Genetic View of Intelligence and Social Consequences

Intelligence is the root of our creativity, innovation, and exploration. But the exact contributions on the development of our intellectual brain or lack of it are still in obscurity. One main factor is our genetic makeup — which is basically who we are without any kind of outside influence. The second one is the environment, which can be divided into two subfactors: the shared environment that is common amongst others, and the non-shared environment that is the environmental elements only available to a particular individual.

Studies have shown that people with the same genes do have similar to identical IQ tests. In fact, intelligence test scores of identical twins have been as similar as those of the same person taking the same test twice. Correlations were significantly greater for identical twins than for fraternal twins, which in return were greater than normal siblings. These results indicate that individual differences in understanding of the mind were influenced primarily by genetic factors and to some extent by non-shared environmental factors. As the environment becomes more equal, the effect hereditability has on intelligence increases. Heredity, however, does not tell the whole story. The answers are found on where and how the child is raised in the world and the resources that are made available to him. Any individual, from any race, culture, or ethnicity can be born with exceptional intelligence potential. However, if the mind is not provided with the correct tools, there is no assurance the mind will find an alternate route to achieve its full potential.

Another part of exposing the mind to greatness is somewhat the responsibility of the parents and the people around. For example, learning from mistakes can enable a child to lead better social and intellectual interactions, therefore foster further development of the mind. Intelligence is an important factor in determining one’s future success but one cannot judge solely the child’s economic status and related criteria. Even strong heritability within groups would not eliminate the influence that the environment, others, and his or her values will have on determining how the mind will develop.