"The Intelligence of Nations": Smart but not Wise—A Comment on Hunt (2012). (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sternberg, Robert J.
• Is Part Of: Perspectives on psychological science. Volume 8:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: cognitive skills -- intelligence -- creativity; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1177/1745691612443829
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-6916

Abstract

I argue in this comment that Hunt's analysis of the intelligence of nations is smarter than it is wise. It is based on too narrow a conception of intelligence. It also conflates correlation and causation with regard to the relation between IQ and socially defined success, both individual and familial. I suggest that a better approach might be to compare nations as well for their creativity and wisdom.