No Stupid Questions 34. Are Humans Smarter or Stupider Than We Used to Be?
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Aug 10, 2025 The hosts dive into the intriguing question of whether humans are getting smarter or not. They discuss rising global literacy and IQ scores, revealing the Flynn effect's complexities. Curiosity takes center stage as they compare adult inquisitiveness to childhood wonder, highlighting how self-consciousness can stifle it over time. The conversation shifts to reading habits, emphasizing the pitfalls of superficial engagement. Finally, they fact-check terms like 'curiosity killed the cat' while exploring the connections between language, genetics, and curiosity.
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Mass IQ And Literacy Gains Over Centuries
- Global literacy rose to about 86% compared to roughly 12% two centuries ago.
- These population-level gains suggest large cognitive shifts across generations.
Flynn Effect Moves Populations Toward 'Gifted'
- The Flynn effect raised average IQ by roughly two standard deviations across generations.
- Angela Duckworth says that shift is akin to moving a population from average to gifted.
Multiple Causes Behind Rising IQ Scores
- Researchers point to nutrition, hybrid vigor, and changing environments as drivers of IQ gains.
- Flynn proposed a 'social multiplier' where rising cognitive demands further boost population intelligence.
