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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: 2) by krishnoid on Wednesday December 28 2016, @10:47PM
But you can certainly reach the top 5% or so without having to compromise your principles ...
... Household income of ~$200k (husband and wife both make $100k) and these are good people, *not* sociopaths or narcissists.
I think one problem is that these are conflicting concepts for a decent number of ambitious types.