I posted the below in reply to a random comment in the main TRP forum. I think it fits well here:
On the TRP sidebar, there's a great documentary series titled "Gender Studies is Nonsense" (under Getting Started section). The host travels the world, interviewing scientists and examining their methods.
Part 1: The Gender Equality Paradox absolutely and completely destroys gender studies. Rips them to shreds. It is brilliant, amusing, entertaining, and the reason the series is sidebarred. Required viewing for all TRP subscribers!
Part 2: The Parental Effect is equally fascinating, and is directly relevant to this discussion. It looks at the effect of parenting vs environment. I suggest everyone watch it, but in a nutshell: intelligence is hereditary. You can't develop intelligence.
- Smart couple adopts a dumb couple's newborn? Dumb child.
- Dumb couple adopts a smart couple's newborn? Smart child.
No matter how hard you try, you can't beat biology.
Now, later (and more important) life factors -- such as personality, happiness, drive, etc -- are not based solely on intelligence or genetics. Those are environmentally and socially influenced. But, again, science shows that "good parenting" isn't directly responsible. The primary factor is the quality of the child's peer groups. A kid's friends are far more influential than their parents!
Want smart and successful kids?
- Be born intelligent.
- Breed with someone intelligent.
- Find a good neighborhood/school where your kids have top quality peers.
Everything else is outside your control.
The unwritten rule, of course, is to have enough money to afford such a lifestyle. I refer you to the post from earlier this week: The American Dream Is Every Man’s Nightmare.
[–]RedPope[S] 6 points7 points8 points (1 child) | Copy Link
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