consider the following: intelligence is broadly the ability to apply cognition to solving problems. for example, a math problem or to understanding computer programming. one would think that, broadly, intelligence is the single most important trait that a human could have, and that more would be better.  and studies show that over the past 10,000 years there has generally been selection in favor of genes for intelligence. but like op notes...half of people are below average intelligence, which is always the case, but he implies that most people are relatively dumb. so, despite the clear swiss-army-knife utility of intelligence, why are we not smarter? studies also show that humans prefer their mates to be attractive, or kind, and that these qualities are more important than intelligence. in fact, iq is negatively associated with having sex among young people, to the point where someone who is very bright is less likely to have sex than someone considered retarded. what is going on? my personal view is that human, and animal life in general, is incredibly complex...the average is the "average" of a trait for a reason...this is the sweet spot, and there may be trade-offs or downsides we don't realize, group selection (importance of geniuses being created in a group even if they do not reproduce themselves, helping group selection), dumber people being worse at birth control, more impulsive and fucking more, etc.  so i think it is important to understand our lack of understanding. if iq was all important...well there sure are a lot of fucking n***ers in africa as a real life counterpoint.
United States