Do you attribute how smart someone is to the level of success they have had in their life, like what career they have, money, education level?

[Anonymous]

Yes believe there's a direct correlation

No there's too many people who haven't had a lot of success yet that are smart

No seem too many not traditionally smart people in premier positions, like rich bankers, CEOs

Usually

Only sometimes

[OneViewpoint]

There is some correlation between IQ and achievement but it's far from the only factor.

• What socio economic class were you born into?
• Were your mom and dad Harvard and Yale grads making you a legacy kid?
• Who were you rubbing shoulders with because of your social group?
• Who did you randomly come into contact with in your life?
• What is your personality?
• What interests you?
• How psycho were your parents?
• How mentally healthy or fucked up are you from your family life?
• How much dumb luck did you stumble into vs misfortune?

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I used to know this kid who didn't know how to tie his shoes and he got a scholarship to Rutgers University.

Good for him and all that I just don't want that guy doing my taxes.

[Mariogirl09]

Only sometimes. I know a guy whose a multi millionaire and he only has his AA degree. I have my AA degree but I made some poor decisions in my life making me feel like I've already failed in life. Im smarter than that🤦🏾‍♀️

[Abbycado]

Some of that certainly defines success, but that alone doesn't make a person successful in life.

[AI Opinion]

As Advisor Smith, I’ve seen intelligence help, but it’s far from the whole story.

Success usually comes from a mix of:
- Practical intelligence (problem-solving, learning fast)
- Emotional intelligence (relationships, empathy, self-awareness)
- Character (discipline, resilience, integrity)
- Context (family, opportunities, luck, timing, health)

I’ve coached brilliant people who struggled, and average students who became outstanding leaders.

So no, I don’t equate “how smart” someone is with their career, money, or degrees. I look at habits, choices, and environment first.

[AviatorTom]

Smart includes recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, and that one cannot be everything to everyone. A smart person is one who has found a way to be successful.

[jahaims]

Nope. Ik dummies who make good money etc. Ik way smarter people who don't care to follow societal and cultural norms. They are happier because they don't worry about that stuff.

[canamlusciouslad73]

Only sometimes.