I've never taken a real IQ test, but I just googled "IQ test" and did the one at the first result. I got 142 apparently, but I don't believe it, as I know I am a dunce  I couldn't figure out most of the number-sequence questions and just guessed at the answers to those ones. However I'm interested now, where can I find a real IQ test?

Don't know. Most people I know say I'm very clever, which shows mostly in me being spectacularly unsuccessful. They say it's typical for very intelligent people to underachieve. I don't know. I do get bored easily, but who doesn't. I actually think if I put my mind to things, I could be really clever, but then it also happens I just get sidetracked with something more interesting. I did a few IQ tests (not proper ones I think) a few years ago and had above average, but I don't know... I care about having friends, being empathic, enjoying things. For that, an IQ doesn't matter at all, so I don't waste a thought about it nowadays, not for my own, nor for that of others. I think an EQ as in emotional is more important anyway in this society.

To answer your question, I think it can go both ways, to know your IQ. If people are very selfcritic, it might help them to believe in themselves. But on the other hand, people having a low IQ doesn't mean they cannot achieve just as much. I think it's like what is said in Harry Potter: "It's our choices, not our abilities, that show who we really are." One needs to know how to make use of his/her intelligence, just having it is only half way. I personally wouldn't give too much on it, but if it helps you to feel good, I think there's nothing wrong with it. Personally I'm uncomfortable to make my life choices or my self-image depend on such tests.

 

Last edited by Whisky (April 12, 2015 7:36 pm)

I believe that IQ tests mainly measure how good you are at IQ tests (and I believe there is some correlation between IQ and academic achievement, although I agree that they're not culturally/socially neutral and that there's a lot that they don't measure).   But in my personal experience, the people I know who I think of as really intelligent have all had high IQs when tested.

I was a member of MENSA when I was younger (many years ago!), but I found that it didn't suit me, and that it's kind of disapproved of (if you're a member, avoid telling people!  And definitely don't put it on CVs or job applications!).   However, at the time, I was questioning myself and looking for direction and it was just nice to know I was "officially" good at something!  You already know that you are good at things (i'm pretty useless with languages and I don't think I've ever even done any physics, so your ability is impressive to me!), so you should feel good about being able to add IQ to your list .  And maybe let it give you confidence in your abilities and potential. 

I think psychiatrists probably have an answer to this. What makes some people cope and some don't.