Let’s assume that each nation’s collective IQ comprises the average of all citizens. Ideally, high-quality, affordable education at all levels would be available to everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, race or religion. All professions would be open to women as well as men. Science, proven expertise and free expression would be respected. Such policies would maximize a nation’s IQ, helping it grow a strong, healthy and equitable system.
What degrades a country’s IQ? Whitewashing its history; restricting voting, education, and work; limiting leadership to a few men in a few favored groups; promoting a distrust of science and expertise; censoring news, books and opinion; and suppressing cultural, religious, sexual and ethnic minorities. Such states are failing states — economically, intellectually, creatively and morally.
Are we headed down that same rabbit hole? Florida may mandate that schools teach the “personal benefits” of slavery. Nearly half of our states have some restrictions on access to reproductive care. And you can check the PEN America website for lists of banned or restricted books.
Look around and inform yourself. Check out the histories of failed states. What do you think?
