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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, @10:54PM
The girl at the gaming table in the chainmail bikini becomes the trophy wife becomes the alimony collector and next thing you know you're helping the cityguard kill rats in the sewer just to get something to eat.
So, in decreasing order of financial success:
Maybe you could just skip the first two and go straight to the rats. Who knows? If they're giant, maybe they'd be smart enough to be a blast to hang out with.