score highest in the goyim visuospatial sections, yet reading
comprehension and pattern recognition are very strong points too My
weakest points by far are grammar and spelling so IQ alone isn’t as
strong an indicator in my case. Doesn’t matter really just interesting
to know I guess.
Israel was a desert waste land, barren for the most part as you already
noted. I don’t think Russia did nearly as well with the labor force so
not sure why Israel succeeds with the same people? I find the notion
that language be removed from the IQ equation as somewhat unfathomable,
not unlike removing speed and strength from athleticism?
That
Jews prefer Jews in Hollywood is of course true, but remember most of
the major studios were started by Jews who were kept from show business
to begin with. As much as I despise Hollywood they succeeded and even
surpassed those who excluded them from the industry initially. This is
itself a testimony to them being very smart imho.
No
the article makes more than a sufficient case that Jews are inherently
more intelligent on average. Arguments to environment or even denial of a
collectively higher IQ simply fail when looked at objectively.
As
far as I know I’m not Jewish although some ancestral evidence suggests
it is likely. All potential links are not in the paternal line so Y DNA
testing wouldn’t be useful and autosomal tests seem to be very
subjective and random. I score well on standardized tests but tend to
score highest in the goyim visuospatial sections, yet reading
comprehension and pattern recognition are very strong points too My
weakest points by far are grammar and spelling so IQ alone isn’t as
strong an indicator in my case. Doesn’t matter really just interesting
to know I guess.
By James Bowman on Jul 13, 2013 at 4:55pm
im ashkanazi jewish from warsw
By stachowicz on Jul 16, 2013 at 3:40pm
placebo effect
By dan on Jul 20, 2013 at 8:24am
studies
into placebo effect have showen that the expected outcome of a
expermient affects the actual outcome of the expermient even when
dealing with living subjects. In one case studies were carried out on
students where their grades improved when expected to, The expectation
was from observers that the students were not aware of. The observers
were simply told that this group of students are very bright and will
get good grades even thou they weren’t. The students preformed as
expected and their grades improved. when there is a large group of
people e.g christians that believe that the jews are the chosen people
this sets up a very powerfull placebo effect. The question is would this
placebo effect be powerfull enough to increase the iQ of a entire race
of people placebo studies would say yes.
into placebo effect have showen that the expected outcome of a
expermient affects the actual outcome of the expermient even when
dealing with living subjects. In one case studies were carried out on
students where their grades improved when expected to, The expectation
was from observers that the students were not aware of. The observers
were simply told that this group of students are very bright and will
get good grades even thou they weren’t. The students preformed as
expected and their grades improved. when there is a large group of
people e.g christians that believe that the jews are the chosen people
this sets up a very powerfull placebo effect. The question is would this
placebo effect be powerfull enough to increase the iQ of a entire race
of people placebo studies would say yes.
By Dan on Jul 20, 2013 at 8:55am
How about giving the most obvious answer a try?
The Jews are God’s chosen people.
“For
you are a holy people to YHWH your God, and God has chosen you to be
his treasured people from all the nations that are on the face of the
earth” (Deuteronomy 14:2).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews_as_the_chosen_people
The Jews are God’s chosen people.
“For
you are a holy people to YHWH your God, and God has chosen you to be
his treasured people from all the nations that are on the face of the
earth” (Deuteronomy 14:2).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews_as_the_chosen_people
By Matthew Foutch on Jul 22, 2013 at 9:56pm
Raelian’s are also chosen people, related to the Jews. Happy to say I’m one…
By LoveYourDNA on Jul 24, 2013 at 11:21am
In
our modern culture, intelligence is more important than physical
prowess, but only the jews seem to understand this. We should indeed
encourage our children to engage in intellectually challenging hobbies
(chess, music, mathematics, language etc). Ofcourse, the drawback has
also been mentioned: people who can’t keep up the intellectually higher
pace will feel alienated and will turn this kind of culture down. But
this is also a problem of the current physic-based culture.
our modern culture, intelligence is more important than physical
prowess, but only the jews seem to understand this. We should indeed
encourage our children to engage in intellectually challenging hobbies
(chess, music, mathematics, language etc). Ofcourse, the drawback has
also been mentioned: people who can’t keep up the intellectually higher
pace will feel alienated and will turn this kind of culture down. But
this is also a problem of the current physic-based culture.
By YourConclusionIsCorrect on Aug 02, 2013 at 5:31pm
“Today there are 7,746,000 residents, with a large Ashkenazi population, 3 million”
But the IQ averange of Israel is only 94:
http://www.sq.4mg.com/NationIQ.htm
¿Why? ¿How explain this?
But the IQ averange of Israel is only 94:
http://www.sq.4mg.com/NationIQ.htm
¿Why? ¿How explain this?
By Juan on Aug 04, 2013 at 6:52am
Simple
the non Ashkenazi population has an IQ of 85 or so and if you average
them in it brings it down to 94. What is the IQ of neighboring
countries? Also that is including Palestinians who are essentially Arab.
This is not a well researched answer but I bet if you look you will see
explains most of the disparity.
the non Ashkenazi population has an IQ of 85 or so and if you average
them in it brings it down to 94. What is the IQ of neighboring
countries? Also that is including Palestinians who are essentially Arab.
This is not a well researched answer but I bet if you look you will see
explains most of the disparity.
By James Bowman on Aug 08, 2013 at 7:31pm
Interesting
article! I have studied this and related psychometrics for decades. I
always tell people about the high IQs of Ashkenazi Jews, and the
reasons I give are thus: Throughout the centuries Jews were persecuted
and often forced to live in ghettos - especially the Jews of Eastern
Europe and Russia. Over the years, they tended to “out-breed” the dull
and stupid ones who might put the group into jeopardy.
Having no outside influences, they also had to learn to entertain themselves:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/broadway-musicals-a-jewish-legacy/watch-the-full-film/1499/
article! I have studied this and related psychometrics for decades. I
always tell people about the high IQs of Ashkenazi Jews, and the
reasons I give are thus: Throughout the centuries Jews were persecuted
and often forced to live in ghettos - especially the Jews of Eastern
Europe and Russia. Over the years, they tended to “out-breed” the dull
and stupid ones who might put the group into jeopardy.
Having no outside influences, they also had to learn to entertain themselves:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/broadway-musicals-a-jewish-legacy/watch-the-full-film/1499/
By Steerforth on Aug 14, 2013 at 1:58pm
As
an Ashkenazi Jewess who has voluntarily immersed herself in Jewish
culture, history, language, etc., for five and a half decades, I was
enormously impressed and fascinated by this article. It is brilliantly
written, thought-provoking and convincing. Regarding early bilingualism,
I spoke British English and Gaelic as a toddler and became easily
proficient in Spanish, Hebrew, Serbo-Croatian as well as acquiring some
Arabic and some Yiddish skills. Both of my parents were far more
educated than anyone in their families at a time when women rarely went
to college and men did not often earn a Bachelor’s Degree, let alone two
Master’s Degrees, as my dad did. One of the gifts they bestowed upon me
( through genetic and environmental transmission, I’m sure) was the
ability to express myself eloquently in English, through speaking and
writing. I enjoy sharing my original humor (most of it Jewish-themed,)
biting satire, and poetry with fans. Being born Ashkenazi certainly
didn’t hurt!! You can be certain that I will recommend this article and
your book to my friends, family, and cyberpals, many of whom are rabbis,
Jewish professors, authors, musicians, scholars, and language students,
as well as to my intelligent non-Jewish friends. I also enjoyed some of
the thoughtful comments. I respectfully suggest that the foregoing is
in alignment with the principles of Buddhist Right Speech. In fact, in
closing, I’ll share a phrase which I coined: I am attached to
non-attachment.
an Ashkenazi Jewess who has voluntarily immersed herself in Jewish
culture, history, language, etc., for five and a half decades, I was
enormously impressed and fascinated by this article. It is brilliantly
written, thought-provoking and convincing. Regarding early bilingualism,
I spoke British English and Gaelic as a toddler and became easily
proficient in Spanish, Hebrew, Serbo-Croatian as well as acquiring some
Arabic and some Yiddish skills. Both of my parents were far more
educated than anyone in their families at a time when women rarely went
to college and men did not often earn a Bachelor’s Degree, let alone two
Master’s Degrees, as my dad did. One of the gifts they bestowed upon me
( through genetic and environmental transmission, I’m sure) was the
ability to express myself eloquently in English, through speaking and
writing. I enjoy sharing my original humor (most of it Jewish-themed,)
biting satire, and poetry with fans. Being born Ashkenazi certainly
didn’t hurt!! You can be certain that I will recommend this article and
your book to my friends, family, and cyberpals, many of whom are rabbis,
Jewish professors, authors, musicians, scholars, and language students,
as well as to my intelligent non-Jewish friends. I also enjoyed some of
the thoughtful comments. I respectfully suggest that the foregoing is
in alignment with the principles of Buddhist Right Speech. In fact, in
closing, I’ll share a phrase which I coined: I am attached to
non-attachment.
By Susan aka Queen Shamiram on Sep 05, 2013 at 6:27pm
Reading
your article with natural criticism, your possible explanations show
that the Jews have been trying to climb to the top of the food chain
since biblical times. This overlooked theme is in disagreement with
implying that the Jews and the Gentiles are born with equal footing and
the Jews success rate is due to their IQ. Your explanations instead
suggest that since biblical times, Jews have been acquiring money
(Rothschilds) and status and this has been a plan for centuries, and now
their children are born into a culture with disproportionate
opportunities.
This writer is biased. If he’s not Jewish then he is
trying to get a pat on the back from the elite who are largely Jewish.
The percentages quoted don’t indicate genetic intelligence, but a more
sinister status quo - the Jews have gained control of the money supply
and are using their advantage; now they help each other into high places
such as elite universities and jobs. The numbers don’t lie.
Proof
that this writer is biased, besides his polite description of the Talmud
which teaches that Jews are better than any other ethnicity, is that he
implies admission into Yale and Harvard is based on intelligence. And
we all know that isn’t true. There is more weight placed on the ability
to pay the tuition. And according to the article, there is a long
history of Jews obtaining a disproportionately large supply of the
money, in multiple countries, the author cites himself.
The
disproportionate success rates are hard evidence that they are at the
top of the social and classist caste systems. Since IQ has been shown to
increase with more education, the author (and the Ashenazi comments
about having more education than anybody else) seems to be making my
argument for me when stating that Jews make up such a large percent of
Yale and Harvard scholars. IQs increase with more education, and the
Gentiles are stonewalled from entering the rigorous colleges because
they don’t have the finances that “stay in the family”. Because if the
gentiles regarded themselves as an other and helped eah other into high
places, or anything of that sort, it would be called discrimination, but
the Jews don’t get that judgment.
