Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal)

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/05/17

Acknowledgements

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 1: Manahel Thabet for being the first in this series and giving a gauge on the feasibility of this project, and to Evangelos Katsioulis, Jason Betts, Marco Ripà, Paul Cooijmans, Rick Rosner; in spite of far more men in these communities, it, interview wise, started with a woman, even the Leo Jung Mensa article arose from the generosity of a woman friend, Jade.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 2: Claus Volko, Deb Stone, Erik Haereid, Hasan Zuberi, Ivan Ivec, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Monika Orski, and Rick Rosner.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 3: Andreas Gunnarsson, Anja Jaenicke, Christian Sorensen, Claus Volko, Dionysios Maroudas, Florian Schröder, Ronald K. Hoeflin, Erik Hae reid, Giuseppe Corrente, Graham Powell, Guillermo Alejandro Escárcega Pliego, HanKyung Lee, James Gordon, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Krystal Volney, Laurent Dubois, Marco Ripà, Matthew Scillitani, Mislav Predavec, Owen Cosby, Richard Sheen, Rick Farrar, Rick Rosner, Sandra Schlick, Tiberiu Sammak, Tim Roberts, Thomas Wolf, Tom Chittenden, Tonny Sellén, Tor Jørgensen.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 4: Björn Liljeqvist, Christian Sorenson, Claus Volko, Dionysios Maroudas, Sandra Schlick, Erik Haereid, Giuseppe Corrente, Guillermo Alejandro Escárcega Pliego, HanKyung Lee, James Gordon, Justin Duplantis, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Laurent Dubois, Marco Ripà, Matthew Scillitani, Mislav Predavec, Richard Sheen, Rick Farrar, Rick G. Rosner, Thomas Wolf, Tiberiu Sammak, Tim Roberts, Tom Chittenden, Tonny Sellén, and Tor Arne Jørgensen.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 5: Anthony Sepulveda, Christian Sorenson, Claus Volko, Dionysios Maroudas, Erik Haereid, Giuseppe Corrente, Guillermo Alejandro Escárcega Pliego, Heinrich Siemens, Hindemburg Melão Jr., Jason Robert, Julien Garrett Arpin, Justin Du plantis, Marios Sophia Prodromou, Matthew Scillitani, Mhedi Banafshei, Rick Rosner, Tiberiu Sammak, Tor Arne Jørgensen, and Veronica Palladino.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 6: Anas El-Husseini, Andrew Watters, Anthony Sepul veda, Arturo Escorza Pedraza, Beatrice Rescazzi, Bob Williams, Byunghyun Ban (반병현), Cas per Tvede Busk, Charles Peden, Craig Shelton, Christian Sorensen, Claus Volko, Erik Haereid, Giuseppe Corrente, Justin Duplantis, Krystal Volney, Mhedi Banafshei, Paul Cooijmans, Rich ard May (“May-Tzu”/”MayTzu”/”Mayzi”), Richard Sheen, Shalom Dickson, Thor Fabian Petter sen, Tiberiu Sammak, Tim Roberts, Tor Arne Jørgensen, and Anonymous Canadian High-IQ Community Member.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 7: Anas El Husseini, Aníbal Sánchez Numa, Anthony Sepulveda (Brown), Anja Jaenicke, Beatrice Rescazzi, Bîrlea Cristian, Bob Williams, Christian Sorensen, Clelia Albano, Eivind Olsen, Erik Haereid, Gernot Feichter, Giuseppe Corrente, Glia Society Member #479, Graham Powell, Hakan E. Kayioglu, Heinrich Siemens, Justin Duplantis, Kishan Harrysingh, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Marios Prodromou, Mhedi Banafshei, Mohammed Karim Benazzi Jabri, Monika Orski, Richard May (“May-Tzu”/”MayTzu”/”Mayzi”), Sandra Schlick, Tiberiu Nicolas Sammak, and Tor Arne Jørgensen.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 8: Anthony Sepulveda, Anja Jaenicke, Antjuan Finch, Benoit Desjardins, Bishoy Goubran, Bob Williams, Charles Peden, Chris Cole, Christopher Har ding, Christian Sorensen, Daniel Shea, Dong Geon Lee, Eivind Olsen, Entemake Aman (阿曼), Erik Haereid, Gareth Rees, Gary Whitehall, Glenn Alden, Jiwhan (Jason) Park, Luca Fiorani, Masaaki Yamauchi, Masaaki Yamauchi, Matthew Scillitani, Michael Isom, Olav Hoel Dørum, Paul Cooijmans, Richard May, Rick Rosner, Rickard Sagirbay, Shalom Dickson, Sudarshan Murthy, Svein Olav Glesaaen Nyberg, Tim Roberts, and Tor Arne Jørgensen.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 9: Anthony Sepulveda (Brown), Antjuan Finch, Benoit Desjardins, Bob Williams, Christopher Angus, Clelia Albano, Craig Shelton, Daniel Hilton, Donald Wayne Stoner, Dong Geon Lee, Dr. Benoit Desjardins, Eivind Olsen, Erik Haereid, Gareth Rees, Hiroshi Murasaki, LaRae Bakerink, Luca Fiorani, Michael Baker, Paul Cooijmans, Ricardo Rosselló Nevares, Richard May (“May-Tzu”/”MayTzu”/”Mayzi”), Rick Rosner, Simon Olling Rebsdorf, Sudarshan Murthy, Tor Arne Jørgensen, and Uwe Michael Neumann.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 10: Anthony Sepulveda (Brown), Bob Williams, Chris Cole, Entemake Aman (阿曼), Erik Haereid, Eivind Olsen, Gernot Feichter, Graham Powell, Harry Royalster, Iakovos Koukas, Larae Bakerink, Paul Cooijmans, Richard May (“May Tzu”/”MayTzu”/”Mayzi”), Rick Rosner, Scott Durgin, Tor Arne Jørgensen, and Uwe Michael Neumann.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 11: Brandon Feick, Chris Cole, David Miller, Dr. Be noit Desjardins, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares, Entemake Aman (阿曼), Hindem burg Melão Jr., Justin Duplantis, Kate Jones, Masaaki Yamauchi, Matthew Scillitani, Michael Isom, Richard May (“May-Tzu”/”MayTzu”/”Mayzi”), Rick Rosner, Tianxi Yu (余天曦), Tomáš Perna, Tor Arne Jørgensen, Uwe Michael Neumann, and Veronica Palladino.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 12: AntJuan Finch, Beatrice Rscazzi, Bob Williams, Claus Volko, M.D., Clelia Albano, Craft Xia, David Udbjørg, Entemake Aman (阿曼), Erik Haereid, M.Sc., Fengzhi Wu (邬冯值), Garth Zietsman, Hindemburg Melão Jr., Justin Duplantis, LaRae Bakerink, Luis Ortiz, Matthew Scillitani, Nozomu Wakai, Olav Hoel Dørum, Rick Ros ner, Scott Durgin, Simon Olling Rebsdorf, Tianxi Yu (余天曦), Tim Roberts, Tor Arne Jørgen sen, Veronica Palladino, M.D., Victor Hingsberg.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 13: Jaime Alfonso Flores Navas, Krzysztof Zawisza, Luca Fiorani, Mattanaw, Mizuki Tomaiwa, Nikolaos U. Soulios, Petros Gkionis, Rick Rosner, Tianxi Yu (余天曦), Tomáš Perna, and Tor Arne Jørgensen.

