[ExI] No need for radical changes in human nature/was Re: Private and government R&D

[Mirco Romanato]

Stathis Papaioannou ha scritto:
> 2009/7/11 Mirco Romanato <painlord2k at libero.it>:

>> The problem with crime, in this case, is how much costly and dangerous
>> is to resort to crime and violence. High IQ people could base their
>> behaviour on a more rational choice and planning, where lower IQ people
>> would act more irrational and emotional and usually they will plan
>> poorly or not plan.

> A very intelligent person might *rationally plan* violence: for
> example, he might figure out a way to have himself appointed king,
> build up an army, and invade his weaker or duller neighbours. This
> kind of thing has led to more violence and suffering in the world than
> the impulse to hit someone and steal their wallet.

The high IQ would-be king need to be supported by low IQ people that
will follow him, do what he say and are easy to fool around.
If the population have their IQ raised 10 point, it would be much more
difficult for him to make the case for a war, if there is no reason to
go in war and reasons to live in peace with the neighbours.

Anyway, higher IQ is only a part of the equation, not all of it.
A greater ability to manage emotions is also useful. Ability to delay
gratification is synergistic with high IQ in obtaining goals and not
doing something stupid. People could have an higher IQ and be
emotionally weak and succumb to emotions or be manipulable by people
with lower IQ but a better management of emotion.

Mirco