“To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.” - Voltaire
your article with natural criticism, your possible explanations show
that the Jews have been trying to climb to the top of the food chain
since biblical times. This overlooked theme is in disagreement with
implying that the Jews and the Gentiles are born with equal footing and
the Jews success rate is due to their IQ. Your explanations instead
suggest that since biblical times, Jews have been acquiring money
(Rothschilds) and status and this has been a plan for centuries, and now
their children are born into a culture with disproportionate
opportunities.
This writer is biased. If he’s not Jewish then he is
trying to get a pat on the back from the elite who are largely Jewish.
The percentages quoted don’t indicate genetic intelligence, but a more
sinister status quo - the Jews have gained control of the money supply
and are using their advantage; now they help each other into high places
such as elite universities and jobs. The numbers don’t lie.
Proof
that this writer is biased, besides his polite description of the Talmud
which teaches that Jews are better than any other ethnicity, is that he
implies admission into Yale and Harvard is based on intelligence. And
we all know that isn’t true. There is more weight placed on the ability
to pay the tuition. And according to the article, there is a long
history of Jews obtaining a disproportionately large supply of the
money, in multiple countries, the author cites himself.
The
disproportionate success rates are hard evidence that they are at the
top of the social and classist caste systems. Since IQ has been shown to
increase with more education, the author (and the Ashenazi comments
about having more education than anybody else) seems to be making my
argument for me when stating that Jews make up such a large percent of
Yale and Harvard scholars. IQs increase with more education, and the
Gentiles are stonewalled from entering the rigorous colleges because
they don’t have the finances that “stay in the family”. Because if the
gentiles regarded themselves as an other and helped eah other into high
places, or anything of that sort, it would be called discrimination, but
the Jews don’t get that judgment.
“To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.” - Voltaire
By Claire Bennet on Sep 18, 2013 at 10:04pm
Very intersting points of view which deserve more attention and research.
By Oparod on Sep 30, 2013 at 8:49am
Oh
look at all these people bashing this article. Come one people, it is
OK to accept that some groups are smarter than others. The numbers prove
jewish intellectual superiority clearly. This doesn’t mean that I
support AA against jews or anything of that sort, since individualism is
the optimum public policy.
look at all these people bashing this article. Come one people, it is
OK to accept that some groups are smarter than others. The numbers prove
jewish intellectual superiority clearly. This doesn’t mean that I
support AA against jews or anything of that sort, since individualism is
the optimum public policy.
By Arvind on Sep 30, 2013 at 11:49am
FWIW,
a friend once told me that one reason for Ashkenazi intelligence was
that, traditionally, the mother was charged with educating children—so
they customarily sought out women with high intelligence and good
education with whom to reproduce… traits not generally considered sexy
in some other cultures I can think of…
a friend once told me that one reason for Ashkenazi intelligence was
that, traditionally, the mother was charged with educating children—so
they customarily sought out women with high intelligence and good
education with whom to reproduce… traits not generally considered sexy
in some other cultures I can think of…
By Pasiphae on Oct 01, 2013 at 8:17pm
I
was tested at a government facility where over 900 medical doctors were
employed. Every employee was required to be tested before being hired
to evaluate their knowledge and intelligence level.
I
was informed my test scores were the highest ever seen at this facility
and my IQ was said to be off the chart. They were floored as I had no
college education and had been diagnosed with ADD. I am not jewish, nor
were there any jews in my family history.
I
had smoked tests several times in the past with one being the national
all time high score of 98% on the 3 hour plus Federal Contract
Specialist Exam which was geared for those with an MBA degree. This
test was discontinued as very few could score the minimum of 80% to
qualify and affirmative action candidates were excluded.
was tested at a government facility where over 900 medical doctors were
employed. Every employee was required to be tested before being hired
to evaluate their knowledge and intelligence level.
I
was informed my test scores were the highest ever seen at this facility
and my IQ was said to be off the chart. They were floored as I had no
college education and had been diagnosed with ADD. I am not jewish, nor
were there any jews in my family history.
I
had smoked tests several times in the past with one being the national
all time high score of 98% on the 3 hour plus Federal Contract
Specialist Exam which was geared for those with an MBA degree. This
test was discontinued as very few could score the minimum of 80% to
qualify and affirmative action candidates were excluded.
By Richard K on Oct 10, 2013 at 11:31am
Sure
Ashkenazi Jews have some impressive accomplishments ALWAYS within non
Jewish civilizations. That is Jews have never been able to make
extraordinary contributions within a Jewish civilization. As a matter of
fact Jews have no developed a Jewish civilization.
Yes, the Bible is an extremely popular book but that is no indication of its value.But popularity does not equal soundness.
As
a matter of fact most of those high accomplishing Jews are not Orthodox
Jews, just as it happens with people raised within Christianity.
To
me it is obvious the ancient Greeks were far more advanced than Jews in
almost all respects, particularly in elevating human dignity by having
the courage to discard the idea of the magical God, all powerful and
that has all the answers fro everything. This is why Greek civilization
really invented the World we live in now and that is the World for all
human kind. The latest to join are the Chinese.
Unfortunately,
the Bible was more popular and ruled the World until the Renaissance
(not a Jewish movement). But popularity does not equal rationality.
The ancient Greek Hellenized the Jews, not the other way around.
Israel,
the Jewis state, is not a model of anything. Far below the Scandinavian
countries, Germany, Japan and Anglo countries in cultural level,
standard of living, government functioning, crime rate, corruption
civism, etc, etc. Even Israel is what it is thanks to the Westernized
Jews originally from Europe and the US otherwise it would be closer to
Jordan or Lebanon.
It is not
intelligent after 2000 not to figure out a way to void being rejected
and killed by practically all cultures since the Pharaohs.
Even
if we accept that persecution and expulsion of Jews is never justified,
it is obviously not very intelligent not to be able to figure out the
triggers. It is even less intelligent to accept that fate of rejection
and death.
I believe Jews are
able to contribute in some areas because they are “integrated
outsiders”; this enables them to look at things with more freedom when
they are in non Jewish societies. That freedom of point of view
sometimes is fantastic (Einstein and many others) sometimes is very
destructive when, for example many Jewish social thinkers and artists
spend their creative energy radicalizing and undermining the host
society. I do not know their inspiration to be so critical. Perhaps it
is because a non Jewish society is not worthy in their eyes or perhaps
they just want to improve it. In either case they are very unintelligent
because it only brings disaster for Jews and non-Jews over and over.
Jews
did not create philosophy, mathematics, geometry, classical, music,
literature, architecture, the alphabet, universities, banking,
democracy, rule of law, electricity, the steam engine, the internal
combustion engine, rocketry, the submarine, the airplane, chemistry,
geographic and space exploration, medicine and on and on.
I
just believe Jews just do not have it in their culture by itself the
impulse to explore in the intellectual and physical sense. This is why
their accomplishments are within more advanced cultures that do have the
impulse to explore.
It would
be idiotic to deny there is an amazing number of Jews that accomplish a
lot in very specific areas but that does not prove higher intelligence
it proves those specific accomplishments, no less no more.
It
amazes me Jews in the US today are totally unable to see how non Jews
are drifting apart from them and as the US continues its downward spiral
the conditions for violent anti-Semitism draws closer.
Jews
seem to think the Holocaust somehow protects them. How wrong they are.
The fact is, as far as most non Jews are concerned Auschwitz would be a
subdivision by now were it not for the Jewish ability and motivation,
and understandably so, to keep the Holocaust in the front lines, but
that will not last forever.
By
the way, it is not very intelligent for the Jews to bank the survival
of Israel on the support of the US and to bank the support of the US to
the influence of the US Jewish community. If Jews move to Israel to
escape future US anti-Semitism, then Israel will lose the support of the
US and will collapse in short order. If they do not they will end up
persecuted in the US and Israel will also lose US support. Either way it
seems Israel is doomed and US Jews are comdemned to move on (if they
are quick…)
Of course Jews
will survive the coming catastrophe, they have done it before. But, is
is rational if the survival of a belief that always brings death,
persecution and humiliation to its followers is worth it or even moral?
To me is not rational. As a matter of fact at one point in my life I was
so impressede by Jewish accomplishments I became interested in Judaism.
As I studied Judaism deeper I saw beyond the positive accomplishments
the many destructive things about Judaism and its many flaws.
Ashkenazi Jews have some impressive accomplishments ALWAYS within non
Jewish civilizations. That is Jews have never been able to make
extraordinary contributions within a Jewish civilization. As a matter of
fact Jews have no developed a Jewish civilization.
Yes, the Bible is an extremely popular book but that is no indication of its value.But popularity does not equal soundness.
As
a matter of fact most of those high accomplishing Jews are not Orthodox
Jews, just as it happens with people raised within Christianity.
To
me it is obvious the ancient Greeks were far more advanced than Jews in
almost all respects, particularly in elevating human dignity by having
the courage to discard the idea of the magical God, all powerful and
that has all the answers fro everything. This is why Greek civilization
really invented the World we live in now and that is the World for all
human kind. The latest to join are the Chinese.
Unfortunately,
the Bible was more popular and ruled the World until the Renaissance
(not a Jewish movement). But popularity does not equal rationality.
The ancient Greek Hellenized the Jews, not the other way around.
Israel,
the Jewis state, is not a model of anything. Far below the Scandinavian
countries, Germany, Japan and Anglo countries in cultural level,
standard of living, government functioning, crime rate, corruption
civism, etc, etc. Even Israel is what it is thanks to the Westernized
Jews originally from Europe and the US otherwise it would be closer to
Jordan or Lebanon.
It is not
intelligent after 2000 not to figure out a way to void being rejected
and killed by practically all cultures since the Pharaohs.
Even
if we accept that persecution and expulsion of Jews is never justified,
it is obviously not very intelligent not to be able to figure out the
triggers. It is even less intelligent to accept that fate of rejection
and death.
I believe Jews are
able to contribute in some areas because they are “integrated
outsiders”; this enables them to look at things with more freedom when
they are in non Jewish societies. That freedom of point of view
sometimes is fantastic (Einstein and many others) sometimes is very
destructive when, for example many Jewish social thinkers and artists
spend their creative energy radicalizing and undermining the host
society. I do not know their inspiration to be so critical. Perhaps it
is because a non Jewish society is not worthy in their eyes or perhaps
they just want to improve it. In either case they are very unintelligent
because it only brings disaster for Jews and non-Jews over and over.
