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IMO IQ is the malleability of animal pattern recognition, which allows for human intelligence dissociated from pure animal instinct (sex, aggression, status). The cognition which would otherwise be dedicated to learning what is sexually attractive and dominant can instead be allocated toward abstract, socially-mediated goals. This explains why high IQ is associated with higher rates of virginity and delayed age of first sexual experience (the instinct is less powerful; otherwise, the high intelligence would lead to earlier and easier sexual experiences). It also explains why having a high IQ doesn’t appear to be related to skill in music composition, as an element of animal instinct is essential. And it explains the popular notion that there is something socially “strange” about very smart people.
Do you think that music is distinct from other forms of art in this regard (painting, literature, etc)?
I think that great artists tend to be above average in IQ, at least.
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What's your source here? I've certainly read that musical ability is positively correlated with IQ, but it seems that maybe there's something you know about music composition specifically?
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