The Reality of IQ Scores and Their Impact on Adulthood

Is an IQ score of 98 too bad for an adult? The short answer is no, not at all. While 98 falls within the normal range (between 90 and 110), this score does not diminish one's worth or potential to excel in life.

IQ scores, whether high or low, do not define an individual's intelligence. The world functions mostly at the concrete level, where reading, writing, and basic math skills are essential. The bulk of what matters in daily life does not require Einstein-level brilliance or even a collegiate education. Instead, the majority of us operate within an 8th or 9th-grade level of understanding. This range includes the ability to handle everyday tasks and interact with the world.

IQ Scores and Adulthood

IQ tests are not tools designed to measure high intellect but were created by eugenicists to spot what they deemed to be "morons." Today, these tests can reveal a lot about one's problem-solving and logical reasoning abilities, but they should not be the sole indicators of an individual's potential or value.

For many individuals, particularly those with high IQs, life can present unique challenges. These challenges may include emotional maturity, social interactions, and specific occupational experiences. Emotional maturity, for example, can be a significant factor in personal and professional life. High emotional intelligence often plays a crucial role in building strong relationships and navigating complex social situations.

Furthermore, having a high IQ does not inherently translate to success in certain areas, such as artisan craftsmanship or hands-on skills with 'real' things. These are skills that require practical experience and often come from a different type of intelligence than what traditional IQ tests measure.

Individual Case Studies

Anecdotes abound of people with high IQs who struggle with everyday tasks due to emotional and social challenges. Consider the case of an individual who has an IQ score of 90 but excels in complex problem-solving. This person might face difficulties in certain social interactions, especially when dealing with emotionally charged situations or complex social dynamics. Similarly, someone with a high IQ might find it challenging to navigate careers that require strong emotional intelligence, such as counseling or social work.

Another example is the story of someone who, despite having a high IQ, struggles with Asperger's syndrome, a condition that can negatively impact social interactions and cause significant stress in various environments. A task like working as a shop assistant can be stressful due to the need for social interaction and straightforward problem-solving. Similarly, a job as a barman, which requires both handling money and managing a noisy social environment, can be highly stressful and overwhelming. However, this individual’s high IQ has allowed them to excel in other areas, such as being a light aircraft pilot and fronting multi-million-dollar projects.

IQ and Personal Development

It's not just about work and social interactions. Having a high IQ can also be a double-edged sword when it comes to personal development. High intelligence can sometimes lead to a focus on abstract reasoning and intellectual pursuits, potentially at the expense of emotional and social maturity. This is not to say that individuals with high IQs are inherently lacking in these areas; rather, it underscores the importance of developing a well-rounded set of skills and competencies.

Let's delve into a personal anecdote. Consider a friend who was invited to take a test offered by MENSA, an organization for individuals with high IQ scores. This friend, who is indeed part of the higher intelligence group, expressed a strong dislike for the concept of IQ tests and the people who take pride in boasting about their high scores. In the end, the friend took the test, and to their surprise, one of the 'correct' answers provided by MENSA was actually factually incorrect. This demonstrates that even so-called 'genius' groups can have fundamental misunderstandings, highlighting the complex nature of intelligence and its measurement.

Conclusion

IQ scores are not the be-all and end-all of personal worth or intellectual capability. While an IQ of 98 falls within the normal range and does not define an individual's potential, it does underscore the importance of developing a well-rounded set of skills, including emotional intelligence and practical, hands-on abilities. If you are concerned about your own IQ score or that of someone you know, it's best to approach it with a balanced perspective, recognizing that true success and happiness come from a combination of intellectual, emotional, and practical competencies.

Ultimately, whether your IQ score is high, low, or in the middle, the key to a fulfilling life lies in developing a deep understanding of yourself, cultivating strong relationships, and pursuing paths that bring you joy and fulfillment.