Rising Above I.Q.

Another great find from Miguel at Simoleon Sense.

In the mosaic of America, three groups that have been unusually successful are Asian-Americans, Jews and West Indian blacks — and in that there may be some lessons for the rest of us.

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These three groups may help debunk the myth of success as a simple product of intrinsic intellect, for they represent three different races and histories. In the debate over nature and nurture, they suggest the importance of improved nurture — which, from a public policy perspective, means a focus on education. Their success may also offer some lessons for you, me, our children — and for the broader effort to chip away at poverty in this country.

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In any case, he says, the evidence is overwhelming that what is distinctive about these three groups is not innate advantage but rather a tendency to get the most out of the firepower they have.

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Perhaps the larger lesson is a very empowering one: success depends less on intellectual endowment than on perseverance and drive. As Professor Nisbett puts it, “Intelligence and academic achievement are very much under people’s control.”

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Related previous post: What it takes to be great

Related books:

Intelligence and How to Get It: Why Schools and Cultures Count

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.

Outliers: The Story of Success

Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else