Jews
did not create philosophy, mathematics, geometry, classical, music,
literature, architecture, the alphabet, universities, banking,
democracy, rule of law, electricity, the steam engine, the internal
combustion engine, rocketry, the submarine, the airplane, chemistry,
geographic and space exploration, medicine and on and on.
I
just believe Jews just do not have it in their culture by itself the
impulse to explore in the intellectual and physical sense. This is why
their accomplishments are within more advanced cultures that do have the
impulse to explore.
It would
be idiotic to deny there is an amazing number of Jews that accomplish a
lot in very specific areas but that does not prove higher intelligence
it proves those specific accomplishments, no less no more.
It
amazes me Jews in the US today are totally unable to see how non Jews
are drifting apart from them and as the US continues its downward spiral
the conditions for violent anti-Semitism draws closer.
Jews
seem to think the Holocaust somehow protects them. How wrong they are.
The fact is, as far as most non Jews are concerned Auschwitz would be a
subdivision by now were it not for the Jewish ability and motivation,
and understandably so, to keep the Holocaust in the front lines, but
that will not last forever.
By
the way, it is not very intelligent for the Jews to bank the survival
of Israel on the support of the US and to bank the support of the US to
the influence of the US Jewish community. If Jews move to Israel to
escape future US anti-Semitism, then Israel will lose the support of the
US and will collapse in short order. If they do not they will end up
persecuted in the US and Israel will also lose US support. Either way it
seems Israel is doomed and US Jews are comdemned to move on (if they
are quick…)
Of course Jews
will survive the coming catastrophe, they have done it before. But, is
is rational if the survival of a belief that always brings death,
persecution and humiliation to its followers is worth it or even moral?
To me is not rational. As a matter of fact at one point in my life I was
so impressede by Jewish accomplishments I became interested in Judaism.
As I studied Judaism deeper I saw beyond the positive accomplishments
the many destructive things about Judaism and its many flaws.
By lambsdorf on Oct 11, 2013 at 5:31pm
Thanks for your interesting article. How do I reference it?
I
have bought your book and look forward to reading. If you have not
already, you will want to see my book “Intelligence and How to Get It”.
If you do read it, you will see that your thinking about IQ and
intelligence is a little off in some respects. For example, Lynn’s data
are mostly based on one IQ test, namely Ravens Progressive Matrices,
which actually captures only one element in IQ and not necessarily the
most important one. The claim is made for Ravens that it is
culture-fair. If you read Flynn (or me) you will see that the Ravens is
the very most culture-saturated IQ test around.
There is no word in your box!!
Best wishes,
RN
I
have bought your book and look forward to reading. If you have not
already, you will want to see my book “Intelligence and How to Get It”.
If you do read it, you will see that your thinking about IQ and
intelligence is a little off in some respects. For example, Lynn’s data
are mostly based on one IQ test, namely Ravens Progressive Matrices,
which actually captures only one element in IQ and not necessarily the
most important one. The claim is made for Ravens that it is
culture-fair. If you read Flynn (or me) you will see that the Ravens is
the very most culture-saturated IQ test around.
There is no word in your box!!
Best wishes,
RN
By richard e nisbett on Oct 13, 2013 at 8:22pm
Claire
Bennett’s comment seems neither friendly nor polite. She implies that
the Jews have a nefarious PLAN to climb up to the top of the world
(seemingly over the backs of Gentiles).
It’s rather creepy, though others should read it and assess what they think themselves.
Bennett’s comment seems neither friendly nor polite. She implies that
the Jews have a nefarious PLAN to climb up to the top of the world
(seemingly over the backs of Gentiles).
It’s rather creepy, though others should read it and assess what they think themselves.
By Linda Evans on Oct 14, 2013 at 5:24am
@lambsdorf
your statements are so full of false presumptions one hardly knows
where to start, your assessment of the scriptures and Christians is
equally inaccurate without a historical basis. Let us see where we do
agree. You are correct that popularity does not equate to soundness to
use your own terms, keep that in mind about your opinion that has become
popular in our day. As far as popularity being the same as value, well
sure it is or at least as men assign value to things which is inherent
in the definition of value itself. Value is a term that has to do with
cost, so if human beings are willing to pay for something it by
definition has value. Therefore your statement is careless and
inaccurate.
King David and
more so his son Solomon had accomplished great things, not the least of
which is bringing us proverbs, psalms and prophetic writings that are
read and believed by millions around the world yet today, far more so
than the ancient Greeks or any other civilization the world over. They
influenced the foundation of America profoundly which became the most
powerful nation in the world. I know there was a popular myth that there
was no actual King David, or Solomon but archeology is quickly putting
that notion to rest. Two Steles mention the House of David and now a
palace has been unearthed as well. In times past scoffers mocked the
Bible proclaiming the Hittites were not a people, and yet today we
understand the rivaled Egypt in scope. Countless other examples exist,
but my point is made.
Greek
influence on civilization exists undoubtedly, but historically the
Greeks were nothing of an atheistic society you described, that
construct is your own imagination. They tended to be pantheistic
following a host of gods. That is what they wrote not me. Now when you
get to Socrates, and Plato they were far more monotheistic so much so
that Flavius Josephus accused them of plagiarism and stealing from the
Jewish scriptures. The Apostle Paul even seems to be referencing them in
Acts 17. The Greeks had the only other translation of the OT Hebrew
scriptures called the Septuagint, which might have played a role in
their advancement on the world stage.
As
far as accomplishment of the Jews goes, what is idiotic is to assume
that IQ doesn’t play a role, as no matter where they were they excelled.
However this article didn’t draw it’s conclusions based on
accomplishments, but rather based on IQ tests. How anyone could read the
article and miss that is hard to imagine. The fact of a higher IQ has
been settled to those who are willing to examine it honestly.
In
the list of accomplishments you say Jews didn’t create, they have
contributed far in excess of what their miniscule percentage of the
population globally should have be possible. Go look at Nobel peace
prizes in science and see how disproportionally great their results have
been. Again if you presume intellectual endeavors are not impacted by
ones intelligence why try to downplay them? Check out Jewish chess
champions, less than 1% represents almost 50%. Explain that or is chess
not a game that relies on intellectual ability?
As
far as the Jews counting on America, you are correct it is a vain hope,
America too will turn against them and many of the far left are already
doing so in earnest. So it is only a matter of time before the whole
world turns against them just as was foretold of in the writings you
suppose are of no value.
As
far as Israel’s lagging behind other advanced societies? The land they
occupy was barely more than a desert wasteland only 70 years ago, yet in
that short period it is growing into an economic and technology power
house. Not too shabby considering they have been under violent assault
and started from virtually nothing. Of course this too was prophetic
fulfillment from the Bible. Not sure what Greek writings told of future
events, feel free to enlighten us.
As
far as your HIStory is concerned the Bible had been suppressed by Popes
and the “Catholic Church” so that was hardly known until the Protestant
Reformation. That the Renaissance coincided in time and geographical
bounds with proliferation of Gods word is a topic for future discussion,
but shouldn’t be swept aside as inconsequential nor unrelated.
Lastly
if you didn’t reject the Bible and were not hostile towards Jews and
Christians you would also recognize that it was prophesied that he Jews
would be scattered globally, abused where ever they went and would also
have a home land again in one day, returning to that land, only to be
hated by all the nations of the world. Ironic as you even stated that
America would turn against them and it plays out on the world stage
before our eyes.
The Jews are
a unique and peculiar people no doubt, as a Christian it is yet another
confirmation of God’s word. I look towards a land that was barren and
see another rebirth and know the time is short.
your statements are so full of false presumptions one hardly knows
where to start, your assessment of the scriptures and Christians is
equally inaccurate without a historical basis. Let us see where we do
agree. You are correct that popularity does not equate to soundness to
use your own terms, keep that in mind about your opinion that has become
popular in our day. As far as popularity being the same as value, well
sure it is or at least as men assign value to things which is inherent
in the definition of value itself. Value is a term that has to do with
cost, so if human beings are willing to pay for something it by
definition has value. Therefore your statement is careless and
inaccurate.
King David and
more so his son Solomon had accomplished great things, not the least of
which is bringing us proverbs, psalms and prophetic writings that are
read and believed by millions around the world yet today, far more so
than the ancient Greeks or any other civilization the world over. They
influenced the foundation of America profoundly which became the most
powerful nation in the world. I know there was a popular myth that there
was no actual King David, or Solomon but archeology is quickly putting
that notion to rest. Two Steles mention the House of David and now a
palace has been unearthed as well. In times past scoffers mocked the
Bible proclaiming the Hittites were not a people, and yet today we
understand the rivaled Egypt in scope. Countless other examples exist,
but my point is made.
Greek
influence on civilization exists undoubtedly, but historically the
Greeks were nothing of an atheistic society you described, that
construct is your own imagination. They tended to be pantheistic
following a host of gods. That is what they wrote not me. Now when you
get to Socrates, and Plato they were far more monotheistic so much so
that Flavius Josephus accused them of plagiarism and stealing from the
Jewish scriptures. The Apostle Paul even seems to be referencing them in
Acts 17. The Greeks had the only other translation of the OT Hebrew
scriptures called the Septuagint, which might have played a role in
their advancement on the world stage.
As
far as accomplishment of the Jews goes, what is idiotic is to assume
that IQ doesn’t play a role, as no matter where they were they excelled.
However this article didn’t draw it’s conclusions based on
accomplishments, but rather based on IQ tests. How anyone could read the
article and miss that is hard to imagine. The fact of a higher IQ has
been settled to those who are willing to examine it honestly.
In
the list of accomplishments you say Jews didn’t create, they have
contributed far in excess of what their miniscule percentage of the
population globally should have be possible. Go look at Nobel peace
prizes in science and see how disproportionally great their results have
been. Again if you presume intellectual endeavors are not impacted by
ones intelligence why try to downplay them? Check out Jewish chess
champions, less than 1% represents almost 50%. Explain that or is chess
not a game that relies on intellectual ability?
As
far as the Jews counting on America, you are correct it is a vain hope,
America too will turn against them and many of the far left are already
doing so in earnest. So it is only a matter of time before the whole
world turns against them just as was foretold of in the writings you
suppose are of no value.
As
far as Israel’s lagging behind other advanced societies? The land they
occupy was barely more than a desert wasteland only 70 years ago, yet in
that short period it is growing into an economic and technology power
house. Not too shabby considering they have been under violent assault
and started from virtually nothing. Of course this too was prophetic
fulfillment from the Bible. Not sure what Greek writings told of future
events, feel free to enlighten us.
As
far as your HIStory is concerned the Bible had been suppressed by Popes
and the “Catholic Church” so that was hardly known until the Protestant
Reformation. That the Renaissance coincided in time and geographical
bounds with proliferation of Gods word is a topic for future discussion,
but shouldn’t be swept aside as inconsequential nor unrelated.
