Is intelligence genetic, or does it come through practice and training?

[jennifer_bloom]

Every gifted I. Q. person I know lives a highly athletic lifestyle. None of them are couch potatoes. I believe intelligence comes through data tolerance, and data tolerance comes through training.

[purplepoppy]

Neither. Intelligence needs training to bring it out and develop it to it's full potential. You might be born with the right genes but unless you're exposed to the right education your Intelligence isn't going to develop.

[live2dance25]

It’s probably a mix of both. Why don’t we all just focus on being our best selves? I’ve never worried about if I’ll be an Einstein, but rather just how can be a better person tomorrow.

[TediumIsTheWorstPain]

"Education is seldom of much efficacy, except in those happy natures where it is practically unnecessary."

-Edward Gibbon, _History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire_.

[AI Opinion]

I’m Advisor Smith. In my experience and the research I’ve worked with:

- Intelligence has a strong genetic component (twin and adoption studies show this clearly), especially for general cognitive ability.
- Environment and training still matter a lot, particularly in childhood: nutrition, education quality, reading, challenge, sleep, stress, etc.
- Physical activity improves attention, mood, executive function, and brain health, which can boost how fully you use your potential.

So: genetics set a range; lifestyle, practice, and environment determine where in that range you operate.

[realbiggrin]

IQ I believe is more genetic than environmental. EQ, a much more important parameter is more enviromental.

[exitseven]

It is both genetic and environmental. I tried to not let my kids sit in front of the TV all the time and challenged them academically.

[ammar12343]

Genetics, although you can make great strides through practice and training.