For Some Smart People: Views and Lives 14: Andrei-Emanuel Udriște, Antjuan Finch, Benoit Desjardins, Bob Williams, Claus Volko, Daniel Hilton, Daniel Shea, Erik Haereid, Entemake Aman, Filipe Palma, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Mateo Muça, Masaaki Yamauchi, Matthew Scillitani, Paul Cooijmans, Richard May, Rickard Sagirbay, Sandra Schlick, Steven Stutts, Tor Arne Jørgensen

Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Foreword by Antjuan Finch

Nuclear physicists, daoist poets, comics, ivy league medical professors, and exceptionally gifted teenagers, all sharing the trait — perhaps except me — of stratospheric IQs. Yet, this book also covers the full gambit of political persuasions. In some respects, it could be regarded as a 211-page bulwark against confirmation biases.

Yet, even while observing the output of these technically high-powered minds, one cannot help but notice how intelligence is not everything — it cannot determine human value, and the correlates of general intelligence with any particular outcome is always less than the correlation of the relevant specific skills with that same outcome. For example, even a highly complex job, such as being President of the United States — which is surely aided by high intelligence — can not be excelled at using high intelligence alone; qualities like stress tolerance, empathy, and humility are also necessary to be even weakly functional at that job. At best, IQ is only ever necessary but not sufficient for an occupation, and more often than not, it is also non-trivially outweighed in importance by the less general, but more relevant specific skills and traits. Given this, those who become bothered by the documented marginal differences in intelligence between groups are missing the bigger picture — they are conflating general intelligence with what they value in particular and then taking umbrage with general intelligence differences as if those very findings equal an attack on that value.

