Are people born or get smart?

Intelligence is a highly valued and appreciated attribute in the world, being considered an indispensable characteristic for those who hold high positions, in all kinds of fields.

But what is meant by intelligence? According to the first entry in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy, intelligence is the “Ability to understand or comprehend”, while the second is the “ability to solve problems.”

These meanings carry over to actions taken by children that make parents proud, such as having a good academic performance or learning languages ​​with ease. Several people when thinking about these achievements wonder the following: Are we born with intelligence or do we acquire it?

In this discussion, which pits genetics against the environment, it is important to note that there are different types of intelligence. José Antonio Portellano, neuropsychologist and professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, said in an interview with Diario La Vanguardia that when talking about this topic, we must pay attention to two types of intelligence: fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence.

The importance of not stopping learning

Fluid intelligence is the base intelligence, which comes from birth. Crystallized intelligence is the fruit of learning and experience. “They are not exclusive,” says the specialist. “Everyone is born with a certain fluid intelligence, but this does not imply any limit or limit“, Add.

However, Portellano maintains at the same time that “Intelligence is the most undemocratic thing that exists”As a person who is born and raised in a stimulating environment will improve his crystallized intelligence, while another with the same fluid intelligence who develops in an environment devoid of incentives, will lag behind. However, this does not mean that things cannot change.

In the book of his authorship How to develop intelligence: neuropsychological training of attention and executive functions, wrote that “Anyone can improve their mental functions through learning and cognitive exercise, since thanks to brain plasticity mechanisms, modifications can be produced in the structure and functioning of the nervous system, both in healthy subjects and in those who have suffered some brain damage ”.

Brain it is one of the most studied organs in recent years. Thus, neurobiology has shown that we continue to create neurons and connections between them with age, that we learn by imitation thanks to mirror neurons, and that intelligence can be made to grow.

“Until a few decades ago it was believed that fluid intelligence, innate intelligence, grew up to age 18. Today we know that he does it until he is quarantine ”, assures Portellano. “Crystallized intelligence has no expiration date. The more you learn, the more intelligence you acquire ”.

With regard to its recommendations to stimulate intelligence is the study and practice of languages ​​(two more than the native language). It also points out the importance of playing sports, having a healthy and balanced diet, and being in a happy environment.

It also indicates that learning is the stimulus for crystallized intelligence, which benefits fluid or innate intelligence, because “Crystallized intelligence influences fluid”Portellano points out. (I)