How much is a child's future success determined by innate intelligence? Economist James Heckman says it's not what people think. He likes to ask educated non-scientists -- especially politicians and policy makers -- how much of the difference between people's incomes can be tied to IQ. Most guess around 25 percent, even 50 percent, he says. But the data suggest a much smaller influence: about 1 or 2 percent.
So if IQ is only a minor factor in success, what is it that separates the low earners from the high ones? Or, as the saying goes: If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?
Science doesn't have a definitive answer, although luck certainly plays a role. But another key factor is personality, according to a paper Heckman co-authored in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences last month. He found financial success was correlated with conscientiousness, a personality trait marked by diligence, perseverance and self-discipline.
Why aren't you rich? You obviously slept with the wrong people!
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 28 2016, @07:51PM
When I realized I was helping dumb people profit, I quit and I am much happier now.
I am also richer, because my confidence was much improved when I realized that dumb people can lead when anybody follows. I chose not to follow.
I found a new job where there are less dumb people, and far less in charge. Laying awake at night wishing I wasn't enriching willfully ignorant people... I never felt better after I quit.
(Score: 2) by mcgrew on Thursday December 29 2016, @10:36PM
You may be smart, but you appear to be uneducated. Not "less", the proper word is fewer.
mcgrewbooks.com mcgrew.info nooze.org