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King Ebenezer


Registered: 09/11/10
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Smart People Do More Drugs 5
#13422789 - 11/02/10 10:56 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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BREAKING RANKS Smart People Do More Drugs--Because of Evolution By HEATHER HORN | November 01, 2010 12:23pm
Evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa has this theory, which he calls the Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis. Here's how it goes: intelligence evolved as a way to deal with "evolutionary novelties"--to help humans respond to things in their environment to which they were, as a species, unaccustomed. Thus, smart people are more likely to deal with new things and try them. Those new things seem to include drugs.
Why? Because, as Kanazawa explains, while "the use of opium dates back to about 5,000 years ago ... Other psychoactive drugs are 'chemical' (pharmacological); they require modern chemistry to manufacture." Psychoactive drugs, therefore, are evolutionarily pretty new to humans. Which means that smart people, according to the theory, will be more likely to take psychoactive drugs. That's true even if the drugs are bad for them: "[the Hypothesis] does not predict that more intelligent individuals are more likely to engage in healthy and beneficial behavior, only that they are more likely to engage in evolutionarily novel behavior."
Kanazawa even finds a study with support: Consistent with the prediction of the Hypothesis, the analysis of the National Child Development Study shows that more intelligent children in the United Kingdom are more likely to grow up to consume psychoactive drugs than less intelligent children. ... "Very bright" individuals (with IQs above 125) are roughly three-tenths of a standard deviation more likely to consume psychoactive drugs than "very dull" individuals (with IQs below 75). If that pattern holds across societies, then it runs directly counter to a lot of our preconceived notions about both intelligence and drug use: People--scientists and civilians alike--often associate intelligence with positive life outcomes. The fact that more intelligent individuals are more likely to consume alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive drugs tampers this universally positive view of intelligence and intelligent individuals. Intelligent people don't always do the right thing, only the evolutionarily novel thing.
Why Intelligent People Use More Drugs Intelligent people don’t always do the right thing Published on October 31, 2010 The human consumption of psychoactive drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, is of even more recent historical origin than the human consumption of alcohol or tobacco, so the Hypothesis would predict that more intelligent people use more drugs more frequently than less intelligent individuals. The use of opium dates back to about 5,000 years ago, and the earliest reference to the pharmacological use of cannabis is in a book written in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Opium and cannabis are the only “natural” (agricultural) psychoactive drugs. Other psychoactive drugs are “chemical” (pharmacological); they require modern chemistry to manufacture, and are therefore of much more recent origin. Morphine was isolated from opium in 1806, cocaine was first manufactured in 1860, and heroin was discovered in 1874.

Given their extremely recent origin and thus evolutionary novelty, the Hypothesis would predict that more intelligent individuals are more likely to consume all types of psychoactive drugs than less intelligent individuals. Once again, as with alcohol consumption, the fact that the consumption of psychoactive drugs has largely negative health consequences and few (if any) benefits of any kind is immaterial to the Hypothesis. It does not predict that more intelligent individuals are more likely to engage in healthy and beneficial behavior, only that they are more likely to engage in evolutionarily novel behavior. As I point out in an earlier post, more intelligent people are often more likely to do stupid things.
Consistent with the prediction of the Hypothesis, the analysis of the National Child Development Study shows that more intelligent children in the United Kingdom are more likely to grow up to consume psychoactive drugs than less intelligent children. Net of sex, religion, religiosity, marital status, number of children, education, earnings, depression, satisfaction with life, social class at birth, mother’s education, and father’s education, British children who are more intelligent before the age of 16 are more likely to consume psychoactive drugs at age 42 than less intelligent children.
 The following graph shows the association between childhood general intelligence and the latent factor for the consumption of psychoactive drugs, constructed from indicators for the consumption of 13 different types of psychoactive drugs (cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, LSD, amyl nitrate, magic mushrooms, cocaine, temazepan, semeron, ketamine, crack, heroin, and methadone). As you can see, there is a clear monotonic association between childhood general intelligence and adult consumption of psychoactive drugs. “Very bright” individuals (with IQs above 125) are roughly three-tenths of a standard deviation more likely to consume psychoactive drugs than “very dull” individuals (with IQs below 75).
The following graph shows a similar association between childhood intelligence and the latent factor for the consumption of psychoactive drugs among Americans. The data come from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The childhood intelligence is measured in junior high and high school, and the adult drug consumption is measured seven years later, and constructed from indicators for the consumption of 5 different types of psychoactive drugs (marijuana, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth, and heroin). The association is not monotonic, but nevertheless, “normal” (90 < IQ < 110), “bright” (110 < IQ < 125), and “very bright” individuals consume more psychoactive substances than “very dull” or “dull” (75 < IQ < 90) individuals. Once the social and demographic variables are controlled, however, the positive association between childhood intelligence and adult drug consumption is not statistically significant in the American Add Health sample.