The most mistaken in this way wrongly conflate IQ with intelligence, intelligence with academic skill, and academic skill with human value, and then cancel anyone that notes IQ differences as if they’ve deemed everyone but themself worthless. In reality, psychometric g is likely just a proxy of general brain health. The very high IQ are then like your friends that stay incredibly in shape seemingly without effort, or by accident. It’s remarkable, but would be less so in a world where we actually knew how to get the brain substantially more fit. So, as the study of brain function catches up to the study of biomechanical function, we’re left to marvel at the minds of the naturally intelligent like one did to the output of the naturally strong — or sometimes primitively trained — in ancient Greece. What is here is remarkable, but these are merely natural mental athletes of a new-dawned antiquity. Understand that you might be able to outwork them, or have more flexibility mentally — and that is without even addressing the things that are closer to modern sports in this analogy; those things that demand both technique and physicality in large measures.

Foreword by Daniel Hilton

“The Challenges and Rewards of High Intelligence”

It is a pleasure to reflect upon this volume of the collected interviews that Scott Jacobsen has undertaken with such a wide variety of members of the high intelligence community. Individuals with high intelligence often navigate a landscape fraught with social and emotional complexities, where the struggle for acceptance can be daunting. Many find themselves at odds with peers who may not share their cognitive pace or depth of understanding. The importance of cultivating good peer relationships during formative years cannot be overstated; a supportive group can significantly mitigate feelings of loneliness. However, the reality remains that very high intelligence can lead to overthinking and a sense of alienation. The ability to grasp concepts quickly can create barriers in communication and connection with others, especially when one can see numerous possibilities and judge someone’s intentions more clearly and rapidly than they can.

Societal perceptions of intelligence oscillate between admiration and envy. The extreme reactions that geniuses have historically faced, ranging from reverence to vilification, underscore this duality. Many high-IQ individuals may retreat into obscurity, feeling more comfortable in self-imposed exile than in the spotlight of societal expectations. After all, who wouldn’t prefer a cosy corner with a good book over the pressure of public scrutiny? The fear of judgment or misunderstanding can stifle their potential and hinder authentic relationships. Personal and professional relationships present a fascinating challenge for those with high intelligence, as these connections rely deeply on aspects of the human condition beyond, or aside from, those that lead to high-IQ. They often find themselves misunderstood and viewed as aloof due to their tendency to process information rapidly, making connections that may not be immediately apparent to others. This can lead to frustration and a sense of disconnection, as they struggle to find individuals who can truly engage with them on an intellectual level.

Despite some challenges, the rewards of high intelligence are significant, and mastering one’s cognitive abilities can lead to profound personal growth and self-discovery. Engaging with challenging problems fosters a sense of accomplishment and clarity, allowing individuals to harness their cognitive gifts for both personal and communal benefit. However, this journey is not without its complexities. Each of us carries the traumas and travails of our lives that shape us, making the path to mastery one that requires conscious effort. Just as many people are keen to sculpt their bodies in the gym, we must take similar steps to fortify our minds from within. Those who navigate their high intelligence with emotional stability and a supportive environment often find their gifts to be transformative and advantageous. High-IQ can be likened to high-octane fuel, capable of propelling one forward at an incredible rate, but it requires careful handling to avoid potentially serious consequences. When balanced with emotional resilience and a nurturing community, high intelligence can be a profound blessing, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to society and inspire others. Those with high intelligence who embrace their gifts and channel them into meaningful pursuits often find immense fulfilment in their lives, whether tackling complex problems in their field or engaging in thought-provoking discussions with likeminded individuals.

This collection of interviews serves as a testament to the diverse experiences within the high range intelligence community. It highlights the intricate dance between the trials of acceptance and the burden of overthinking, against the backdrop of the profound rewards that come from understanding and mastering one’s mind. As we delve into these narratives, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of intelligence and the unique journeys of those who embody it. Through these interviews, we are reminded that extreme intelligence, while fraught with challenges and significant risks, can ultimately lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence when comfortably harnessed. The path of the highly intelligent is not an easy one, but rather a necessary one for those ‘blessed’ with it. By cultivating emotional intelligence, building supportive relationships, and channeling their gifts into positive change, those with high-IQ can transcend the limitations imposed by societal expectations and find true fulfilment in the mastery of their own minds. High-IQ is a high-risk, high-reward gift, one that, when nurtured and understood, can illuminate the path to a life of purpose and impact, provided we don’t trip over our own ‘brilliance’ along the way.

High intelligence is prevalent in all age groups, underscoring that intelligence is not solely defined by how much one knows. A brilliant four-year-old may seem a simple proposition to the average adult, but it is their ability to synthesise ideas, comprehend concepts upon first exposure, and move on to the next discovery that truly defines their intelligence. There’s no reason for this to end when a person reaches the end of their formal education; the synthesis of intelligence and wisdom is the work of a lifetime; indeed, it is the very meaning of life for many, including myself.

