Exploring Intelligence, Happiness, and Wisdom

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The chapter delves into the correlation between different types of intelligence, touching on traditional IQ tests and the surprising relationship between various skills. It discusses the impact of high IQ on individual and national happiness levels, highlighting the complex relationship between intelligence and overall well-being. The conversation expands to explore the role of wisdom in applying intelligence for increased happiness, along with discussions on the relationship between money, social connectedness, and striving for happiness.

In “Psych: The Story of the Human Mind,” Paul Bloom, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, lays out, in his words, “basically everything I know about the mind.” And when he says “everything,” he means it. Where does consciousness come from? Does IQ matter? What makes us happy? Was Sigmund Freud a madman? The answers to these questions (and more) are all in Paul’s book — and in this episode.

An edited version of Rufus’s interview with Paul first aired in April 2023. Today, we’re bringing you their entire conversation.

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