This is a theory I've had for quite some time but I don't believe I've ever really expressed it. There are really two components to this: the Dunning-Kruger Effect and contempt of intelligence. They're a bit linked but let me explain.
Dunning-Kruger effect doesn't just apply to intelligence but this is where it's most frequently talked about. It essentially shows that the more intelligent a person is, the more likely they are to question their own intelligence. The stupider a person is, the more inclined they are to overestimate their own intelligence. This is why generally stupid people have such strong opinions and are convinced of their correctness.
Contempt of intelligence isn't contempt of intelligence in general, rather, it's contempt of intelligence exceeding one's own intelligence or perceived as threatening. We frequently see this in arguments in which one party resorts to grammar corrections, name-calling or focusing on something other than the point. If someone reading this felt intimidated by my ideas, they might attack the notion of IQ while ignoring the larger concept I'm presenting.
Classroom Scenario Let's start with an easy to digest scenario: There is a class where students are learning algebra. There are four students we'll look at. IQ 85, IQ 100, IQ 115 and IQ 140. As the teacher presents to the class a problem, IQ 85 looks confused and guesses an answer. IQ 100 tries but trips up and gets an incorrect answer although he can show his logic. IQ 115 proudly jumps in with the correct answer. IQ 100 can follow IQ 115's logic and now understands the problem. IQ 100 recognizes that IQ 115 is smarter and should be turned to for advise. IQ 85 cannot follow the logic of IQ 115, says some comment about math being stupid anyway and continues to believe he's the smartest in the class.
Now, IQ 140 is playing around with some numbers and tells the teacher that he found a simpler formula. The teacher, shocked, realizes that he did indeed develop a more concise and easier to use formula than what the book showed. The teacher tests it on the board but everyone in the class has trouble following. Not only does IQ 115 not follow the logic but he snarkily dismisses IQ 140 as a weirdo and says they should stick to the book. He does this because IQ 115's identity is wrapped around his superior intelligence. When met with someone of a far greater intelligence, he feels insecure and wishes to attack them. And so, IQ 140 is wholly dismissed.
Real Life Now, these effects aren't just limited to a classroom. The average IQ in the US is right around 100. They can typically somewhat grasp the concepts and ideas that we'd find in people with IQ's up to 120ish. Now, remember what was shown about IQ 115. Because he is smarter than most, his identity is wrapped around his intelligence. He will be extremely prone to contempt of intelligence because it threatens his identity. So, the average IQ group can recognize the intelligence of others up to around 120. 120 can recognize intelligence up to around 140.
Now imagine, there is some scientific debate broadcast to the public. The 100's believe the 120's but think that any higher are talking nonsense. The 120's, then must be responsible for acting as guides between the 100's and the 140's. Because of contempt of intelligence, the 120's may altogether dismiss the 140's. Above the 140's, the knowledge may be so far removed that even the 120's who are viewed as smart by the 100's are lost and thus their brilliant input falls on deaf ears.
The Takeaway The most intelligent individuals in society will consistently be dismissed for a variety of factors. Those with IQ's in the 130's, 140's and even higher (what I anticipate many in this group have) will be so far out of the realm of logic for the general population that they practically need an interpreter. Because those interpreters are so caught up in their "I'm so smart" identities, they're reluctant to help or accept the extremely intelligent. This can also occur in academia where those genuinely correct and reaching concepts that the typical IQ 120 folks cannot grasp, will often be blacklisted, mocked or ignored. This creates a system in which the moderately intelligent are mostly the pinnacle of what we can accept and follow.
Tl;dr Smart people underestimate their own intelligence while stupid people overestimate theirs. The barely standard above average folks have identities wrapped in their own intelligence and are extremely contemptuous of those smarter than them. The ideas put forth by the extraordinarily intelligent will be dismissed by most and mocked/attacked by the above average people. We are therefore doomed to be limited by these structures. Those who truly can save the world are generally dismissed.
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