Crystallized vs Fluid Intelligence
In his book From Strength to Strength, Arthur Brooks cited research by Raymond Cattell, a British Psychologist, who identified two types of intelligence in his book entitled Abilities: Their Structure, Growth, and Action.
The first is fluid intelligence, which Cattell defined as the ability to reason, think flexibly, and solve novel problems. It is what we commonly think of as raw smarts, and researchers find that it is associated with both reading and mathematical ability. Cattell, who specialized in intelligence testing, observed that it was highest relatively early in adulthood and diminished rapidly starting in one’s thirties and forties.
The second is crystallized intelligence. This is defined as the ability to use a stock of knowledge learned in the past. Let’s use the metaphor of a vast library. Instead of regretting how slow the librarian is, marvel at the size of the book collection your librarian is wandering around in and the fact that he knows where to find a book, even if it takes him a while. Crystallized intelligence, relying as it does on a stock of knowledge, tends to increase with age and does not diminish until quite late in life. Crystallized intelligence enables us to see patterns and connect the dots.
Maybe George Lucas created Yoda as an old man because he knew wisdom is more important than bravado and bluster in leading a country.
We have two candidates for the presidency this year, both virtually the same age: 77 and 80. Polls show that 59% of the voters think both are too old to be president. Barring a catastrophe, that’s our choice, and the future of our country depends on the choice we make, whether we like it or not.
Both candidates have shown signs of what many people view as cognitive decline. Both have made gaffes and confused people and countries in their speeches. I am sympathetic to that because I walk into a room several times daily and forget why I went there. I’ve also spoken to large groups most of my life, and I understand the pressure, although I’ve never experienced the pressure that a president must feel facing a pack of hungry reporters.
Maybe we should start paying more attention to evaluating the crystallized intelligence of each candidate instead of being impressed that one can identify drawings of animals.
Which one has the largest library of experience to draw from? Compare them on integrity, accomplishment, and character. “Senior moments” are not important here.
I invite your comments on this topic. I’m open to intelligent, respectful, and thoughtful discussion.