Lastly
if you didn’t reject the Bible and were not hostile towards Jews and
Christians you would also recognize that it was prophesied that he Jews
would be scattered globally, abused where ever they went and would also
have a home land again in one day, returning to that land, only to be
hated by all the nations of the world. Ironic as you even stated that
America would turn against them and it plays out on the world stage
before our eyes.
The Jews are
a unique and peculiar people no doubt, as a Christian it is yet another
confirmation of God’s word. I look towards a land that was barren and
see another rebirth and know the time is short.
By James Bowman on Oct 16, 2013 at 1:46am
“Originally,
of course, they were from Israel.” Well, originally Jews came from the
Middle East but there was no Israel at the time of their migration.
Small detail but incorrect and significant of the Zionist ideology, so
better to pay attention to such details. BTW, Ashkenazi Jews are
strongly mixed with local population along their migration pathway.
of course, they were from Israel.” Well, originally Jews came from the
Middle East but there was no Israel at the time of their migration.
Small detail but incorrect and significant of the Zionist ideology, so
better to pay attention to such details. BTW, Ashkenazi Jews are
strongly mixed with local population along their migration pathway.
By kashmiri on Oct 21, 2013 at 5:34am
The
latest genetic studies of Jewish populations, show that at the high
middle ages the Ashkenazi population in Europe was reduced to 400
families, at most 50000 people. That bottleneck acted as a giant
accelerator for natural selection. It is fair to believe that those 400
families that survived destruction had a very high proportion of gifted
hi IQ individuals. Moreover probably had many other attributes that
comprise general intelligence as well as resilience. Only 400 years
later they had grown to be 90% of all Jews. It should also be noted that
as you analyze the distribution of IQ, if a group with defined
boundaries as the Ashkenazi jews has a mean distribution one whole
standard deviation higher than the general white population as you go
searching for higher IQ numbers the group will finally have the very few
highest.
latest genetic studies of Jewish populations, show that at the high
middle ages the Ashkenazi population in Europe was reduced to 400
families, at most 50000 people. That bottleneck acted as a giant
accelerator for natural selection. It is fair to believe that those 400
families that survived destruction had a very high proportion of gifted
hi IQ individuals. Moreover probably had many other attributes that
comprise general intelligence as well as resilience. Only 400 years
later they had grown to be 90% of all Jews. It should also be noted that
as you analyze the distribution of IQ, if a group with defined
boundaries as the Ashkenazi jews has a mean distribution one whole
standard deviation higher than the general white population as you go
searching for higher IQ numbers the group will finally have the very few
highest.
By Hank Raven on Oct 27, 2013 at 5:21pm
Hank,
that was a very astute paragraph you wrote—impressive and informative.
It certainly strengthens the theories with which we are dealing. It’s a
joy to read such an articulately expressed, cogent, and relevant
comment. Bravo to you!
that was a very astute paragraph you wrote—impressive and informative.
It certainly strengthens the theories with which we are dealing. It’s a
joy to read such an articulately expressed, cogent, and relevant
comment. Bravo to you!
By Susan aka Queen Shamiram on Nov 03, 2013 at 12:43pm
I would like to make some points.
First,
having an x% higher IQ does not mean that there would be x% more
achievement, in fact, it would be much more, this is due to the fact
that achievement does not have a linear relationship with the IQ, it has
a steeper relationship, ex. quadratic or exponential or anything else.
So, a slightly higher IQ means a considerably higher achievement.
This is also without taking standard deviation into account.
Second,
don’t miss the point that Jews are severely lacking in arts, and are
average or below average in visuo-spacial IQ. Their are incredibly
higher than the average in verbal IQ which means more success in life
and more money which overestimates their achievements.
Third, the
high IQ only pertains to Ashkenazic Jews, which are mostly of European
extraction (genetic studies are conflicting on this issue, but my belief
from what I see is that they look unquestionably European), so taking
into account that also Europeans are above average IQers, it seems to me
that the cause of this is of a selected intelligent Europeans, who were
isolated by religion, and due to hardships on religious minorities and
intermarriage, there was natural selection for high IQ which was also
high to begin with.
First,
having an x% higher IQ does not mean that there would be x% more
achievement, in fact, it would be much more, this is due to the fact
that achievement does not have a linear relationship with the IQ, it has
a steeper relationship, ex. quadratic or exponential or anything else.
So, a slightly higher IQ means a considerably higher achievement.
This is also without taking standard deviation into account.
Second,
don’t miss the point that Jews are severely lacking in arts, and are
average or below average in visuo-spacial IQ. Their are incredibly
higher than the average in verbal IQ which means more success in life
and more money which overestimates their achievements.
Third, the
high IQ only pertains to Ashkenazic Jews, which are mostly of European
extraction (genetic studies are conflicting on this issue, but my belief
from what I see is that they look unquestionably European), so taking
into account that also Europeans are above average IQers, it seems to me
that the cause of this is of a selected intelligent Europeans, who were
isolated by religion, and due to hardships on religious minorities and
intermarriage, there was natural selection for high IQ which was also
high to begin with.
By Karl on Nov 14, 2013 at 10:14am
Regardless
of anthropological explanations, which other than using in debates
about “which came first”, Jews consistently are at the far right side of
the IQ Bell Curve.
What, exactly, is the argument here?
of anthropological explanations, which other than using in debates
about “which came first”, Jews consistently are at the far right side of
the IQ Bell Curve.
What, exactly, is the argument here?
By LaneyB on Nov 15, 2013 at 9:25am
I
I am not at all convinced that Ashkenazi Jews are, on the average, any
smarter than a lot of other peoples. In fact, I consider at least half
of them to be unbelievably stupid for supporting Obama.
Before the concentration camps were filled, many German Ashkenazi Jews thought Hitler was okay.
I my closest Ashkenazi friends because they stopped talking to me for not supporting Obama.
Even those with some good incomes, who seem smart, were blind when it came to Hitler and Obama.
I love studying the Torah but IL notice that many of my Ashkenazi
friends don’t look into what is written between the lines and over look
or misunderstand integral parts of it.
I believe Christians Jews and Muslims are all equally intelligent and
equally stupid, - and that we are actually three branches of one basic
religion invented by Abraham. Moses used the Torah to enslave the
descendants of the slaves he supposedly freed, and the New Testament and
the Koran did the same thing to Christians and Muslims.
If people were really smart they’d see we are using religion to create
teams to attack each other and prune the human population. All
creatures, even those ‘less intelligent’ ones behave similarly to us,
but we lie to ourselves and say that we kill because the others don’t
worship the same god, but the fact is we all worship the same blood
thirsty god, and share an unspoken agreement to keep the population of
humans from becoming a cancer on this planet, by reproducing too much
and infringing on the other organs- or organisms- necessary to keep the
Living Earth alive and well.
I am not at all convinced that Ashkenazi Jews are, on the average, any
smarter than a lot of other peoples. In fact, I consider at least half
of them to be unbelievably stupid for supporting Obama.
Before the concentration camps were filled, many German Ashkenazi Jews thought Hitler was okay.
I my closest Ashkenazi friends because they stopped talking to me for not supporting Obama.
Even those with some good incomes, who seem smart, were blind when it came to Hitler and Obama.
I love studying the Torah but IL notice that many of my Ashkenazi
friends don’t look into what is written between the lines and over look
or misunderstand integral parts of it.
I believe Christians Jews and Muslims are all equally intelligent and
equally stupid, - and that we are actually three branches of one basic
religion invented by Abraham. Moses used the Torah to enslave the
descendants of the slaves he supposedly freed, and the New Testament and
the Koran did the same thing to Christians and Muslims.
If people were really smart they’d see we are using religion to create
teams to attack each other and prune the human population. All
creatures, even those ‘less intelligent’ ones behave similarly to us,
but we lie to ourselves and say that we kill because the others don’t
worship the same god, but the fact is we all worship the same blood
thirsty god, and share an unspoken agreement to keep the population of
humans from becoming a cancer on this planet, by reproducing too much
and infringing on the other organs- or organisms- necessary to keep the
Living Earth alive and well.
By Sheb on Nov 23, 2013 at 1:04pm
Oh brother, Sheb. You Obama haters are really something else when it comes to trying to have a rational discussion.
By LoveYourDNA on Nov 26, 2013 at 11:53am
Sheb?
How to answer or maybe wiser not to answer at all. You may see me as a
slave to religion, I see you as a slave to sin and lies with a confused
view of HIStory.
If you go
back to recent human HIStory it is the antireligious that have pruned
the most people from our planet. Joseph Stalin, Moa Zedong and Khmer
Rouge have in a short span murdered and oppressed more humans to a
higher degree of cruelty than has been committed in the name of all
religions through out all of HIStory, but that is never mentioned by the
haters of religion.
None the
less let us turn away from dark philosophies and distorted beliefs
about the past and return to the topic at hand. The topic is why are
Jews on average more intelligent than other groups, the Ashkenazi in
particular? Obama and peoples opinion of him as a litmus test for IQ
says more about their own than the Jews. When using IQ tests which by
definition test for what we define as IQ Jews certainly score higher
than other groups is a demonstrable fact. All the evidence suggests
there is a strong genetic component to it also as reasonable spelled out
as was well argued in the article. If you have counter arguments beyond
Obama logically state them. The question you in no way addressed is WHY
are Jews more intelligent? Simple question but you would never know it
by the off topic rants.
Do you have a theory as to why or not?
How to answer or maybe wiser not to answer at all. You may see me as a
slave to religion, I see you as a slave to sin and lies with a confused
view of HIStory.
If you go
back to recent human HIStory it is the antireligious that have pruned
the most people from our planet. Joseph Stalin, Moa Zedong and Khmer
Rouge have in a short span murdered and oppressed more humans to a
higher degree of cruelty than has been committed in the name of all
religions through out all of HIStory, but that is never mentioned by the
haters of religion.
None the
less let us turn away from dark philosophies and distorted beliefs
about the past and return to the topic at hand. The topic is why are
Jews on average more intelligent than other groups, the Ashkenazi in
particular? Obama and peoples opinion of him as a litmus test for IQ
says more about their own than the Jews. When using IQ tests which by
definition test for what we define as IQ Jews certainly score higher
than other groups is a demonstrable fact. All the evidence suggests
there is a strong genetic component to it also as reasonable spelled out
as was well argued in the article. If you have counter arguments beyond
Obama logically state them. The question you in no way addressed is WHY
are Jews more intelligent? Simple question but you would never know it
by the off topic rants.
Do you have a theory as to why or not?
