How did you get so smart?

[Dodece]

Intelligence is the result of a number of factors. Genetics is obviously paramount, because it determines what would amount to hard limits. Followed by upbringing, because certain things need to be learned at a early age, and if they aren't learned in that time frame they can never be learned later in life. The factors outside of those two would have to be the personality of the individual which is fairly settled upon early in life. The role of society in determining the freedom of thought. The availability of information for the individual.

However as far as these forums are concerned. I don't think it is really a matter of intelligence. The difference is purely one of initiative. A less intelligent person can dominate a smarter person in any debate with nothing more then the will to put more time into it, or to use more sources of knowledge. Here on these forums it is really the effort that counts, and I see that every day on these forums.

There isn't a massive intellectual gulf between users on these forums. We don't seem to have a abundance of big brained geniuses, or complete idiots. Here as in life the exceptions aren't the rule. So if the difference between two users were five points on a given intelligence test. The only real difference would be in the time it takes for them to put together a post. Since we aren't timed it doesn't really matter. So what if it takes one person five or so minutes to make a post, and the other guy takes twenty. Time is the equalizer, and it will never be apparent if someone spent hours or minutes.

As for the question of whether I consider myself smart. I consider myself smart enough to not answer that little question, because it can have big consequences. Humility cannot be crushed, but a ego sure as hell can be. Yes I am just smart enough to not invite ruin into my life.