Daniel Hilton

16/09/2024

Foreword by Paul Cooijmans

What strikes me in the present volume is the diversity in terms of intelligence, qualifying tests, personality, political orientation, age, educational and professional background, ethnicity, and, most of all, ethicality. In fact, the only dimension that lacks diversity is that of sex; the conspicu ous dearth of females in the high range of mental ability has been observed before, but it is im perative to keep emphasizing that when one selects for high intelligence by consistent standards, one obtains diversity in almost all aspects of human variation, including the racial one, but the sex difference in the spread of intelligence persists, is apparently so fundamental that it can not be hidden. One should notice the contrast between this under-representation of females in high I.Q. circles on the one hand, and the situation in the real world on the other hand: here in the Netherlands (and other Western countries too, I believe) more women than men are following higher education these days, and the general impression is that universities have become femi nized. Assuming that higher education requires higher intelligence, this constitutes a paradox, and I invite the reader to try to think of its explanation.

Another positive surprise in this series is the freedom of expression enjoyed by the interviewed; topics and viewpoints are treated that one will not frequently encounter in mainstream media and academia, and opposing sides of controversial matters are represented. This is refreshing to see in a world of censorship where extremist political doctrines are presented as established science, while moderate, sensible voices are suppressed and empirical facts dismissed as conspiracy theo ries. A consequence of this freedom is that individuals with despicable opinions, as well as those who have behaved in ways that are harmful to high-range psychometrics, are given the chance to rationalize their deeds and make themselves look moral. It is a task of the consumer of these pub lications to recognize and see past such whitewashing.

Considering the total number and length of the interviews that lie before, this foreword will be kept mercifully short. As the collection of dialogues hereafter is all-male, I can think of no better way to end than with a toast to testosterone!

Foreword by Dr. Sandra Schlick

In-Sight Publishing spotlights some smart people’s views and life where I had the chance to contribute on several occasions. In the form of interview, we were encouraged to share our thinking, ideas, ideals, and perspectives. I always enjoyed writing freely what I con sider to be impacting without the restriction of form, style, or limit. As a member of some high-IQ communities, I experience especially the interviews with Scott as a huge oppor tunity of free speech. While we do have discussion fora in the high-IQ societies, you get direct answers, while here you can follow your own thread of thought.

As a high-IQ society member and as I follow my own path in life, I constantly encountered to be a minority, be it due to IQ, being a female, going into male professions as I originally did when studying machine construct engineering, or by later following a work-life-study balance. This means that after my first study I kept working and studying in parallel. The community of work-life-study balanced people is growing but it is not an organized com munity, it appears whenever you are looking for people studying part-time. It is a huge ad vantage that theses study modes have become increasingly interesting and differentiated during the last 10–15 years. And the community is growing allowing people to study their whole lives. Studying means to make mistakes and to try out new things that you would probably not do by yourself. It means to help developing the own personality and fulfilling study goals. In this sense, it is natural that the work-life-study balance allows people to de velop not just the knowledge of something they learn in university, but along with devel oping the professional skills. Considering studies of the brain it has been shown the musi cians have a very active brain while playing an instrument. Why should that not be true in a similar way for people that use several parts of their brains on a regular basis? I am con vinced that this is the case. I already mentioned that working while on study means to use different parts of the brain, but along with that, many of the community have families, children, and an active private life, thus, a third part of the brain that is regularly used. I see the testimonial of that in some of my PhD or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidates before handing in. They then complain to miss their private life, they complain to reject offers of promotion in their work life, while upon having handed in they contact me upon missing their study life to go on working together, publishing or just talk ing about new projects. Upon observing them and my own way, I would say that this is an extreme brain training that leads to a huge capacity in them.

I found that clear targets, support in providing structure and tasks, and a good planning are important for them to be successful in balancing work, study, and life.

This group of people comes out with a brain that is very well trained and potent to under stand complex problems. I am not doing predictions but if that community keeps growing, I expect that the share of high-IQ people in society could grow quite nicely. These individ uals come from the whole range of professions, from top executives following the DBA route to PhD candidates that are often encountered among lecturers and docents. Their age ranges from early 20s to 60s. We had one candidate successfully defending his DBA who was going towards 80. Their topics range from psychology, motivation and leadership, over strategic management, to AI and its impact to society to mention just a few. I look forward that this potential gets more organization, community building, fora to share ideas. I am not sure, if the classical model of doing a full time PhD and then turn to university career is still reflecting what goes on in society. I see the advancement in Universities of Applied Sciences, where the part time Alumnus start to play a major role, whereas the classical Universities keep ignoring them.

I am convinced that over the longer run, this will undergo huge changes also in Germany Switzerland-Austria, and the work study life balancing students will receive more and more acknowledgement, as is the case in UK universities.

It is a brilliant opportunity for me to talk about them in this foreword as I expect so many variations in people to join also the high-IQ societies and speak their own voice.

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