By James Bowman on Nov 28, 2013 at 8:12am
The
article always uses semantics to somehow prove that Ashkenazi Jewish IQ
is higher than any other ethnic race. I have a question for the person
who wrote this article:
What
about the the great Scots mathematicians, physicians, chemists before
the Scottish enlightenment when Scotland was the most literate nation in
all of Europe?
It is
important that the Scottish population in Scotland was LOWER than the
Ashkenazi Jewish population that is incredibly spread throughout all of
eastern Europe. What kind of semantic argument can you throw at that?
Articles
like this are interesting, but very dangerous and are probably one of
the reasons why the Ashkenazi Jewish population have been so oppressed
in the non-Jewish European lands they have lived in.
article always uses semantics to somehow prove that Ashkenazi Jewish IQ
is higher than any other ethnic race. I have a question for the person
who wrote this article:
What
about the the great Scots mathematicians, physicians, chemists before
the Scottish enlightenment when Scotland was the most literate nation in
all of Europe?
It is
important that the Scottish population in Scotland was LOWER than the
Ashkenazi Jewish population that is incredibly spread throughout all of
eastern Europe. What kind of semantic argument can you throw at that?
Articles
like this are interesting, but very dangerous and are probably one of
the reasons why the Ashkenazi Jewish population have been so oppressed
in the non-Jewish European lands they have lived in.
By Luke Thompson on Dec 02, 2013 at 12:09am
This
is a very touchy and sensitive subject that can be embraced for
vainglorious purposes. Most humans have within them a high capacity for
narcissism. In the case of intellectual vanity, even below average
people enjoy the ego trip ride of delusions of intellectual grandeur.
Prisons contain many below average people who genuinely believe they are
geniuses on par with the greats.
New
(late 2013) evidence clearly shows that Jews (I’m “genetically” 50%
Ashkenazim from Italian ancestry) and Europeans have virtually identical
DNA (i.e., more than 95% the same), which means Jews can consider
themselves genetically as ~100% European, and Europeans can consider
themselves genetically as ~100% Jewish. Ashkenazi Jews and Sephardi
Jews are ~100% genetic Europeans with Jewish identity and culture.
Okay, but why is this subset of the European gene pool intellectually
gifted? The answer clearly resides in “natural selection.” The least
intelligent reproduced less or not at all. Of course, the means by
which this dynamic played out certainly would contain a high level of
complexity.
Since the 1950’s
in the United States, huge numbers of young people have gone to
university (i.e., intellectually competitive institutions). The least
intelligent cannot compete. They flunk out, leaving a more intelligent
residuum. Opposites among the intelligent residuum attract, get married
and have families. Surprise, their children are . . . intelligent.
Gedanken: continue on this trend for 2000 years into the future and
consider where it will end up. This is simplistic, but something along
these lines, along with numerous other complicated dynamics, could
explain higher intelligence within a subset of the European population
with Jewish identity and culture.
is a very touchy and sensitive subject that can be embraced for
vainglorious purposes. Most humans have within them a high capacity for
narcissism. In the case of intellectual vanity, even below average
people enjoy the ego trip ride of delusions of intellectual grandeur.
Prisons contain many below average people who genuinely believe they are
geniuses on par with the greats.
New
(late 2013) evidence clearly shows that Jews (I’m “genetically” 50%
Ashkenazim from Italian ancestry) and Europeans have virtually identical
DNA (i.e., more than 95% the same), which means Jews can consider
themselves genetically as ~100% European, and Europeans can consider
themselves genetically as ~100% Jewish. Ashkenazi Jews and Sephardi
Jews are ~100% genetic Europeans with Jewish identity and culture.
Okay, but why is this subset of the European gene pool intellectually
gifted? The answer clearly resides in “natural selection.” The least
intelligent reproduced less or not at all. Of course, the means by
which this dynamic played out certainly would contain a high level of
complexity.
Since the 1950’s
in the United States, huge numbers of young people have gone to
university (i.e., intellectually competitive institutions). The least
intelligent cannot compete. They flunk out, leaving a more intelligent
residuum. Opposites among the intelligent residuum attract, get married
and have families. Surprise, their children are . . . intelligent.
Gedanken: continue on this trend for 2000 years into the future and
consider where it will end up. This is simplistic, but something along
these lines, along with numerous other complicated dynamics, could
explain higher intelligence within a subset of the European population
with Jewish identity and culture.
By James Pasquale on Dec 03, 2013 at 12:46pm
Luke
Semantics really? No it uses empirical data from standardized testing
not word craft to make the case. Why is it so offensive to observe
reality? All humans have far more in common with each other than not
genetically and phenotypically which is no way denied in this article?
When you get to the far end of the scale you find Jews which are more
than two standard deviations above the norm which is very statistically
significant.
Europeans
themselves vary genetically by geographical location enough to be
significant, Jews even more so or we couldn’t identify them genetically
and we can. Significant European admixture yes European Hitler didn’t
think so, along with countless others. Political correct thought is the
equivalent of ostrich mentality, stick your head in the ground and
pretend the world isn’t there. No matter for supposedly being only 5%
genetically distinct it is hard to explain a correlation 15% difference
in IQ.
Oh well not sure why I
should even attempt to argue with those who refuse to be persuaded by
evidence, the well written article could not do so why should I expect
to.
No offence towards anyone Jewish or otherwise, we are all brothers.
Yawn
why bother everybody is exactly the same and to say or notice otherwise
makes you a bad person. Ahhh ok all is good as you were ;0]
Semantics really? No it uses empirical data from standardized testing
not word craft to make the case. Why is it so offensive to observe
reality? All humans have far more in common with each other than not
genetically and phenotypically which is no way denied in this article?
When you get to the far end of the scale you find Jews which are more
than two standard deviations above the norm which is very statistically
significant.
Europeans
themselves vary genetically by geographical location enough to be
significant, Jews even more so or we couldn’t identify them genetically
and we can. Significant European admixture yes European Hitler didn’t
think so, along with countless others. Political correct thought is the
equivalent of ostrich mentality, stick your head in the ground and
pretend the world isn’t there. No matter for supposedly being only 5%
genetically distinct it is hard to explain a correlation 15% difference
in IQ.
Oh well not sure why I
should even attempt to argue with those who refuse to be persuaded by
evidence, the well written article could not do so why should I expect
to.
No offence towards anyone Jewish or otherwise, we are all brothers.
Yawn
why bother everybody is exactly the same and to say or notice otherwise
makes you a bad person. Ahhh ok all is good as you were ;0]
By James Bowman on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:27pm
@ Lambsdorf.
You
comments are exactly what I tell people the real feeling of this
country is. Yes it is dangerous for Jews in America but no one listens
to me. I am. a Jew and I am proud of my people but despite these idiotic
studies. I don’t think Jews are better or worse than anyone. We have
our share of idiots like any other. However, the Chinese own us at this
point so I wouldn’t worry about Israel considering how many of them are
in the world if the Jews were wiped out you’d still have to deal with
them. And I guaranty you that you can’t outrun however many billion of
them there are now.
By the way my IQ tested between 115-120 so I’m probably right about the Chinese taking over.
You
comments are exactly what I tell people the real feeling of this
country is. Yes it is dangerous for Jews in America but no one listens
to me. I am. a Jew and I am proud of my people but despite these idiotic
studies. I don’t think Jews are better or worse than anyone. We have
our share of idiots like any other. However, the Chinese own us at this
point so I wouldn’t worry about Israel considering how many of them are
in the world if the Jews were wiped out you’d still have to deal with
them. And I guaranty you that you can’t outrun however many billion of
them there are now.
By the way my IQ tested between 115-120 so I’m probably right about the Chinese taking over.
By Anonymous on Dec 11, 2013 at 2:36am
I
just have a question. Wouldn’t the modern day Ashkenazi be so diluted
with European blood that you would be denying the Sephardic origins? You
couldn’t test anyone from the ancient or Middle Age times to compare.
And in fact there was restriction of inter-marriage so the blood line
would have been even more pure Sephardic. Just an observation not so
much a question. In any case, with all due respect articles like this
are dangerous. The conspiracy theorists just feed on it.
just have a question. Wouldn’t the modern day Ashkenazi be so diluted
with European blood that you would be denying the Sephardic origins? You
couldn’t test anyone from the ancient or Middle Age times to compare.
And in fact there was restriction of inter-marriage so the blood line
would have been even more pure Sephardic. Just an observation not so
much a question. In any case, with all due respect articles like this
are dangerous. The conspiracy theorists just feed on it.
By Anonymous on Dec 11, 2013 at 3:09am
Why
is the article dangerous, it is simply looking for an explanation for
why Jews on average have a higher IQ. As far as being correct because
your IQ tested at 115-120 that makes me question the validity of the
test you took? You are correct based on facts not your IQ, or other wise
if somebody with a higher IQ says you’re wrong then you are wrong and
so forth.
I’m scared when
people want to stop people from speaking openly and honestly. Discussing
things in an intelligent well reasoned manor usually is a good thing in
my opinion.
Nobody has so
far presented a logical well reasoned case that the conclusions are
incorrect, several reject the conclusions but not based upon facts.
I’m
not sure what my IQ is exactly but using the ASVAB and other
standardized tests I’m guessing around 135-140 including informal IQ
tests. As far as I know I’m NOT Jewish, but I don’t resent them either.
Oh
well I think I’m done with the comments, and will look at the article
which is rather interesting. Don’t be afraid of finding out the truth
folks simply embrace it and be kind to each other.
is the article dangerous, it is simply looking for an explanation for
why Jews on average have a higher IQ. As far as being correct because
your IQ tested at 115-120 that makes me question the validity of the
test you took? You are correct based on facts not your IQ, or other wise
if somebody with a higher IQ says you’re wrong then you are wrong and
so forth.
I’m scared when
people want to stop people from speaking openly and honestly. Discussing
things in an intelligent well reasoned manor usually is a good thing in
my opinion.
Nobody has so
far presented a logical well reasoned case that the conclusions are
incorrect, several reject the conclusions but not based upon facts.
I’m
not sure what my IQ is exactly but using the ASVAB and other
standardized tests I’m guessing around 135-140 including informal IQ
tests. As far as I know I’m NOT Jewish, but I don’t resent them either.
Oh
well I think I’m done with the comments, and will look at the article
which is rather interesting. Don’t be afraid of finding out the truth
folks simply embrace it and be kind to each other.
