A Thought for Today
by Bob Fisher
IQ
Those who have studied the relationship of IQ as determined
by our tests of today, to the contribution of an individual to society,
have resolved that IQ is not the most important factor in success. In a
community where two hundred students graduate from High School each year
it was determined that at least seven were equal or superior in IQ to such
men as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Oliver Cromwell, Martin Luther,
and Michael Faraday. If there are seven of every two Hundred students in
the country which match the IQ of such men as those mentioned, why do they
not make the same kinds of contribution to society?
In studies made by the University of Utah it was
determined that only six of the leading 28 characteristics which are essential
to success are measured by IQ tests. For example, the ability to get along
with people. Dependability, close relationship with God, honesty, creativity,
good morals, cheerfulness, and good health, were only a few of the characteristics
which contribute to a successful life which are not measured by IQ tests.
Of the first dozen most valued characteristics, only two; The ability to
understand things verbalized by others, and good memory were measured by
IQ tests.
In a study made at a Youth detention home in the
state of Washington in the United States, it was determined that a high
percentage of those youth who came to that home had unusually high IQ scores.
After reading these statistics it has occurred to
me as I am sure it has to you that we need to look at the whole man or
woman before we pass judgement upon their ability to contribute to society
and not just by their IQ.
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