People – scientists and civilians alike – often associate intelligence with positive life outcomes. The fact that more intelligent individuals are more likely to consume alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive drugs tampers this universally positive view of intelligence and intelligent individuals. Intelligent people don’t always do the right thing, only the evolutionarily novel thing.
Articles: Psychology Today The Atlantic Wire
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Edited by King Ebenezer (11/02/10 10:59 AM)
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I AM SWIM
doin' thangs



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skatealex2
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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: I AM SWIM]
#13422869 - 11/02/10 11:16 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Kevin_X2
Clyde Frog



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: I AM SWIM]
#13422875 - 11/02/10 11:18 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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I've had this assumption since high school. Some very smart people are drawn to drugs, and still do well despite it.
However, that doesnt mean there arent a good amount of extremely stupid people who are drawn to drugs
-------------------- "the path to knighthood is paved with strength and nobility, not LSD and sideburns"
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moi
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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: Kevin_X2]
#13422917 - 11/02/10 11:28 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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maybe smarter people tend to be more depressive and thus use drugs to feel better. sounds more realistic to me than the article's explanation.
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skatealex2
////////////////



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: moi]
#13423002 - 11/02/10 11:45 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
moi said: maybe smarter people tend to be more depressive and thus use drugs to feel better. sounds more realistic to me than the article's explanation.
makes sense man
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twiztidthoughts
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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: skatealex2]
#13423212 - 11/02/10 12:23 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
skatealex2 said:
Quote:
moi said: maybe smarter people tend to be more depressive and thus use drugs to feel better. sounds more realistic to me than the article's explanation.
makes sense man 
Maybe to a degree.But to me it seems like more intelligent people understand the drugs better, and know how to better differentiate between the bullshit propaganda and the real facts about said drugs.
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dragonhat
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Quote:
twiztidthoughts said:
Quote:
skatealex2 said:
Quote:
moi said: maybe smarter people tend to be more depressive and thus use drugs to feel better. sounds more realistic to me than the article's explanation.
makes sense man 
Maybe to a degree.But to me it seems like more intelligent people understand the drugs better, and know how to better differentiate between the bullshit propaganda and the real facts about said drugs.
I think it's a combination of both.
I'm a high IQ individual and I was drawn to marijuana and mushrooms and the like because, since that first puff of a joint, I was amazed that another living thing could somehow alter my perception of reality.
On the other hand, I have a long history of opiate use which I attribute to my long standing major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
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Primal Glitch
literally just vibing



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we're smart!
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make the changa you wish to see in the world gnome sayin'?
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whitelight7
Sr.



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yeah, but Bush used drugs and...
-------------------- Staunch supporter of spontaneous generation
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Primal Glitch
literally just vibing



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: whitelight7]
#13423424 - 11/02/10 01:03 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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there are many kinds of intelligence
maybe he is smart in some way

PS: I was being ironic before btw
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make the changa you wish to see in the world gnome sayin'?
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German Kahuna
Facepalmer of Stoopid


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Well, I for one am a superhuman genius, so this hypothesis is definitely true.
-------------------- "Vegetarian" [ /ˌvedʒəˈteəriən/] - Ancient slang meaning "village idiot who can't hunt, fish or ride".
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inlakesh1
King


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Quote:
German Kahuna said: Well, I for one am a superhuman genius, so this hypothesis is definitely true.
ditto
-------------------- I feel life is desperate for a new vacation, or maybe some high powered vaccines and medications. Pharmaceuticals rule the nation, that's why I'm sitting here like a shriveled up piece of delectable bacon. What's next guys? And how do I make my hunger go away and stop craving. Just a fork full of flesh skin helps every one awaken. Now quit crying at the clouds like you're proud of your'e making, try and sit down and be happily endlessly soaking in a blow up Jacuzzi with a hot ass naked version of Lord Satan. (But don't allow any Faith in.)
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BirdsIView
Mr. Helms

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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: inlakesh1] 1
#13423646 - 11/02/10 01:48 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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I've always felt this way. I've naturally had the curiosity to learn about the things around me as well as myself, and psychedelics are one of the best tools for that. Not to be egotistical but that search for knowledge makes me feel smarter than some of my friends who fail to see the purpose of these substances. Also, a lot of them choose to live in ignorance when I present them with evidence of how beneficial they can be. What intelligent person would reject information and prefer to stay ignorant to a subject?
It's funny how their fear for preserving their already dull brains often is their reason for not using the substances that can illuminate them. Ironic.
Edited by BirdsIView (11/02/10 01:54 PM)
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bbl337
genetic material is Ar based