By James Bowman on Dec 11, 2013 at 9:13pm
I
admit that I’m biased in favor of Hank Pellissier’s article, but it
seems to me that the most credible, sensible, intelligent,
well-reasoned, and balanced comments come from those who support the
article and evidence therein. More than a few of the comments proffered
by dissenters appear to be baseless, hostile, counterintuitive, and
poorly thought out.
admit that I’m biased in favor of Hank Pellissier’s article, but it
seems to me that the most credible, sensible, intelligent,
well-reasoned, and balanced comments come from those who support the
article and evidence therein. More than a few of the comments proffered
by dissenters appear to be baseless, hostile, counterintuitive, and
poorly thought out.
By Susan aka Queen Shamiram on Dec 12, 2013 at 7:51am
Some
of those who disagree with the article are focused upon refuting the
evidence. They seem to be missing the point. The point of the article is
not whether or not Ashkenazim have higher IQs. The research, which, I
assume, is rigorously done, shows that these Jews DO have higher than
average scores on intelligence tests. The article offers many hypotheses
as to why NOT whether the scores are higher. Those who say, “We’re all
equal; there are no differences; all groups have some variations within
them, etc.,” are flying in the face of the data. I’m pleased to be an
Ashkenazi in this lifetime; but if the data showed that Ashkenazis were
not above average, I would need to accept the truth and not deny it due
to unsubstantiated facts and misguided opinions.
of those who disagree with the article are focused upon refuting the
evidence. They seem to be missing the point. The point of the article is
not whether or not Ashkenazim have higher IQs. The research, which, I
assume, is rigorously done, shows that these Jews DO have higher than
average scores on intelligence tests. The article offers many hypotheses
as to why NOT whether the scores are higher. Those who say, “We’re all
equal; there are no differences; all groups have some variations within
them, etc.,” are flying in the face of the data. I’m pleased to be an
Ashkenazi in this lifetime; but if the data showed that Ashkenazis were
not above average, I would need to accept the truth and not deny it due
to unsubstantiated facts and misguided opinions.
By Susan aka Queen Shamiram on Dec 13, 2013 at 4:51am
I
have noted that when Ashkenazis reach an IQ of 199 they turn into
atheists. But then so do the goyem. A fine article, though. Worth
saving.
have noted that when Ashkenazis reach an IQ of 199 they turn into
atheists. But then so do the goyem. A fine article, though. Worth
saving.
By Andy Halmay on Dec 16, 2013 at 4:18pm
P.S.
Since some of the comments get into politics I need to mention an
observation. Jews, of course, are as diverse as all other folks who are
weaned in different cultures. An oddity I found among American Jews
who like all other Jews are distantly related to Arabs. While Arab
families produce suicide bombers, American Jewish families produce
suicide voters.
Since some of the comments get into politics I need to mention an
observation. Jews, of course, are as diverse as all other folks who are
weaned in different cultures. An oddity I found among American Jews
who like all other Jews are distantly related to Arabs. While Arab
families produce suicide bombers, American Jewish families produce
suicide voters.
By Andy Halmay on Dec 17, 2013 at 5:24pm
Andy
Halmay: I love your comment because it’s kinda true. Maybe intelligent
people don’t need religion to explain how we were created? When I heard
the Raelian messages, it immediately explained all the questions for me
Christianity couldn’t. I’m now an atheist…
Halmay: I love your comment because it’s kinda true. Maybe intelligent
people don’t need religion to explain how we were created? When I heard
the Raelian messages, it immediately explained all the questions for me
Christianity couldn’t. I’m now an atheist…
By LoveYourDNA on Dec 17, 2013 at 6:22pm
@LoveYourDNA
Most intelligent people throughout HIStory have believed in God and
recognized the inherent order and design that exists as evidence to that
end. That is not saying many intelligent don’t reject God that too is
true but trying to categorize people as smart or stupid using that as a
basis shows a lack of intelligence. Isaac Newton who is arguably the
greatest scientists that has ever lived wrote more on the Bible and
prophecy, which he took literally, than he wrote on science. I have a
copy of copy of “The Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse of John”
myself. Of course there are many who use illogical arguments against the
person instead of empirical evidence, which is an ignorant and false
argument.
Of course LYDNA
I’ve never heard the explanation of how things randomly become intricate
and complex, which is contrary to the known laws of nature. Maybe the
Raelian message is a transpermia hypothesis or something of that nature?
If so instead of insinuating that people who don’t share your views are
inherently stupid, you could support your ideas with evidence as the
universe I observe sends me towards God. I have heard people attempt to
use DNA as evidence against a supreme creator, which always struck me as
being tantamount to taking someone to a library to show authors don’t
exist. See look around at all these books and not one author that
settles it. ;0]
Andy how many 199 IQ people do you have to draw your conclusions from?
Most intelligent people throughout HIStory have believed in God and
recognized the inherent order and design that exists as evidence to that
end. That is not saying many intelligent don’t reject God that too is
true but trying to categorize people as smart or stupid using that as a
basis shows a lack of intelligence. Isaac Newton who is arguably the
greatest scientists that has ever lived wrote more on the Bible and
prophecy, which he took literally, than he wrote on science. I have a
copy of copy of “The Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse of John”
myself. Of course there are many who use illogical arguments against the
person instead of empirical evidence, which is an ignorant and false
argument.
Of course LYDNA
I’ve never heard the explanation of how things randomly become intricate
and complex, which is contrary to the known laws of nature. Maybe the
Raelian message is a transpermia hypothesis or something of that nature?
If so instead of insinuating that people who don’t share your views are
inherently stupid, you could support your ideas with evidence as the
universe I observe sends me towards God. I have heard people attempt to
use DNA as evidence against a supreme creator, which always struck me as
being tantamount to taking someone to a library to show authors don’t
exist. See look around at all these books and not one author that
settles it. ;0]
Andy how many 199 IQ people do you have to draw your conclusions from?
By James Bowman on Dec 22, 2013 at 9:07pm
Certainly
intellect & IQ is beneficial in many ways to improve one’s (and
others) standard of living… yet the greatest of human minds have often
missed some of the more important things in life, i.e. hearing and
communing with GOD, family life, contentment, happiness… considering
that knowledge is infinite and mans reason (no matter how great) will
never hold a candle to it, then Faith then becomes not only important,
but vital to true fulfillment in life. mans reason wont easily allow him
to accept what an all knowing CREATOR whispers is his heart.
intellect & IQ is beneficial in many ways to improve one’s (and
others) standard of living… yet the greatest of human minds have often
missed some of the more important things in life, i.e. hearing and
communing with GOD, family life, contentment, happiness… considering
that knowledge is infinite and mans reason (no matter how great) will
never hold a candle to it, then Faith then becomes not only important,
but vital to true fulfillment in life. mans reason wont easily allow him
to accept what an all knowing CREATOR whispers is his heart.
By annonymous on Dec 22, 2013 at 9:40pm
I found a huge error in your writing:
“Originally,
of course, they were from Israel.” Well yeah, of course they would
make that claim to justify taking the land there from the original
inhabitants using religion as the justification. However, science is
proving the claim wrong:
“Genetic Roots of the Ashkenazi Jews
Most
Ashkenazi Jews, traditionally believed to have descended from the
ancient tribes of Israel, may in fact be maternally descended from
prehistoric Europeans.
Source: http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/37821/title/Genetic-Roots-of-the-Ashkenazi-Jews/
“Originally,
of course, they were from Israel.” Well yeah, of course they would
make that claim to justify taking the land there from the original
inhabitants using religion as the justification. However, science is
proving the claim wrong:
“Genetic Roots of the Ashkenazi Jews
Most
Ashkenazi Jews, traditionally believed to have descended from the
ancient tribes of Israel, may in fact be maternally descended from
prehistoric Europeans.
Source: http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/37821/title/Genetic-Roots-of-the-Ashkenazi-Jews/
By Error in writing on Dec 23, 2013 at 10:18am
Sorry,
James, I don’t get into debates with believers. You have bliss and
sometimes I even envy you for it. But I can’t escape the fact that
belief is the lowest form of thinking. Have a happy holiday and
excellent 2014.
James, I don’t get into debates with believers. You have bliss and
sometimes I even envy you for it. But I can’t escape the fact that
belief is the lowest form of thinking. Have a happy holiday and
excellent 2014.
By Andy Halmay on Dec 23, 2013 at 10:19am
Verbal
IQ I think is were it is at, someone mentioned Armenians above and I
will always remember hearing growing up when the Armenians move in the
business district, the Jews leave lol! Also the old saying, it takes
two Greeks to outfox a Jew and two Jews to outfox an Armenian??!
IQ I think is were it is at, someone mentioned Armenians above and I
will always remember hearing growing up when the Armenians move in the
business district, the Jews leave lol! Also the old saying, it takes
two Greeks to outfox a Jew and two Jews to outfox an Armenian??!
By Avram on Dec 27, 2013 at 10:58pm
As an Ashkenazi myself, I am glad that people like you are investigating this mystery.
Now I am contemplating a new business approach. Selling my DNA.
Now I am contemplating a new business approach. Selling my DNA.
By Thomas Russo on Jan 05, 2014 at 3:00pm
The
writer seems to have overlooked one very important possible cause for
the askenazi genius: money and influence. They have friends in high
places and select eachother for influencial jobs. The same goes for
nobel prizes. More often than not nobel prize winners are selected for
political reasons instead of mere intellectual ones, so that doesn’t
prove anything. Their influence has developped since thousands of years
ago. And I don’t have to point out to you that, if your family has
enough money, it is far easier to become a college graduate. And if you
don’t have the brains for it, you can always bribe some people with
influence. And if you have friends in high places, sometimes you don’t
even have to bribe them, they will be glad to help you out. As for
living healthy: this too is far easier if you have enough money to buy
good foods. Ashkenazi people are not always easily recognized, for many
have changed their names, but they have a lot of influence in the world
and own most influencial businesses, like the media, Hollywood, the
music industry, the banks etc., so they decide what we watch, what we
listen to, what we buy, what we read and what we eat. And more and more
it is known that the prepared foods in the shops are not the healthiest
ones, since they are full of additives that are bad for you. And they
make sure they only eat organic foods themselves. So maybe the question
here shouldn’t be ’ Why are they so intelligent?’, but rather: ‘Why are
the rest of the people less intelligent?’ or maybe even ’ How have they
managed to dumb everybody else down so well?’.
writer seems to have overlooked one very important possible cause for
the askenazi genius: money and influence. They have friends in high
places and select eachother for influencial jobs. The same goes for
nobel prizes. More often than not nobel prize winners are selected for
political reasons instead of mere intellectual ones, so that doesn’t
prove anything. Their influence has developped since thousands of years
ago. And I don’t have to point out to you that, if your family has
enough money, it is far easier to become a college graduate. And if you
don’t have the brains for it, you can always bribe some people with
influence. And if you have friends in high places, sometimes you don’t
even have to bribe them, they will be glad to help you out. As for
living healthy: this too is far easier if you have enough money to buy
good foods. Ashkenazi people are not always easily recognized, for many
have changed their names, but they have a lot of influence in the world
and own most influencial businesses, like the media, Hollywood, the
music industry, the banks etc., so they decide what we watch, what we
listen to, what we buy, what we read and what we eat. And more and more
it is known that the prepared foods in the shops are not the healthiest
ones, since they are full of additives that are bad for you. And they
make sure they only eat organic foods themselves. So maybe the question
here shouldn’t be ’ Why are they so intelligent?’, but rather: ‘Why are
the rest of the people less intelligent?’ or maybe even ’ How have they
managed to dumb everybody else down so well?’.
