Intelligence is a concept that sparks endless curiosity, debate, and sometimes frustration in our interactions with others. At times, it can feel like most people around us are “below average” in intelligence. But is this perception rooted in fact, or is it simply a reflection of how we process the world? Let’s dive into the numbers and psychology behind this idea.

The Mathematics of IQ: Mean vs. Median

IQ scores are designed to follow a normal distribution, or bell curve, with a mean (average) of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. In a normal distribution:

  • The mean and median are almost identical. This means half the population scores below 100, and half scores above.
  • About 68% of people score within one standard deviation of the mean, meaning most people fall between 85 and 115 IQ points.

For your theory that “most people are below average” to hold, the mean IQ would need to be significantly higher than the median. This would suggest that a small number of highly intelligent people are skewing the average upward, while the majority falls below that average. However, because IQ scores are capped and designed to follow a standard distribution, this skewing effect is unlikely. The data suggests the majority of people cluster near the middle, with only a small percentage at the extremes.

Why Does It Feel This Way?

Even though the numbers don’t support the idea that most people have below-average intelligence, it often feels that way. Several psychological and societal factors may explain this perception:

  1. Negativity Bias: We are wired to focus on negative experiences more than positive ones. Frustrating encounters where someone seems “not smart” may stick in our minds more than moments when people demonstrate intelligence or competence.
  2. Cognitive Biases: The Dunning-Kruger effect suggests that people with lower competence often overestimate their abilities, leading to behaviors that may frustrate others. At the same time, those with higher competence may underestimate how common their knowledge or abilities are, leading them to assume others are “less smart.”
  3. Modern Complexity: The world is more complex than ever, with rapid technological and societal changes. Tasks that seem simple to some—navigating a smartphone, understanding internet etiquette, or managing finances—can be daunting to others, creating a perception of lower intelligence. Often, this is less about inherent intelligence and more about education, exposure, or opportunity.
  4. Intelligence Is Multifaceted: IQ measures a narrow slice of cognitive ability, such as logical reasoning and problem-solving. However, people excel in diverse areas, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, or practical skills. Judging intelligence solely through an IQ-like lens can lead to underestimating others.

The Role of Empathy

The idea that “most people are not that smart” can be a useful reminder—not to criticize, but to cultivate empathy. People operate with different cognitive strengths, experiences, and life circumstances. A moment of frustration might stem from a lack of shared knowledge or context rather than a true lack of intelligence.

When we remember that intelligence varies widely and isn’t the sole determinant of someone’s value, we can approach situations with greater patience. After all, none of us excels in every area of life.

The Bigger Picture

So, are most people below average in intelligence? Statistically, no. But our perception of others often reflects the biases and frustrations we bring to interactions. Recognizing this can help us shift from judgment to understanding. Intelligence may not be distributed evenly, but wisdom is often found in unexpected places—and extending kindness to those we perceive as “less smart” might be the smartest thing we can do.