Overview of Is intelligence overrated?
This Vox episode explores what intelligence actually means, why IQ became such a powerful and controversial measure, and whether being “smart” is as important as people assume. Through interviews with science writer David Robson, philosopher Jeff Sebo, and cognitive scientist Susanne Jaeggi, the episode argues that intelligence is real but limited: it does not guarantee good judgment, moral insight, or success in life. It also broadens the conversation beyond humans, showing that animals and even plants can display forms of intelligence—and that we may be too narrow in how we define it.
What the episode argues
Intelligence is more than IQ
- Intelligence is described as a kind of “raw processing power” that supports reasoning, vocabulary, math, reading, and abstract thinking.
- IQ tests try to measure this through tasks like:
- spatial puzzles
- working memory tests
- vocabulary and reading tasks
- focus and concentration exercises
- But IQ captures only part of what people need to make wise decisions in real life.
IQ testing has a problematic history
- Alfred Binet created the first intelligence test to identify children who needed educational support, not to rank people.
- Lewis Terman popularized IQ in the U.S. and used it to sort people by perceived “genius” potential.
- The episode highlights the racist, eugenic assumptions behind early IQ interpretation and warns against treating test scores as a measure of human worth.
- Socioeconomic background and educational access can significantly affect performance, especially early in life.
High intelligence does not equal good judgment
- People with high IQs can still fall prey to cognitive biases like confirmation bias.
- The episode uses a car analogy: a powerful engine helps, but without brakes, steering, and navigation, you still may not end up somewhere safely.
- Slower, more reflective thinkers may actually make wiser decisions than people who answer quickly and confidently.
Intelligence beyond humans
Animals show many kinds of intelligence
- Jeff Sebo argues that human intelligence should not be treated as the benchmark for all intelligence.
- Examples discussed include:
- bees playing with objects
- crows counting
- elephants having name-like calls
- animals showing learning, memory, communication, and flexible decision-making
- The episode emphasizes that intelligence can look very different depending on the species.
Moral concern should not depend on being “smart enough”
- Sebo cautions against only caring about animals that seem especially clever or human-like.
- He argues that consciousness and sentience—not intelligence alone—should be the baseline for moral consideration.
- This would expand concern for animals that feel, suffer, and make decisions even if they don’t impress us cognitively.
Plants may also have forms of intelligence
- Plants may not be sentient in the same way animals are, but they can still:
- perceive information
- learn and remember
- communicate signals
- adapt to their environment
- The episode suggests we should at least acknowledge plant-like agency and responsiveness.
Can intelligence be improved?
Intelligence is somewhat malleable
- Susanne Jaeggi explains the difference between:
- crystallized abilities: vocabulary, general knowledge
- fluid abilities: problem-solving and reasoning in new situations
- Research suggests schooling and targeted training can improve cognitive performance.
- Children’s brains are especially flexible, but adults can still learn and improve.
Brain training has limits
- Apps like Lumosity may help in some cases, but results depend on what you do and how consistently.
- There is no simple shortcut to becoming “smarter” overnight.
Better strategies are broader than brain games
The episode recommends a wider approach to cognitive health:
- learning a language
- playing a musical instrument
- reading and engaging with the arts
- doing physical exercise
- getting enough sleep
- eating well
- playing board games or other challenging social games
Main takeaways
- Intelligence matters, but it is often overvalued and misunderstood.
- IQ is a narrow measure with a complicated and sometimes harmful history.
- Being intelligent does not necessarily make someone wise, fair, or emotionally grounded.
- Many animals—and possibly plants—display meaningful forms of intelligence.
- For everyday life, cognitive health, adaptability, and well-being matter more than obsessing over IQ.
Bottom line
The episode’s central message is that intelligence is real, but our cultural obsession with it is misplaced. A high IQ is not a shortcut to good judgment, moral clarity, or a better society. Instead of asking only “Who is smart?”, we should also ask:
- What kind of intelligence are we measuring?
- Who gets left out?
- And how can humans, animals, and ecosystems all be considered in the decisions we make?