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Comment by namenotrequired | Hacker News Reader

> there is greater genetic variation within races than between them

This is true, which is why we can only say something useful about averages between populations, but not extrapolate to particular individuals.

> there has been no discovered correlation between certain genetic traits and success

This is very false. IQ is largely genetic, and the biggest predictor of life success of any kind, especially in relatively well developed societies.

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Have any evidence that IQ is "the biggest predictor of life success of any kind, especially in relatively well developed societies"?

‘Biggest predictor’ sounds like hyperbole. Though, if true, it would be useful to know. Money could then be directed to research and policy that helps increase IQ.

> Though, if true, it would be useful to know. Money could then be directed to research and policy that helps increase IQ.

If I ever get really rich, that is what I plan to do. But the Flynn Effect has started to slow down or stop in many countries, indicating that we've plucked all the low-hanging fruits and we're running out of obvious ways to do that.

We'll probably fall down slightly in terms of average IQs in the population before IVF and genetic selection allows us redress the problem. Don't mention the E word (eugenics) though - germinal choice is a better euphemism.

Hmm, IQ is highly affected by environment though.

IQ also correlates with future-orientation, which is basically self-control and anti-criminal behaviour. Being more or less likely to commit a crime is a huge success predictor.

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