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Why our IQ levels are higher than our grandparents' | James Flynn

Cognitive Evolution: From Concrete to Abstract Thinking The cognitive evolution of the 20th century reflects a significant shift in how humans perceive and analyze their world. Moving from concrete thinking focused on immediate benefits, society has developed new mental habits that embrace classification, abstraction, and hypothetical reasoning. This transformation is evidenced by substantial increases in IQ scores across generations; modern individuals score significantly higher than those from a century ago.

Mental Artillery: Tools for Enhanced Cognition A Martian archaeologist's perspective illustrates this change through an analogy with weaponry advancements over time. Just as soldiers' performance improved due to better equipment rather than innate skill, human cognition has evolved with more sophisticated tools for thought—mental artillery—that allow us to classify information effectively and engage with abstract concepts logically.

Educational Transformation: Emphasizing Critical Thinking Education systems have adapted dramatically since 1900, shifting focus towards critical thinking skills necessary for scientific inquiry. The increase in formal education levels correlates directly with our ability to tackle complex problems using logic and hypothesis formulation—a stark contrast compared to earlier educational practices centered around rote memorization of facts like state capitals.

Workforce Evolution: Rising Cognitive Demands Employment landscapes have also changed drastically; today’s workforce demands greater cognitive flexibility across various professions compared to just three percent engaged in cognitively demanding roles a century ago. Professions now require advanced problem-solving abilities where tasks are increasingly intricate—doctors must navigate extensive medical knowledge while bankers deal with complex financial instruments requiring analytical prowess beyond what was needed previously.