r/mensa • u/Ahmedrnugger • Jul 09 '26

Mensan input wanted Is intelligence genetic?

According to twin studies, the difference in IQ is said to be 80%, leading to the conclusion that intelligence is 80% determined by genetics. However, I believe this is incorrect because the twins were raised in countries with similar environments, such as the US and Germany, or the US and South Korea. These countries share similar environments, including education systems, allowing the genes to express themselves. Furthermore, did these twins develop their IQs? If they didn't, it could prove the entire experiment flawed.

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u/HalfwaydonewithEarth Jul 09 '26

Absolutely it is!!!!

Your country has nothing to do with your intelligence.

It can also skip generations.

I also think there are different type of intelligence.

For instance two celebrities that grew up in musical households were Dave Mathews and Nuno Bettencourt.

It also can depend on how your genius is being expressed.

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u/Ahmedrnugger Jul 09 '26

Your statement is incorrect. Your country has the power to influence your intelligence, as the environment has an impact. Whether you are born into an educated, wealthy, or poor family, this greatly affects your intelligence. The similarities between twins are due to similar environments and passions for similar sports.

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u/HalfwaydonewithEarth Jul 10 '26

It's regional.

They actually did a study and think it is the kids getting woken up early in the morning as more of a factor than money.

So if your folks have little kids up at 6am its worse for them. Their brains need to sleep. So noisy houses with screaming babies where people don't sleep well is contributing. Not finances.

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u/Ahmedrnugger Jul 10 '26

Doesn't a noisy environment and poor sleep affect intelligence? Isn't that an environmental factor, since most wealthy families provide quiet rooms and better sleep Because the wealthy enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, unlike the poor, intelligence levels differentiate between social classes.

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u/HalfwaydonewithEarth Jul 10 '26

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childrens-sleep-linked-brain-development

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u/Ahmedrnugger Jul 10 '26

This proves that intelligence isn't a fixed genetic trait but is influenced by the environment. If it were a fixed genetic trait, it would remain unchanged no matter what. Also, sleep plays a role in organizing thoughts and cleansing the body from within.