By jvdm on Jan 08, 2014 at 3:58am
Excellent response, jvdm!
By LoveYourDNA on Jan 10, 2014 at 5:19pm
Ashkenazi
are indeed clever and cunning, their intellectual contributions to
humanity are only because of the European atheists objective scholarship
and tolerance based on apathy. They are an emotional histrionic people
believing in much nonsense with no empirical basis. They have an
irrational pride in their abilities. My conversations with them
occasions them to umbrage as my vast knowledge seems to be a humiliation
to them when they learn despite my name and looks that my astounding
erudition includes no Jewish DNA. The assertion of their claimed
superior empathy is ridiculous. Ashkenazi marriages to East Asian women
is because they perceive them to be sexually more desirable, not
intelligence. They cannot yet accept that factually, humans are
biochemical robots.
are indeed clever and cunning, their intellectual contributions to
humanity are only because of the European atheists objective scholarship
and tolerance based on apathy. They are an emotional histrionic people
believing in much nonsense with no empirical basis. They have an
irrational pride in their abilities. My conversations with them
occasions them to umbrage as my vast knowledge seems to be a humiliation
to them when they learn despite my name and looks that my astounding
erudition includes no Jewish DNA. The assertion of their claimed
superior empathy is ridiculous. Ashkenazi marriages to East Asian women
is because they perceive them to be sexually more desirable, not
intelligence. They cannot yet accept that factually, humans are
biochemical robots.
By Lawrence on Jan 20, 2014 at 3:26pm
what
a precious privilege to be a member of the jewish community. Never so
few contributed so much to human knowledge. The contribution to
knowledge of Sephardic jews has been impressive: Moses Maimonides and
Baruch Spinoza come to mind. Let us not forget that Albert Einstein
believed in Spinoza’s God, who rereveals Himself in the lawful harmony
of the world…....
More recentlty, Serge Haroche was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2012.
a precious privilege to be a member of the jewish community. Never so
few contributed so much to human knowledge. The contribution to
knowledge of Sephardic jews has been impressive: Moses Maimonides and
Baruch Spinoza come to mind. Let us not forget that Albert Einstein
believed in Spinoza’s God, who rereveals Himself in the lawful harmony
of the world…....
More recentlty, Serge Haroche was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2012.
By Roberto Benzaquen PhD on Jan 20, 2014 at 7:27pm
Baruch
Spinoza was a pantheist, an ancient superstition, no contribution to
knowledge. His rejection of the Torah caused his Jewish community to
issue this formal curse upon him. Cursed be you when you wake, cursed
be you when you sleep, cursed be those who speak with you, who feed you,
etc. etc. Maimonides was an itinerate Doctor practicing either useless
or harmful cures. All humans are glorified monkeys. Some say there is
honor and glory in being the smartest monkey.
Spinoza was a pantheist, an ancient superstition, no contribution to
knowledge. His rejection of the Torah caused his Jewish community to
issue this formal curse upon him. Cursed be you when you wake, cursed
be you when you sleep, cursed be those who speak with you, who feed you,
etc. etc. Maimonides was an itinerate Doctor practicing either useless
or harmful cures. All humans are glorified monkeys. Some say there is
honor and glory in being the smartest monkey.
By Lawrence on Jan 23, 2014 at 3:28am
I
can just see the confused expressions on the faces of these biochemical
robots when the meshugener, Lawrence, shares with them his immense
knowledge.
can just see the confused expressions on the faces of these biochemical
robots when the meshugener, Lawrence, shares with them his immense
knowledge.
By Andy Halmay on Jan 23, 2014 at 9:19am
It is realism, it is not pleasant, knowledge is not pleasant.
By Lawrence on Jan 23, 2014 at 10:29pm
Way
to go, Andy. I laughed out loud at your astute and humorous rejoinder.
As I’ve been reading the comments, I am again “underwhelmed” by the lack
of writing ability and logic expressed by the detractors and naysayers
of the original premise: that the IQ of Ashkenazi Jews is significantly
higher than any other group. The negative and acerbic responses appear
to be wishful thinking based on anger-infused emotion and not on
rational thought supported by incontrovertible evidence. The ignoramuses
aren’t convincing me of anything but the truths which they are
attempting to refute.
to go, Andy. I laughed out loud at your astute and humorous rejoinder.
As I’ve been reading the comments, I am again “underwhelmed” by the lack
of writing ability and logic expressed by the detractors and naysayers
of the original premise: that the IQ of Ashkenazi Jews is significantly
higher than any other group. The negative and acerbic responses appear
to be wishful thinking based on anger-infused emotion and not on
rational thought supported by incontrovertible evidence. The ignoramuses
aren’t convincing me of anything but the truths which they are
attempting to refute.
By Susan aka Queen Shamiram on Jan 24, 2014 at 4:19am
For
some obscure reason the piece and the commentary remind me of an
intercourse between H.L. Menken and a southern redneck - “My friend,
when your ancestor were still living in trees and caves, my ancestors
had already developed peptic ulcers.”
some obscure reason the piece and the commentary remind me of an
intercourse between H.L. Menken and a southern redneck - “My friend,
when your ancestor were still living in trees and caves, my ancestors
had already developed peptic ulcers.”
By Andy Halmay on Jan 24, 2014 at 11:13pm
I
forgot to mention….a thousand excuses for this….another illustrious
Sephardic jew…..Solomon ibn Gabirol. I wonder what was his IQ ? It does
not take a very high IQ to understand that when you start as a goup
measuring the level of its intelligence through stupid measurements,
such as the IQ test, it is clearly the beginning of the decadence of
that group. Do we care about Einstein’s IQ ? What matters here is the
profound contribution to knowledge of its General Theory of Relativity,
among other things…the same reasoning holds for Newton’s Theory of
Gravitation or Galileo Galilei revolutionnary conception of the universe
or again Baruch Spinoza fundamental and revolutionnary contribution to
philosophy….he is considered among the greatest philosophers of all
time. Try to measure the IQ of this one ?For those with a small IQ,
please note that philosophy is the study of general and fundamental
problems linked to human existence.
forgot to mention….a thousand excuses for this….another illustrious
Sephardic jew…..Solomon ibn Gabirol. I wonder what was his IQ ? It does
not take a very high IQ to understand that when you start as a goup
measuring the level of its intelligence through stupid measurements,
such as the IQ test, it is clearly the beginning of the decadence of
that group. Do we care about Einstein’s IQ ? What matters here is the
profound contribution to knowledge of its General Theory of Relativity,
among other things…the same reasoning holds for Newton’s Theory of
Gravitation or Galileo Galilei revolutionnary conception of the universe
or again Baruch Spinoza fundamental and revolutionnary contribution to
philosophy….he is considered among the greatest philosophers of all
time. Try to measure the IQ of this one ?For those with a small IQ,
please note that philosophy is the study of general and fundamental
problems linked to human existence.
By Roberto Benzaquen PhD on Jan 25, 2014 at 7:51am
Seems like someone has big superiority issues…
So, let us see now…
Jews, who lived among Arabs and other Middle Easterners have lower IQ, same as Arabs & other Middle Easterners.
Jews, who lived among Europeans have higher IQ, same as the white Europeans themselves.
There
is no question, that some mixing took place between both the Sephardi
and Ashkenazi Jews with their host populations. There is no question
that IQ is determined by one’s DNA.
There is no question that white Europeans have higher IQ.
You
connect the dots. Higher IQ of European Jews may be the result of
mixing with European DNA. Make Jewish geniuses do mtDNA and Y-DNA tests,
and verify that.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-08/founding-mothers-of-ashkenazi-jews-may-be-converts-study-finds.html
“About
80 percent of Ashkenazi maternal ancestry comes from Europe, not the
Near East, according to a study that suggests a mass conversion of women
to Judaism may have occurred in Europe more than 2,000 years ago.
The
findings come from studying mitochondrial DNA, which passes from mother
to offspring, in about 3,500 people, the authors wrote in a paper in
the journal Nature Communications. About 80 percent of the maternal
linages of Ashkenazi Jews came from Europe, the scientists found.”
Also,
there is no need to be so thrilled about the higher IQ. IQ higher than
certain “golden ratio” level may be not a blessing, but a curse.
So, let us see now…
Jews, who lived among Arabs and other Middle Easterners have lower IQ, same as Arabs & other Middle Easterners.
Jews, who lived among Europeans have higher IQ, same as the white Europeans themselves.
There
is no question, that some mixing took place between both the Sephardi
and Ashkenazi Jews with their host populations. There is no question
that IQ is determined by one’s DNA.
There is no question that white Europeans have higher IQ.
You
connect the dots. Higher IQ of European Jews may be the result of
mixing with European DNA. Make Jewish geniuses do mtDNA and Y-DNA tests,
and verify that.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-08/founding-mothers-of-ashkenazi-jews-may-be-converts-study-finds.html
“About
80 percent of Ashkenazi maternal ancestry comes from Europe, not the
Near East, according to a study that suggests a mass conversion of women
to Judaism may have occurred in Europe more than 2,000 years ago.
The
findings come from studying mitochondrial DNA, which passes from mother
to offspring, in about 3,500 people, the authors wrote in a paper in
the journal Nature Communications. About 80 percent of the maternal
linages of Ashkenazi Jews came from Europe, the scientists found.”
Also,
there is no need to be so thrilled about the higher IQ. IQ higher than
certain “golden ratio” level may be not a blessing, but a curse.
By someone on Jan 25, 2014 at 4:36pm
I
have not seen any well-conducted statistics on the matter but in my own
experience I have always found people of mixed origin to be more
talented than ones with ‘purer’ origins. This extends to Jewish people
in so far as those people I know of, who have one parent that is Jewish,
but another that is not, are nearly always extremely talented.
Because of this I find noxious hypotheses (aka theories) such as expressed here:
‘“ASAMATTEROFFACT”
informed me that - in his opinion - Ashkenazi who lack high
intelligence and creativity end up feeling inferior. He believes this
eventually leads to the “untermensch” marrying outside of the tribe.
