A Thought for Today

by Bob Fisher


IQ

    Those who have studied the relationship of IQ as determined by our tests of today, to the contribution of an individual to society, have resolved that IQ is not the most important factor in success. In a community where two hundred students graduate from High School each year it was determined that at least seven were equal or superior in IQ to such men as Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Oliver Cromwell, Martin Luther, and Michael Faraday. If there are seven of every two Hundred students in the country which match the IQ of such men as those mentioned, why do they not make the same kinds of contribution to society?
    In studies made by the University of Utah it was determined that only six of the leading 28 characteristics which are essential to success are measured by IQ tests. For example, the ability to get along with people. Dependability, close relationship with God, honesty, creativity, good morals, cheerfulness, and good health, were only a few of the characteristics which contribute to a successful life which are not measured by IQ tests. Of the first dozen most valued characteristics, only two; The ability to understand things verbalized by others, and good memory were measured by IQ tests.
    In a study made at a Youth detention home in the state of Washington in the United States, it was determined that a high percentage of those youth who came to that home had unusually high IQ scores.
    After reading these statistics it has occurred to me as I am sure it has to you that we need to look at the whole man or woman before we pass judgement upon their ability to contribute to society and not just by their IQ.
 


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