It might seem that people who earn the most are distinguished by above-average intelligence. Recent research, however, shows that this belief is far from the truth. The richest do not stand out with the greatest intellectual potential.
Intelligence level and earnings. Latest research
Researchers from the University of Linköping (Sweden) decided to investigate the relationship between earnings and intelligence. For this purpose, they compared wage data from Swedish population registers with the results of cognitive tests performed as standard for all conscripts aged 18-19. The study was conducted on a sample of 59,000 people. men. It turned out that the relationship between earnings and the level of intelligence is quite significant.
Studies have shown that people with a higher level of intelligence and better cognitive abilities actually earn more. There is, however, an exception to this rule. It turned out that one percent of the richest people are not the most intelligent at all. They performed worse on tests, and their earnings are up to twice as high as the average salary of the two to three percent of the highest earners. Among those with the highest incomes, the level of cognitive ability is not a key element when it comes to wages.
Inequalities in earnings. What influences besides intelligence?
This is not the first study to show that the highest earners are not the smartest. Other Swedish researchers have concluded that CEOs of medium-sized companies belonged to one per mille of the highest earners, but as much as 17 percent exceeded them in terms of intelligence. society.
So you can ask yourself what are the reasons for this state of affairs. Some people point out that the huge income of the highest earners is due to their exceptional talents. In the light of the presented research, this view is not fully confirmed, because the results of tests of cognitive abilities have not shown that people in the highest positions deserve it more than people who earn even twice as much. Luck, background and motivation are also mentioned among the factors affecting earnings. Above-average remuneration may also be related to combining work with passion.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
