http://www.princeton.edu/~rpds/downloads/Case_Paxson_Stature_Status_8312006.pdf This paper argues that the reason taller people tend to get higher paying, higher status jobs is that, on average, they are smarter than those around them. I am a little dubious of intelligence measurements in general, but what could be the possible link between height and intelligence?
I think none. Taller people look more authoritative, therefore they are seen to be better suited for leading positions.
I've heard of this. There are indeed lots of smart tall people, but also of small people, so whatever intelligence advantages tall people have, there is a lot of overlap. I wouldn't be amazed to find out the people on Sciforums are tall.
The link is nutrition. The better your diet growing up the taller your likely to be. Same with intelligence.
Nutrition likely does have something to do with it. But remember that height is also a genetically controlled trait, just like intelligence.
Treatment. Growing up near shortest in the class - you get treated one way. Being tall(ish) you get treated another way. I know this from my own life.
Napolean , under 6 feet, Einstien under 6 feet, Galelaio under 6 feet, Da Vinci under 6 feet, Beethoven under 6 feet, and all are 6 feet under! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
But according to the paper, there is a strong correlation between height and intelligence. If Galileo had been 6'4", he might have been Newton!
Height is not necessarily a controlled trait, otherwise asians would not be sprouting and becoming taller than thier parents. They are becoming so tall in fact, many are becoming taller than westerners. I've known plenty of short intelligent people. I think it has to do with a sense of empowerment and control. Those who were in control had better access to nutrition just as children tend to suffer the most when famine strikes. Being tall has little value in terms of intelligence though.
I don't think you realize how tall asians are becoming within just a couple generations in asia alone. Their diet was fine for brain function but not so much for muscularity and height. You can't get very large with fish. The addition of milk and larger consumption of meat has contributed to thier increased height. It was unheard of to find women over 5'7 and now many are even taller especially the younger generation. The men are gaining height as well. In north korea, the height difference is immense compared to south korea. As well northern chinese who traditionally ate more mutton were also taller. From my observation, height can change dramatically within a couple generations depending on diet.
I think this is absolute bullshit. I think, if any thing , average height people are the most intelligent. Walk down any university campus and you will find few tall people aswell as short(including the girls).
Then why hasn't American become much taller over the last few generations? They sem to be about the same AVERAGE height as they were severl generations ago.
They probably spent more nutrition on growing than on the brain. I think the study has unwittingly picked up on how stature can sway things in your favour, though.
What do you guys think all of this "Well, this <insert famous genius here> was under six feet tall, and so was this person, and this person, and that person, etc..." is worth when scientific research indicates that taller people are statistically more intelligent?
