The enduring debate over whether our intellectual capabilities are predetermined at birth or shaped by the environment has befuddled scholars in the field of psychology for generations without achieving a definitive consensus concerning the nature or roots of intelligence. T. Alexander Puutio, who holds a doctorate and teaches about maximizing organizational efficiency at Harvard, offers a thought-provoking angle on this debate, suggesting the debate’s true relevance lies not in the genesis of intelligence but rather in the concept of “effective IQ,” or the manner in which intelligence is harnessed and applied on a day-to-day basis.
Puutio proposes that the plasticity of intelligence, heavily shaped by one’s habits, is a paramount consideration. He argues, “The origin of intelligence is less significant compared to the application of the intelligence we possess.”
Influential Habits on Cognitive Function
Our everyday choices and the surroundings in which we function are critical in either bolstering or undermining our cognitive performance. Engaging in detrimental habits like not getting enough sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and being in distracting environments can lead to a significant decrease in effective IQ.
In contrast, adopting habits supported by scientific research can have a profound influence on enhancing mental acuity. Strategically mixing different subjects while studying, choosing reading over simply listening to retain information more effectively, and implementing memory strategies like grouping information into chunks and using techniques such as the Memory Palace are all shown to increase cognitive functions. Additionally, there is a clear connection between physical activity and sharper cognitive processes, with studies demonstrating that regular physical exercise can promote better executive functions and decrease the risk of developing dementia.
Puutio underscores the importance of a stimulating and inquisitive lifestyle, suggesting that “It’s the individuals who remain intellectually engaged and curious in their later years, as opposed to those who consume passively, who maintain their mental acuity.”
Autonomy in Harnessing Intelligence
The central theme of Puutio’s perspective is that despite the inability to change genetic makeup, every individual has the potential to refine and optimize their intellectual use. He advocates for cultivating mental-stimulating habits and warns against the overemphasis on IQ scores or the surrounding academic constructs.
Puutio’s concluding message is one of empowerment: “The reality regarding IQ is that we wield considerably greater influence over its actual implementation in our everyday lives than many people usually believe possible.” His insights issue a rallying cry for people to exercise more conscious direction in their intellectual growth through intentional, daily practices aimed at bettering mental functions.