Only the ubermensch remain to reproduce.’
to
be highly ironic. People of higher intelligence are less likely to
follow arbitrary religious commandments. They are also less likely to be
constrained by cultural norms, and closeted by communal practice.
Racial identity will not be top of the list in priorities when they
choose a mate.
A similar view is expressed here:
‘His
point of view was echoed by another poster - Efox” - who stated that
less intelligent Jews incapable of being their own “Priest” inevitably
left Judaism to join another religion.’
In
Judaism each person is not ‘their own Priest’. On a literal level this
is obvious. The Kohanim were a particular group, and after the exodus it
was the Rabbis that held all authority. On a less literal level, those
who cling to outdated dogmas cannot be dignified with such regal
descriptions as ‘their own priest’. Those who believe in torah from
Sinai, must reject much empirical evidence and be happy to abdicate
their own judgment. And those who do not really completely believe it -
but who unthinkingly adhere to custom - are clearly not of superior
intelligence.
Actually, the
mere inclusion of such remarks, even when it is made clear that they are
not necessarily the author’s own opinion, makes the whole article seem
dubious!
have not seen any well-conducted statistics on the matter but in my own
experience I have always found people of mixed origin to be more
talented than ones with ‘purer’ origins. This extends to Jewish people
in so far as those people I know of, who have one parent that is Jewish,
but another that is not, are nearly always extremely talented.
Because of this I find noxious hypotheses (aka theories) such as expressed here:
‘“ASAMATTEROFFACT”
informed me that - in his opinion - Ashkenazi who lack high
intelligence and creativity end up feeling inferior. He believes this
eventually leads to the “untermensch” marrying outside of the tribe.
Only the ubermensch remain to reproduce.’
to
be highly ironic. People of higher intelligence are less likely to
follow arbitrary religious commandments. They are also less likely to be
constrained by cultural norms, and closeted by communal practice.
Racial identity will not be top of the list in priorities when they
choose a mate.
A similar view is expressed here:
‘His
point of view was echoed by another poster - Efox” - who stated that
less intelligent Jews incapable of being their own “Priest” inevitably
left Judaism to join another religion.’
In
Judaism each person is not ‘their own Priest’. On a literal level this
is obvious. The Kohanim were a particular group, and after the exodus it
was the Rabbis that held all authority. On a less literal level, those
who cling to outdated dogmas cannot be dignified with such regal
descriptions as ‘their own priest’. Those who believe in torah from
Sinai, must reject much empirical evidence and be happy to abdicate
their own judgment. And those who do not really completely believe it -
but who unthinkingly adhere to custom - are clearly not of superior
intelligence.
Actually, the
mere inclusion of such remarks, even when it is made clear that they are
not necessarily the author’s own opinion, makes the whole article seem
dubious!
By Merlin on Jan 27, 2014 at 5:15am
I
think the #1 reason that there’s so many Jews in the Ivy League is
because 23 of the 24 spots of Dean, President and Provost are occupied
by Jews. The older generations are smart to have attained these
positions.
However, in the
elite NYC speciality high schools, there’s almost no Jews. It’s the
closest thing to a pure meritocracy in education that we have.
Also,
if a group had a 125 median verbal IQ, then we should literally have
somewhere around 300,000 Jews in America that are comparable to Plato,
Shakespeare, David Hume, etc, along with another 16,000 or so literary
geniuses, the likes of which the world has never seen. That is
obviously absurd. I mean any unbiased reasonably intelligent people
should be able to figure this out.
The
most recent IQ tests of Ashkenazi Jews have their IQs testing from 101
to 107. It’s most likely that the Jews of past generations had such a
high IQ due to the tragic culling of their dumber members, and a skewed
sample was tested.
We’ve now
had a few generations to allow a regression to the mean happen, and
their IQ test scores have been dropping. This is supported by the
lowering achievement we see by Jews in meritocratic fields. They’re not
dumb, but they just aren’t as smart as we once thought.
think the #1 reason that there’s so many Jews in the Ivy League is
because 23 of the 24 spots of Dean, President and Provost are occupied
by Jews. The older generations are smart to have attained these
positions.
However, in the
elite NYC speciality high schools, there’s almost no Jews. It’s the
closest thing to a pure meritocracy in education that we have.
Also,
if a group had a 125 median verbal IQ, then we should literally have
somewhere around 300,000 Jews in America that are comparable to Plato,
Shakespeare, David Hume, etc, along with another 16,000 or so literary
geniuses, the likes of which the world has never seen. That is
obviously absurd. I mean any unbiased reasonably intelligent people
should be able to figure this out.
The
most recent IQ tests of Ashkenazi Jews have their IQs testing from 101
to 107. It’s most likely that the Jews of past generations had such a
high IQ due to the tragic culling of their dumber members, and a skewed
sample was tested.
We’ve now
had a few generations to allow a regression to the mean happen, and
their IQ test scores have been dropping. This is supported by the
lowering achievement we see by Jews in meritocratic fields. They’re not
dumb, but they just aren’t as smart as we once thought.
By Jaime on Jan 27, 2014 at 2:27pm
The
subject seems to have magnetic power. The volume of comments may be now
dwarf the original article. At the risk of digressing, it has occurred
to me that if I.Q. tests had been done in the 19th Century or early
20th Century on Ashkenazis or any other group and compared these to I.Q.
tests on similar contemporary groups we would find a dramatic drop in
intelligence in today’s sample. This thought came to me while watching
the Grammys. The quality of music often mirrors the intelligence of a
culture and the greatest DNA will lose out to drugs and bad music every
time.
subject seems to have magnetic power. The volume of comments may be now
dwarf the original article. At the risk of digressing, it has occurred
to me that if I.Q. tests had been done in the 19th Century or early
20th Century on Ashkenazis or any other group and compared these to I.Q.
tests on similar contemporary groups we would find a dramatic drop in
intelligence in today’s sample. This thought came to me while watching
the Grammys. The quality of music often mirrors the intelligence of a
culture and the greatest DNA will lose out to drugs and bad music every
time.
By Andy Halmay on Jan 29, 2014 at 8:27pm
If
they had been so smart they would have used technologies from ancient
civilizations they lived in (Rome/ Greece/ Babylon/ Egypt) and by means
of that technologies and knowledge they woul have created superpower
1000 times stronger then all other countries combined togeter. They
would have won all the deseaes, their space ships would have been
exploring the space…But no they are so retarded that they were not able
even to keep that in their silly heads.
And after collapse of ancient
civilizations they were waiting for emergence of new white cvilizations
in Europe to join like retarded pupil who is waiting for freshmen to
help him to to pass 1’st grade for 100 times.
example: Einstein was idiot and cheater, so was Weiner (so called cybernetic genius who did nothing) and all others.
All resent studies showed that thei intellect is poor iq in Israel is 90.
And samrt ppl (nation) nver boast how they are smart))
No I am sorry - tank merkava they created themselves.
they had been so smart they would have used technologies from ancient
civilizations they lived in (Rome/ Greece/ Babylon/ Egypt) and by means
of that technologies and knowledge they woul have created superpower
1000 times stronger then all other countries combined togeter. They
would have won all the deseaes, their space ships would have been
exploring the space…But no they are so retarded that they were not able
even to keep that in their silly heads.
And after collapse of ancient
civilizations they were waiting for emergence of new white cvilizations
in Europe to join like retarded pupil who is waiting for freshmen to
help him to to pass 1’st grade for 100 times.
example: Einstein was idiot and cheater, so was Weiner (so called cybernetic genius who did nothing) and all others.
All resent studies showed that thei intellect is poor iq in Israel is 90.
And samrt ppl (nation) nver boast how they are smart))
No I am sorry - tank merkava they created themselves.
By CoolMan on Feb 15, 2014 at 6:40am
No
sooner do I mention the creatures on the Grammys and one crops up here
big as life - a perfect specimen to prove my previous point.
I’ll let
you in on a big secret, Mr. CoolMan. Computers now come with “Word” or
“Open Office” which provide “SpellCheck” for Neanderthals who failed to
pass kindergarten. Type up whatever garbled thoughts you have and
SpellCheck will correct the spelling for you. Then simply copy and paste
it into the comment window to save you from totally discrediting and
embarrassing yourself.
“Isooner do I mention the creatures on the Grammys and one crops up here
big as life - a perfect specimen to prove my previous point.
I’ll let
you in on a big secret, Mr. CoolMan. Computers now come with “Word” or
“Open Office” which provide “SpellCheck” for Neanderthals who failed to
pass kindergarten. Type up whatever garbled thoughts you have and
SpellCheck will correct the spelling for you. Then simply copy and paste
it into the comment window to save you from totally discrediting and
embarrassing yourself.
By Andy Halmay on Feb 18, 2014 at 7:19pm
have not seen any well-conducted statistics on the matter but in my own
experience I have always found people of mixed origin to be more
talented than ones with ‘purer’ origins.”
This
is where you start to counter statistical evidence and testing data
from diverse sources? Not good but all too common. I’m glad your
feelings and anecdotal observations differ from empirically derived
conclusions but your opinion seems just that an opinion based upon
personal biases and nothing more.
“to
be highly ironic. People of higher intelligence are less likely to
follow arbitrary religious commandments. They are also less likely to be
constrained by cultural norms, and closeted by communal practice.
Racial identity will not be top of the list in priorities when they
choose a mate.”
Another
unsupported opinion stated as fact. Well let me counter with my equally
unsupported opinion. I see that intelligent people tend to follow rules
of law religious or otherwise and people of lower intelligence from an
early age are incapable of doing so whether on tests or in practice
during everyday life. Our prisons are full of people who could be used
to make that point. The average IQ I’m sure would be in the 80% range.
What
intelligent people tend to do is spot hypocrisy and inconsistent
application of said rules so they would also be able to confirm that all
religious rules are not arbitrary. I guess if you are unable to see the
connections then the connection must not exist. Just as a 1400 elo
chess player might not see a checkmate in 4 while a 2500 usually would,
it is because the 1400 is the better player not bound by the rules and
patterns of chess?
“On a less
literal level, those who cling to outdated dogmas cannot be dignified
with such regal descriptions as ‘their own priest’. Those who believe in
torah from Sinai, must reject much empirical evidence and be happy to
abdicate their own judgment”
Really
can you make the case or is this another feeling? You never make a case
from empirical evidence the article you label as dubious however did
just that.
Jews religious or
otherwise are more intelligent collectively period, attempting to
classify “religious people ” as ignorant is a bad place to start. Common
but wrong Merlin. Try and be more objective look at the evidence there
is a lot of it.
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