Intelligence and Happiness

[Malachii]

Is there a correlation between a person's level of intelligence and their general level of happiness? If so, does greater intelligence always lead to greater happiness, or is there a point at which being so far above average intelligence actually subtracts from your probable level of happiness?

[Darryl_P]

IMO the happiest segment of the population is that whose IQ is between about 80 and 95. The reason is that socialist western society is structured to help them out, providing all sorts of free services they could never afford or organize on their own. Also the stuff bombarded at them in the media is right at the most interesting IQ level -- 15-20 points above their own.

[einbert]

I used to really believe "ignorance is bliss", and the inverse as well.

However recently in my life I have come to think that intelligence can increase happiness in various ways. For example, more intelligent people have a better idea of what they want from different things in life. More intelligent people tend to understand what they want from a career, a spouse, a community, etc. and because they understand their own desires they are able to more easily accomodate those.

More intelligent people also tend to get themselves into less situations that are dreadful and extremely difficult to escape from, and when they do get into those situations they are more likely to draw out.

Intelligent people spend more time thinking about their own desires, their thoughts about themselves, others, and society. They are more likely to come to grips with things they don't like about themselves, or fears/anxiety that allows them to be unable to live happy, content lives from day to day.

I would say the jury is still out, but my money says that intelligent people are going to on average be happier throughout their lives (although they will possibly experience more depression than less intelligent people) on average.

[noggindoc]

[ QUOTE ]
Is there a correlation between a person's level of intelligence and their general level of happiness? ?

[/ QUOTE ]
No