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: BirdsIView]
#13423732 - 11/02/10 02:04 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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i think theres some truth to this, but in my own experience stupid people can also do drugs although their choice of drugs and how they go about them varies and typically only lasts through their youths instead of continuing to do them in moderation as adults
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Shoofles
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-------------------- Kill corporation forces for a bonus score!
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dokunai
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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: Shoofles]
#13423987 - 11/02/10 02:55 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
The use of opium dates back to about 5,000 years ago, and the earliest reference to the pharmacological use of cannabis is in a book written in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Opium and cannabis are the only “natural” (agricultural) psychoactive drugs.
So I guess they've never heard of coca, shrooms, peyote, various trichocereus cacti, b. caapi, syrian rue, m. hostilis, n. rustica, belladonna, ok I'll stop now but seriously how many thousands more are there? How did that get printed?
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grimR
hippiousmaximous



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: dokunai]
#13424017 - 11/02/10 03:01 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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we're just smart enough to know what feels good
-------------------- - grimR -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- http://egolost.com "I am already given to the power that rules my fate. And I cling to nothing, so I will have nothing to defend. I have no thoughts, so I will see. I fear nothing, so I will remember myself." - Don Juan teachings
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littleton
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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: grimR]
#13424200 - 11/02/10 03:47 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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I believe in this too I've always had my theories like this and that smarter people like to do drugs because they're so fascinated about how drugs make them change personality and make them think differently on life, but this article definitely does not mean there's not dumb asses who do drugs.
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Apostle
Philanthropist



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: dokunai]
#13424262 - 11/02/10 04:00 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
dokunai said:
Quote:
The use of opium dates back to about 5,000 years ago, and the earliest reference to the pharmacological use of cannabis is in a book written in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. Opium and cannabis are the only “natural” (agricultural) psychoactive drugs.
So I guess they've never heard of coca, shrooms, peyote, various trichocereus cacti, b. caapi, syrian rue, m. hostilis, n. rustica, belladonna, ok I'll stop now but seriously how many thousands more are there? How did that get printed?
THIS
also i dos dr00gz so i mus b smart two
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toolcat
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just hadda say...dokunai...that's what I said.
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emeraldlife88
Emerald


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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: toolcat]
#13424963 - 11/02/10 06:00 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Haha, I love this article
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user1837483975


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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: I AM SWIM]
#13427289 - 11/03/10 03:50 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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See that's the thing - I have always maintained that taking drugs which you know may be harmful is NOT "stupid" as some people say. Risk taking isn't something that automatically pegs you as lower in intelligence - especially when you factor in the reward and the low probability that harm will actually occur. I don't pretend to be above average intelligence but I just thought I would throw in my two bob.
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Society
Mmmm... pizza



Registered: 07/03/04
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Approach article with caution.
-------------------- Delicious Pizza
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I AM SWIM
doin' thangs



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: Society]
#13429325 - 11/03/10 02:50 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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smart ppl know when to just drop everythang and just
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jackdaniels
come here young man



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: I AM SWIM]
#13443959 - 11/06/10 03:27 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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majority of LSD and other psychedelic users are young and educated.
i'm glad that the media overall doesn't recognize so many psychoactives and focuses so much on marijuana, LSD, ecstacy, coke, heroine, etc that way most innocent ppl don't think im doing anything wrong if i have dried mushrooms in my house
-------------------- LSD FTW
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grimR
hippiousmaximous



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: I AM SWIM]
#13444759 - 11/06/10 06:12 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
I AM SWIM said: smart ppl know when to just drop everythang and just 
if only society were so smart
-------------------- - grimR -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- http://egolost.com "I am already given to the power that rules my fate. And I cling to nothing, so I will have nothing to defend. I have no thoughts, so I will see. I fear nothing, so I will remember myself." - Don Juan teachings
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Society
Mmmm... pizza



Registered: 07/03/04
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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: grimR]
#13446437 - 11/07/10 01:05 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
grimR said:
Quote:
I AM SWIM said: smart ppl know when to just drop everythang and just 
if only society were so smart
I am.
-------------------- Delicious Pizza
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Dr.Myco87
Im a "Reader"


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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: Society]
#13455463 - 11/08/10 07:06 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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ROFL, Society! Always heard LSD use was highest among young, educated, white, males. Aged between 18 and 24, just made that one, got another year till I don't fit that description. I.Q. is 146. Tested. Just have never understood my want/need for opiates. They are the only thing that makes me feel normal, to this day even, sucks I have to say. But I do have to say that it was a combination of weighing the pros and cons of the use of a particular substance before using it, and the fact that my emotional state has always been much more varied and much more toned up, as in just having more emotion than other people. Sad things are sadder and happy things are better. IDK, I just know it is good for some things and it really kinda sucks for others... I would just rather be ignorant and retarded sometimes.
-------------------- "I don’t do drugs. I am drugs." -Salvador Dali "I’ve never had a problem with drugs. I’ve had problems with the police." -Keith Richards "Reality is a crutch for people who can’t cope with drugs." -Lily Tomlin
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jackdaniels
come here young man



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Re: Smart People Do More Drugs [Re: Dr.Myco87]
#13455535 - 11/08/10 07:22 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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imma go smoke a doobie to celebrate that i'm smart.
-------------------- LSD FTW
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